This preserve is CLOSED to the public. Available by appointment ONLY…read more Hiking or driving onto the property, even in the event that the gate is open - is considered TRESSPASSING.

Great REAL wild life area!! If you want some privacy and quiet solitude, this is your place…read more Beautiful trails, water ponds, beavers, moose, birds...such a nice area and place to camp, truly relaxing and enjoyable!! Definitely one of my favorite camping spots!!

Golden Gate Canyon is a park for all seasons. If I'm being honest I don't find any of the trails or…read moreviews to be epic or spectacular, but due to my first claim in this review, 4 stars fits the bill. Winter, spring, summer, fall, Golden Gate has it all. +Winter you gaze over frozen lakes and ponds, while still being able to hike some of the trails. +Spring the flowers bloom and the aspens begin to turn. +Summer you can mountain bike and blaze all corners of the park. I've never camped here before and would be interested in doing so someday. +Fall is one of the more sought after destinations for leaf peeping and fall foliage due to its close proximity to Denver. Talk about an ideal location for a Christmas card! From old desolate cabins to rushing streams to jagged peaks to countless activities, Golden Gate Canyon is a reliable option when you need to get out of dodge.

Located about 45 minutes from downtown Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is such a great place…read moreto hike, fish, and is a easy getaway from the city. Numerous trails, plenty of parking spots available as well as bathrooms. Every time I go to the park I discover something new. Visitor center also has a really cool trout pond outside, with so many of the swimming around that you can also feed with food from the vending machine. One of my favorite places outside of Denver to get outdoors!

When people talk about heaven on earth I'm pretty sure they're talking about Chautauqua Park. I…read morefeel so lucky I got to experience this beautiful place! Our hike was extra special because it was led by Maria the Park Ranger. Maria's knowledge and passion for Chautauqua was incredible to witness. You can tell these mountains mean so much to her! We learned about the landscape, wildlife, Natives, and so much more. Our hike was simple but we saw so much along the way. The views of the flatirons are hard to beat. The path was busy but it was a beautiful saturday morning and it still didn't feel overly crowded. We saw lots of doggies, runners, and families and friends meeting for a morning hike to kick off their weekend. It was pure magic. I hope I get to come back one day!!

I feel like if I lived in Boulder I would go elsewhere since this is the more popular,…read moreclose-to-town option that pulls in tourists and the like. Well guess what? I'm a tourist and the like and I enjoyed it! We lucked into parking on a beautiful, busy Saturday morning. They have very nice restrooms at the Ranger station, and more overflow port a potties around if needed too. The nearby trail is highly accessible and it doesn't take long for some views to pay off. It's a decently steep incline, but nothing crazy at all. Once you're into the trees the shade helps against the thin air and the sun, and it's so quiet and serene. No mosquitoes like I'm used to back home. Loved all the birds (shoutout magpies) and also seeing everyones' dogs.

Eldorado Canyon is one of my favorite state parks near Boulder Colorado. The hiking trails are…read moreclearly marked and plenty of shade! The river in the canyon is always flowing and the breeze feels wonderful on a hot summer day! If you like to rock climb this is the place! The boulders are majestic and the views are spectacular! On a clear day you can see Denver in the distance! It is a state park so if you buy the park pass for state parks your entry is covered. Otherwise vehicles are $10 entry and walking in will be $4 per person. The state pass is worth $29 and you can buy it when you purchase a yearly tag for your vehicle. This park has lots of parking but on weekends you need a timed entry during the busy season. There is a visitor centre, bathrooms, and a water bottle refill station. Picnic tables so bring your basket and snacks!

Eldorado is THE state park that keeps me renewing on the "Keep Colorado Wild" Pass w my car…read moreregistration. During the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day - you'd need to get timed entry to get into the park. We have been parking outside of the park and hike on Fowler Trail. We've also done the Rattlesnake Gulch. All in all this canyon is me and my family's favorite. We just can't get enough!

This is a great trail in summer & winter. Minimum is 7 miles with 1800 ft elevation, slightly…read morelonger to explore around any of the lakes more than the shortest trail provides. It's easy to reach in all seasons: due to the train tunnel, the dirt road to the trailhead is kept well maintained and plowed. Definitely way way more crowded on summer weekends than in winter. Several little waterfalls and tons on wildflowers even in late August made it a rewarding trail along the way, not only payoffs at the lakes. The trail from the lower two lakes to the upper lake is much steeper, but worth the added effort. Just note that when you first reach what you think is the upper lake, it's actually the drainage (albeit also lovely, see my attached photo); you need to go just a bit further over the boulders & through some bushes to reach the final upper cirque.

James Peak Wilderness area is one of my favs close to Denver. That and Indian peaks wilderness…read more Crater lakes is a moderate hike to 5 fantastic lakes that you can hike, camp, backpack, fish at. Last time I was there I saw two amazing Moose...just gorgeous. Area gets insane on the weekends with tons of peoples and dogs. Last three times I have been there I have been in thunder and hails storms after 1 pm. So if you are planning to hike getting off the mountain before might be a good idea. You can also take the more strenuous Heart Lake trail which is also fantastic and if you really want to kick your ass go up to Rogers pass for beautiful vistas. Great parking.

This place is a hidden gem. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to explore this area. We make this…read morea stop after Ya-ya farms and it never disappoints! We plan on camping here next summer to explore the nearby areas a little more and have a quick and easy get away from the city.

Came here apprehensive about it being open. I have been having a lot of difficulties getting…read moreinformation online regarding restrictions and shutdowns. I am not from Colorado. I had to take the initiative and just drive here just to make sure that it was open and what we were able to do. I was delighted to find such a beautiful park right along the river bank. Have the ability to tube and have the little ones play. Children can play, and there is also a kid pool (a definite bonus). I was afraid that it would get packed and we end up not being able to stay. So I was left behind, and my husband went back to get the rest of the family. Since it is Monday, I figure it is not going to get too busy. But, I am not going to take a chance. This spot should be on the list of visiting places. Especially right now that Boulder creek is closed and many other outdoor activities.

Lovely surprise. Found it trying to get away from the heat. Easy trails. Saw 3 bucks. Attacked to…read morea historic mansion. They were having a celebration of life today and I got there early so parking was fine but the parking lot was completely full by the time I left. I walked the meadow and forest trails for a total of 1.3 miles. Saw three beautiful bucks. The staff was all very nice and helpful and they have great guides on paper and maps and activities for kids.

Visit here at the end of February, and the weather was perfect, not hot or cold. A small parking…read morelot, spacious enough to accommodate a nice amount cars. Nothing much more to do or see but the view of the far away town and hills. It has a small museum at the look out. A nice trail to hike nothing to crazy. We didn't spend much time here at this mountain. We spent more time at Red Rock Theatre. But we did capture some great photos while on the visit. It's was not a far drive to get to the mountain from the gas station we stop at, it was like 10-14 miles away. (it kind of remind me of the parking lot that's at the end of Galveston island, and looking out at the ocean.)

What an amazing day trip we had with ABC! Our guides Sebastian and Sammy were total pros, I felt…read morevery safe and confident putting my two babies and my family in their care! We are all beginner climbers but absolutely loved our day with this crew-highly recommend the guys and ABC!

ABC climbing is an awesome place for kids to try something new, get their energy out, get stronger…read moreand have fun! We love going for open gym. It's $20 per climber from 10-2pm on week days. ABC also offers camps, classes, outdoor trips, birthday parties, punch cards and more. They have so many fun things to explore! Highly recommend this place for kids of all ages. The staff is friendly and helpful.