A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Aetna Estates, Colorado

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Mount Morrison

Classic Hike Route

Mount Morrison

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
3.35 mi
+1,983 ft
Golden Cliffs Loop

Classic Hike Route

Golden Cliffs Loop

Views
moderate
1.63 mi
+589 ft
Beaver Brook Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Beaver Brook Out and Back

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
6.83 mi
+1,326 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Wetland Loop Trail Hike

Hike Route

Wetland Loop Trail Hike

Wildflowers
easy
1.69 mi
+13 ft
Denver Zoo

Hike Route

Denver Zoo

Birding
easy
1.06 mi
+27 ft
City Park Loop

Hike Route

City Park Loop

Family Friendly
easy
3.27 mi
+41 ft
Jaycee to Carpenter Park Lakes Loop

Hike Route

Jaycee to Carpenter Park Lakes Loop

Birding
easy
3.29 mi
+73 ft
Sloan's Lake Loop Trail

Hike Route

Sloan's Lake Loop Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.57 mi
+0 ft
Hayden Trail Loop

Hike Route

Hayden Trail Loop

Views
easy
3.26 mi
+624 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Waterton Canyon

Hike Route

Waterton Canyon

Birding
easy
13.33 mi
+480 ft
Highline Canal Trail

Hike Route

Highline Canal Trail

Fall Colors
easy
58.97 mi
+232 ft
Red Rocks and Dakota Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Red Rocks and Dakota Ridge Loop

Views
strenuous
10.17 mi
+2,187 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Sand Creek Tour

Hike Route

Sand Creek Tour

Birding
easy
8.79 mi
+177 ft
Barr Lake Rookery

Hike Route

Barr Lake Rookery

Birding
easy
5.8 mi
+0 ft
Hidden Mesa

Hike Route

Hidden Mesa

Views
moderate
6.7 mi
+465 ft
Green Mountain Tour

Hike Route

Green Mountain Tour

Views
moderate
5.91 mi
+938 ft
Green Mountain Summit Loop

Hike Route

Green Mountain Summit Loop

Views
moderate
8.11 mi
+1,001 ft
Lac Amora-Ruth Roberts Loop

Hike Route

Lac Amora-Ruth Roberts Loop

Birding
moderate
5.57 mi
+251 ft