South Valley Park Trail is a beautiful, simple hike just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. The red sandstone rock formations jet out of the ground in a seemingly random order. I’d advise you go at sun up or sun down for ultra-dramatic lighting.
Do you know of any other quick hikes near downtown Denver?
for the love of nike 
Those are breathtaking! But the last 4 pic montage threw me off. Lol.
Wow amazing scenery!!!
Awesome landscape. Awesome photos.
1. Roxborough State Park, south of Chatfield Resevoir and South Valley Park (where I’ve hiked a lot). Entrance fee or state pass required. Some nice ‘red rocks’ like South Valley. 2. Waterton Canyon, a wide, flat, gravel road with side trails too, only maintenance vehicles allowed, good biking, often lots of people but less so this time of year. Watch for groups of wild mountain sheep. Big, unpredictable, skittish. Crushing headbutts. 3. Paved bike/pedestrian trails emanating from the downtown river confluence. Cherry Creek trail goes east. Platte River trail goes south. North section and first part of south section is industrialized. Catch the Platte trail just north of Chatfield for scenic walking/biking, good food joints hear and there. Love the legs montage BTW.
ah!!! This is perfect! I’m hoping to visit again soon and hopefully I’ll be able to do one of these!!!!
Inspiring scenery
John RH mentioned three good places to hike. One note if you hike the Platte River Trail or the Cherry Creek Trail, both trails may flood during a heavy spring run-off or the sudden summer downpour during the monsoon season. Another option is Cherry Creek State Park in the SE section of the metro area, just south of I-225 on Parker Road (SH 83). Adjacent to the park is a horse riding stable, if you want to give that a try. If you drive further south on SH 83, it’s Castlewood Canyon State Park. I think it’s a free entry into Castlewood. You will need a map to find the entrance – the sign is on the small side.
oohhh such good advice! Can’t wait to use it. Thank you so much! I hope to visit again soon. Denver is such a wonderful city.