Trying to figure out where to hike this Memorial Day weekend? I’ve put together a list of recommended hikes within about an hour of Denver, and a few to avoid this holiday weekend. Let me first tell you about the criteria that I’ve used to select these five hikes.
Ample Parking: Memorial Day Weekends generate some of the highest traffic to our website each year. So, I’m going to draw the conclusion that the trailheads near Denver experience the same high number of visitors. Vacationers are making their way into Colorado, and graduation events are in full swing. So, while I’d rather direct you first to some wonderful features like waterfalls and peak-top views, getting a parking space is probably priority number one.
The Rain: This particular May, we are experiencing record breaking rains. The South Platte, below Chatfield is flowing at 2000 cfs. That’s 4 times the volume of a 29 year average! So there are roads washed out and creeks, streams, and rivers that require a lot of caution when hiking near them. Two of the hikes are near water, but have broad paths. However, do exercise caution, especially with children around the water.
Enjoyable with Friends & Family: Often on holiday weekends, like Memorial Day Weekend, we are out hiking with friends and family. I tried to put together a set of hikes that are not too difficult and open up spaces for conversation.
The Clear Creek trail in Golden offers a great opportunity for families with strollers and groups to hike alongside one another. As I mentioned before, with water levels high and currents swift this time of year, be cautious around the water’s edge. See our Clear Creek hike profile page for full details, including directions to several parking areas. It’s not your classic backcountry hike, but it’s a great weekend adventure.
I recommend the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks more than any other hike in the Denver Area. I have three reasons: The hike is beautiful, it’s short, and it’s super close to Denver. There is more than just the trail to explore. Be sure to take in the amphitheater and the cave just north of the amphitheater. You’ll find the cave info on another trail profile for the Red Rocks Trail. This is a great hike for families with kids and the perfect hike for family who are visiting for the holiday weekend.
Spruce Mountain is one of our favorites. The hike is south of Denver in the middle of a landscape of rolling green meadows and towering buttes. The views of Pikes Peak are incredible. Because it is elevated, you are more exposed to weather rolling in over the foothills. See our full trail profile of Spruce Mountain for directions, map, and hiking tips specific to this hike.
Waterton Canyon is a popular hike south of Littleton that follows the Platte River for 6.2 miles up to Strontia Springs Dam. Every bend in the broad dirt road beckons you to discover new views just around the corner. No dogs allowed on this one because of the wildlife. I’ve seen golden eagles and bighorns sheep nearly every time I’ve hiked Waterton Canyon. For tips on where to spot the bighorns and for directions, see our full trail profile on Waterton Canyon.
White Ranch is tucked away in the foothills north of Golden and makes for a great afternoon sunset hike or morning sunrise hike. See our full trail profile for details a great loop hike at White Ranch.
Hikes To Avoid This Memorial Day Weekend
Devils Head Fire Tower Lookout Hike – With a small parking area and a long drive on a likely washboarded road, I’d say to save this for a weekday this summer.
Maxwell Falls – This trail is one of the most trafficked on our site and parking is severely limited. With all the water, the parking area is likely a mess (I haven’t been up there lately, so just guessing), but the waterfall is probably incredible. If you go, I’d recommend getting there by 7am at the latest. And please pick up trash along the trail as you go, this wonderful hike is getting loved to death by hikers and needs some help.
Hanging Lake – It’s the most popular hike in Colorado. Enough said.
Eldorado Canyon State Park – We love Eldorado Canyon, but so does everyone else. Parking is very limited, so I’d recommend saving this one for a weekday this summer.