A short, strenuous hike that has you scrambling over rock slides and boulders as well as climbing/descending numerous rock stairs. However, the view from the top and the arch itself make it all worth it. The trail has a decent elevation gain over the short distance and is definitely not just a stroll in the park.

A 5.4 mile out-and-back hike that passes numerous waterfalls and cascades. The trail begins by following North St. Vrain Creek to Copeland Falls, a series of falls dropping 12ft. Later, the trail crosses the creek and climbs to Calypso Cascades, a 90ft series of cascades streaming down the mountain fed by Cony Creek. After crossing the cascades on a series of bridges, the trail climbs another mile to Ouzel Falls, a 60ft waterfall fed by Ouzel Creek. Turn around here for the 5.4mi hike or continue on to Ouzel or Bluebird Lakes if you desire a longer trek.

A lollipop loop that begins at the base of Apex Gulch near Golden, Colorado. The trail follows a small creek up the gulch before crossing into a small wooded area known as the Enchanted Forest. The trail winds through the forest before returning to the main trail and returning you to the trailhead.

This is multi-use trail that is popular with mountain bikers.

A loop trail that starts through open terrain that was burned in a forest fire in 2000. The trail descends down to South Boulder Creek where there is a picnic area and several small waterfalls. The trail then heads south in Eldorado Canyon State Park where you can often view trains traveling along the Rio Grande Railroad. The trail then circles back towards South Boulder Creek and another waterfall as it passes into Eldorado Canyon. From there you start climbing again as you circle back to your starting point.

This route is a multi-use trail so watch for mountain bikers or horse riders as you hike.

A short, but difficult trail that starts in Chautauqua Park in Boulder. The trail starts climbing immediately and rarely lets up. Although much of the trail is a rocky, dirt path, portions force you to scramble over rock slides or even climb short rock faces to reach the top of the mountain. The lower portions of the trail are suitable for children, but once you pass above trail junction 4 (see the map), it’s far too dangerous to bring young children along.

Panoramic views are plentiful. Early in the journey, you’ll have views of Boulder and the surronding areas. Later in the hike, you’ll be able to look out towards Denver. On a clear day, even downtown Denver is visible in the distance.

The trail starts from The Trading Post, the park’s visitor center and gift shop. It’s a relatively flat hike that circles four of the park’s major rock formations that give the park its name. The trail crosses Red Rock Park Rd twice during the loop and passes the Red Rocks Amphitheatre before returning to the visitor center.

It is possible to run into rattlesnakes and poison ivy in the area, but if you heed the posted signs to stay on the trail and avoid climbing on the rocks, you should be able to avoid these hazards. There are numerous unprotected drop-offs and rock stairways on this hike, so be careful and keep an eye on your little ones.

The trail starts from the Happy Isles Bridge along the left (north) bank of the Merced River. The trail is paved for part of the journey, but eventually becomes a rocky, dirt path as you start the climb to Vernal Falls. If you’re hiking in the early winter months, you won’t have to worry about the Mist trail living up to its name. The waterfalls will be quite tame compared to the spring and summer months.

As you approach Vernal Falls, the trail becomes a stair stepper’s paradise with a seemingly unending line of rock steps to the top of the falls. At the top of the falls, you once again enter the forest as you start your climb to Nevada Falls past the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. As you approach the base of Liberty Cap, the trail becomes a long series of switchbacks with views of Nevada Falls along the way. When you reach the top of the pass, you’ll find a small backcountry restroom at the trail junction. Head south (right) to follow the trail to the top of Nevada falls. You can retrace your steps at this point or continue on to take an alternate route back to the trailhead along the John Muir Trail.

The Upper Yosemite Falls trail is a workout, climbing 2750+ feet over 2.5 miles from the valley floor to the top of the falls. The trail begins climbing immediately as you traverse numerous switchbacks up the side of the mountain through rocky, forest terrain. As the trail levels off and you circle the mountain, the forest cover begins to thin out, giving you views of the valley and the falls. Then, more climbing begins as you circle and scale the backside of the mountain and reach the falls from behind. In good weather, you’ll have views of the entire valley from the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook.

The trail starts at the “M” Trailhead on the University of Montana campus near the stadium. The trail climbs up the western slope of Mt. Sentinel past the concrete “M” landmark and continues up to the peak at 5140ft. The trail then winds down the backside of the mountain into Hellgate Canyon, eventually joining the Kim Williams Nature Trail along the Clark Fork River. Follow the Kim Williams Nature Trail back to the campus and trailhead parking.