Hikes & Hops near Denver, Colorado!
Colorado boasts over 400 craft breweries!
With the amazing Rocky Mountains, Colorado has even more hikes!
With an intent on enjoying the outdoors and a desire to enjoy some tasty beer...we took many hikes this summer, choosing carefully so that we could end our day with a cold beer. Check out the hikes below and then end your day as we did, at a local craft brewery.
Cheers to new Beers!
Fall is our favorite time of year to hike in Colorado because the weather is beautiful and leaves are so colorful, however, with over 300 days of sunshine each year, you can hike in Colorado year round, even in the Winter. It is also amazing to hike through snow covered paths and with glistening trees above. That said, regardless of the time of year, it is important to be prepared.
Chatfield State Park Area
Waterton Canyon Trailhead
12437-12489 Waterton Canyon, Littleton, CO 80127
Located south of Denver, at the south-western tip of Chatfield State Parak, the beautiful Waterton Canyon trail is an easy hike or bike ride along the river with views of amazing rock formations. Waterton Canyon is home to wildlife like bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear, mountain lions, elk and snakes! It is a 6.2-mile hike from the trailhead to the dam, however, the Colorado Trail continues about 10 miles to the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte and the South Platte. The Colorado Trail can take you all the way to Durango, if you choose.
Additional trails in the area:
- Lyons Trail - 6483 Big Horn Trail, Littleton, CO 80125 - A 1.7 mile out and back hike with beautiful views of the red rock formations.
- Deer Creek Canyon Park - 13388 Grizzly Dr, Littleton, CO 80127 - This loop hike ranges from 1.1 to 2.7 miles.
- South Valley Park - 12447 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80127 - 6 trails wind through this park which provides for hides from .5 to 3 miles long.
And, while you are in the area, choose from three great breweries:
Grist Lounge at Sterling Ranch
8155 Piney River Ave, Littleton, CO 80125 (Roxborough)
https://www.gristbrewingcompany.com/
Located in the UC Health building in Sterling Ranch, the Grist Lounge which shares a space with a coffee shop opened in 2018. The open concept space has multiple tables set up for virtual work/school, as well as a small couch area and big screen tv.
Living the Dream
12305 N Dumont Way, Littleton, CO 80125
https://livingthedreambrewing.com/
A local favorite for sure...Owner Jason Bell opened Living the Dream in 2104 on the western side of Highlands Ranch. This brewery and tap house is a low key, very family and dog friendly brewery. There are two 'smaller' tap rooms, a biergarten out back and a patio in the front. They have rotating food trucks and 12 beers on tap. Come for a beer...stay for more beer.
Grist Brewing Company
9150 Commerce Center Cir #300, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
https://www.gristbrewingcompany.com/highlands-ranch/
Chuck Norman opened Grist Brewing in 2013, making the residents of Highlands Ranch very happy. This family and dog friendly neighborhood brewery, in a small strip mall on the west side of Highlands Ranch, has a large bar, indoor seating and a small patio. They feature 14 craft beers on tap, cocktails and a full menu of apps, burgers, and sandwiches.
Boulder Area
Gregory Canyon
Gregory Canyon Rd, Boulder, CO 80302
A moderately difficult 3.6 mile hike with great views of the Boulder Flatirons, Gregory Canyon is just a short drive from downtown Boulder and CU campus. There are several trails that loop together which provides for hikes from 2 miles to 10 miles long. The pine trees, flat irons and views of Boulder make this such a beautiful hike. If you enjoy rock climbing, this is a great option.
Additional trails in the area:
- Boulder Canyon Trail - Boulder Creek Path, Boulder, CO 80302 - This beautiful. 2.6 mile trail follows Boulder Creek.
- Mount Sanitas Trailhead - Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80304 - This trail offers three different options, from moderate to difficult, with 2 or 3 mile lengths.
And, while you are in the area, choose from two great breweries:
Sanitas Brewing Co.
3550 Frontier Ave unit a, Boulder, CO 80301
https://www.sanitasbrewing.com/home
Sanitas opened in 2013 and serves up 32+ unique craft beers and a relaxed, comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Located in a large warehouse building, Sanitas shares a space with a small coffee shop and has a small taco food truck on it's back patio.
You can enjoy your beer inside in the relaxed open concept taproom, on their large deck or in their beautiful beer garden right next to the rails.
Twisted Pine
3201 Walnut St ste a, Boulder, CO 8030
https://twistedpinebrewing.com/
Founder, Gordon Knight opened Twisted Pine in 1995 but sold it to the current owner, Bob Baile in 1996. The brewery originally focused on bottling and distributions. They opened the tap house in 2003 and later a restaurant in 2010. They currently have 30 beers on tap. They also serve apps, salads and pizza.
This reasonably large brewery and taphouse has a mountainy and a bit industrial feel. There is a relaxing indoor seating area with 10 tables and TV's or you can enjoy your beer on the patio out front.
Evergreen Area
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
5136 S Le Masters Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439
Take the beautiful 45 minute drive up highway 74, through Morrison and Idledale to Evergreen, Colorado and take an hike in Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. This area is relaxing with amazing views year long, but our favorite time of year to hike here is in the Fall when the aspens are turning yellow and orange. Hikes range from easy to moderate, 2 miles to 10 miles.
Additional trails in the area:
- Maxwell Falls Trails - 7627 S Brook Forest Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439 - This moderate hike can be 1 mile or 4 miles depending on your plans for the day. You can't beat the views and you even get to see a waterfall.
- Lair o' the Bear Park - 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453 - This park is on the way to Evergreen (a bit closer to Denver) and has 4.7 miles of trails, picnic tables and beautiful scenery.
And, while you are in the area, choose from two great breweries:
Evergreen Brewery
2962 Evergreen Pkwy #201, Evergreen, CO 80439
https://www.evergreenbrewingco.com/
Owner, Casey Boone, opened this moderately sized brewery and taphouse in 2015. With a mountainy feel, good beer and food and a beautiful view, this place is perfect for Evergreen! There is a wooden bar and a handful of tables inside, as well as as an open deck. They have 14 beers on tap and serve apps, soups, salads and sandwiches.
Lariat Lodge Brewing Company
27618 Fireweed Dr, Evergreen, CO 80439
https://www.lariatlodgebrewing.com/
Owners Anders and Debbie Ruikka opened Lariat Lodge in 2015. Lariat Lodge Brewing Company has two great locations. The original restaurant in Evergreen is just 2 minutes East of historic Downtown Evergreen and is Evergreen's first brewpub. The original log-cabin eatery was built in 1920 as part of a music camp. This restaurant and brewery feel like an old lodge with seating inside and on the deck. The views of the mountains are beautiful.
Golden Area
North Table Mountain Park
4788 CO-93, Golden, CO 80403
This park is just a short drive from downtown Denver, a bit north of I-70 and just East of highway 93. This is not a 'hike in the woods' as there are few trees, however, the views of the mountains on one side of the hill and the city on the other are pretty amazing. Though this is not a difficult hike, there is a pretty steep walk up hill from the parking lot. Hikes in North Table Mountain Park range from 3 miles to 10 miles.
Additional trails in the area:
Chimney Gulch Trailhead - Chimney Gulch Trail, Golden, CO 80401 - This moderately difficult 2.5 mile hike climbs to 2000 feet.
- Triceratops Trailhead - 3050 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401 - This 1.5 mile hike highlights clay mining and dinosaur tacks - a different but interesting hike.
And, while you are in the area, choose from two great breweries
Holidaily Brewing Company
801 Brickyard Cir, Golden, CO 80403
https://holidailybrewing.com/
This woman owned brewery was opened by Karen Hertz in 2016 and brews gluten free beer. This small brewery and taphouse located in Golden has an industrial vibe. They have a small seating area in the front of the house, a larger seating area in the back of the house and a relaxing beer garden outback.
Cannonball Creek Brewing Company
393 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80403
https://www.cannonballcreekbrewing.com/
Jason Stengl and Brian Hutchinson opened Cannonball Creek Brewing in 2013. This brewery and taphouse with a modern industrial vibe is located in a strip mall in Golden. They have a good amount of seating inside and a patio out front. With 10 beers on tap and food trucks, this is a nice place for an afternoon beer. "The best beer you will ever drink in a 7-11 parking lot." - some dude on Yelp.
“Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.”
-- Thomas Jefferson
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