A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Frederick, 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.

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Classic Hike Route

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Birding
strenuous
14.84 mi
+1,442 ft
Boulder Skyline Traverse

Classic Hike Route

Boulder Skyline Traverse

Birding
strenuous
16.75 mi
+5,704 ft
Indian Peaks Traverse (IPT)

Classic Hike Route

Indian Peaks Traverse (IPT)

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
69.02 mi
+10,058 ft
Bear Peak Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Bear Peak Out and Back

Birding
strenuous
5.68 mi
+2,789 ft
Hall Ranch Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hall Ranch Loop

Birding
moderate
9.48 mi
+1,520 ft
Sugarloaf Mountain

Classic Hike Route

Sugarloaf Mountain

Fall Colors
moderate
1.36 mi
+479 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.

Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat

Hike Route

Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat

Views
easy
1.52 mi
+14 ft
Boulder Valley Ranch Loop

Hike Route

Boulder Valley Ranch Loop

Views
easy
2.79 mi
+149 ft
Jaycee to Carpenter Park Lakes Loop

Hike Route

Jaycee to Carpenter Park Lakes Loop

Birding
easy
3.29 mi
+74 ft
Mesa Reservoir Loop

Hike Route

Mesa Reservoir Loop

Lake
easy
1.89 mi
+137 ft
Marshall Mesa Valley Loop

Hike Route

Marshall Mesa Valley Loop

Birding
moderate
2.72 mi
+191 ft
Boulder Creek Path

Hike Route

Boulder Creek Path

easy
3.68 mi
+99 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.

Dirty Bismark

Hike Route

Dirty Bismark

moderate
15.15 mi
+949 ft
Heil - Picture Rock Combo

Hike Route

Heil - Picture Rock Combo

Fall Colors
moderate
20.64 mi
+2,228 ft
Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Classic Hike Route

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Birding
strenuous
14.84 mi
+1,442 ft
Marshall Mesa to Spring Brook Loop

Hike Route

Marshall Mesa to Spring Brook Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
10.78 mi
+866 ft
Boulder Skyline Traverse

Classic Hike Route

Boulder Skyline Traverse

Birding
strenuous
16.75 mi
+5,704 ft
Indian Peaks Traverse (IPT)

Classic Hike Route

Indian Peaks Traverse (IPT)

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
69.02 mi
+10,058 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.

Teller Farm - The Tank

Hike Route

Teller Farm - The Tank

Birding
easy
8.73 mi
+393 ft
Coyote Run - Harper Lake - Davidson Mesa - Louisville Res

Hike Route

Coyote Run - Harper Lake - Davidson Mesa - Louisville Res

Lake
easy
8.08 mi
+287 ft
Lac Amora-Ruth Roberts Loop

Hike Route

Lac Amora-Ruth Roberts Loop

Birding
moderate
5.57 mi
+237 ft
South Boulder Creek Trail via Bobolink Trailhead

Hike Route

South Boulder Creek Trail via Bobolink Trailhead

Dogs Allowed
easy
6.73 mi
+153 ft
Rabbit Mountain

Hike Route

Rabbit Mountain

Birding
moderate
5.9 mi
+722 ft
Barr Lake Rookery

Hike Route

Barr Lake Rookery

Birding
easy
5.8 mi
+0 ft