5 of the Best Trail Runs Near Denver

Whether you are visiting the Denver area or are a recent transplant, you’ll probably find yourself overwhelmed by the options for trail running. Lest you panic and settle for running on park paths, I’m sharing my five favorite trails in the west Denver area (plus two bonus ones you don’t want to miss!).

Apex Mountain

Apex is my first love in terms of Denver trails. It will make or break your confidence as a trail runner. If you’re like me, you’ll get chewed up on your first run and then feel compelled to keep going back until you are cruising a bit more. You’ll get a great amount of vert in, but the last few miles will have you cruising downhill and it’ll be glorious. I promise!

One thing I love/hate about Apex is that two trails (Magic Mountain and Enchanted Forest) are only available to horses/runners/hikers on odd days of the month. Only bikes are allowed on those two trails on even days of the month. While there are other options, I highly recommend sticking to odd days so you can do a big loop.

Apex has a little bit of shade once you get into the tree covering, and there’s also a nice stream that is flowing on the Enchanted Forest trail—a lifesaver at the end of a hot run. The trails here a little more technical, but nothing crazy. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see some deer up in the fields on top.

Green Mountain

I’m partial to Green Mountain because it’s one of the first spots I ran at in Denver. The trails are never busy in the mornings (when I go), I’ve yet to see a snake, it’s pretty tricky to get lost, and there are gentler trails without as much (you won’t get anything totally flat) elevation gain. What’s not to love?

Some complain that GM doesn’t have a true summit. Perhaps. But that allows for great views and a playground of fun for 10+ miles. I’ve seen Elk there as recently as mid-July (odd, but true!).

The trails aren’t too technical at all and the slope is gradual. Watch out though: there is no shade to be found on a sunny, Colorado day.

This is just one example of a possible loop at GM.

North Table Mountain

Located in Golden, CO, North Table Mountain is a wonderful spot for scenic trail running. While the climb to the top of the mesa is intense (and a little rocky), the trails are mostly clear and easy to navigate. Once you get to the top, there are some flat loops and trails to check out before running back down.

North Table has a little bit of shade, which is nice! Expect flat, gravel trails on the top but rocky switchbacks on the ascent. If you want to add on at the end of your run, there’s also a nice gravel canal trail along the perimeter.

Ps. I suggest using the south parking lot. The north one is crowded and the climb up is much less scenic.

This short loop of North Table is pretty manageable, but you can get 10+ miles if you add on trails at the top.

Another example

South Valley Park

As far as I know, there’s no “North Valley,” but South Valley is indeed south of Denver, so I guess it makes sense. The trail is just west of Ken Caryl and has some wonderful sunrise views. You won’t get as much mileage at this trailhead, but there are a few add on options if you’re welling to connect to Deer Creek. South Valley is pretty flat in comparison to the other trails listed here, but that also means it’s quite crowded on the weekends. Go early if you plan to run at South Valley on a weekend.

FYI: this picture was taken in February, hence the grayness.

Once you get up over the ridge (on Coyote Song Trail), I find it to be quiet and peaceful. There aren’t as many bikes at the park, in general, either (though you’ll see a few).

I deem South Valley to be a great “starter trail” as you are never too far from a parking lot and there are ample opportunities to cut a route short or add on.

The High Line Canal Trail

Compared to the other trails on this list, the Highline Canal doesn’t really “count.” Yes, it’s unpaved, but it’s also uber flat and is located in suburbia. Nevertheless, I feel inclined to include it as a good starter option that’s shady, flat, and very safe. It’s a great trail for a true recovery day or when you’re looking to do a flat, fast speed workout. I like that it has few road crossings to interrupt your tempo. Plus, it is 51 miles long!

Is it a trail one I like to run more than once a month? No. Too boring. But it does have a peaceful lull for those chill run days. Start by Cherry Creek/the Three Pond Park area to take full advantage of the shade.

High Line Canal Trail Map Download

Bonus Favorites

Some trails are worth driving for. While I’ve only been exploring the trails for four months, I have found a few favorites. If I’m missing one of your favorites, be sure to comment below so I know which trails to hit up next!

My absolute favorite trails at the moment are found at Genessee Park. While it’s located in Golden, CO, Genesee Park feels worlds away from civilization. It’s the largest of Denver’s mountain parks and offers a great variety of scenery to enjoy. I recommend the Chavez and Beaver Brook loop. At five miles, it may seem to be a short run but you can prepare yourself for over a thousand feet of gain in your last two and a half miles. Looking to go longer? The Beaver Brook trail connects into Clear Creek Park to add on as many miles as you’d like (even connecting to Lookout Mountain if you’re going far enough).

Genesee is a great challenge. When I did a ten mile run there, I was close to 3k feet of gain, and it felt challenging but doable because of the scenery. I do recommend bringing backup supplies, fuel, and water; one I was on the Beaver Brook loop, I didn’t see a single person nor did I have a cell signal. As always: be prepared and utilize AllTrails to download a route map in case of emergency.

Creek crossing on the Beaver Trail at Genesee

Another favorite location for long runs is Centennial Cone Park. This twelve-mile loop has a special place in my heart, as it was the first true long run I did post-injury this summer. It was a wicked hot day and there was virtually no shade, so keep that in mind so you don’t suffer like I did. Aside from that though, the varied scenery, solitude, and trail conditions were wonderful.

I did have a false alarm upon arriving at the trailhead, though. A local man was walking his dog and asked me, “Aren’t you nervous running out here with all the mountain lions?” Thankfully, he followed up with some key tactics on how to navigate a mountain lion attack. Armed with knowledge and a bit of trepidation, I loaded my GPS and started my run.

Turns out, I was just fine. There were enough mountain bikers that I saw one every five to ten minutes. They were all (with the exception of one) very respectful and quick to pull aside if it was a single track and I was heading uphill. I appreciated that I wasn’t alone on the trails, but I also really liked the solitude I did experience. There was the perfect amount of fellow adventurers on the trail, in my view.

Ultimately, the run was a grueling one for my still-adjusting Midwestern legs and lungs. I would not recommend this route to a beginner. I would, however, recommend that you bring water and plenty of fuel–beginner or not.

Let me know if you try any of these routes or if you have others to recommend. I plan to keep exploring and sharing my favorite (and not-so favorite) spots. I typically try to explore a new spot each week, so stay tuned as I post trail reviews and updates.

Love,

Han

A Grateful Life Lived