Denver is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking and meticulously maintained mountain parks in the United States. If your summer bucket list is in need of a few nature outings, visiting one of the many nearby mountain parks should become the number one priority. Most offer recreational opportunities like hiking and biking, in addition to chance wildlife sightings, wildflower lined trails and panoramic views.
Here’s a guide to 10+ (although there are many more) interesting mountain parks that offer stunning landscapes and diverse recreational activities.
10 Beautiful Mountain Parks to Visit Near Denver
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave 
Buffalo Bill Cody is probably the most famous cowboy in America’s history. At his request, he was buried on top of Lookout Mountain, just West of Denver, that is now home to a 100+ acres park in his honor. There you will find the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, hiking trails, a Western themed gift shop, eatery, viewing deck on the 7,000+ peak and outdoor picnic areas. The spectacular view will make it obvious why Buffalo Bill wanted to be buried in that very spot. The drive up is an adventure itself with its steep cliffs and scenic stops. Look out for hang glider dare-devils as they soar through the air next to the mountain!
Corwina Park
The Panorama Point Trail is the main draw for Corwina Park. It is a steep, pedestrian-only 1.5 mile trail leading to Panorama Point, a sight worth seeing. Bear Creek Trail is close by, but is also open to mountain bikers as well as hikers. The dense forest, immense shade and stream make it a great spot for lunch, skipping rocks and taking in the fresh air. Corwina shares boundaries with O’Fallon and Pence Parks. All of which are rich with beautiful trails, charming waterways and picture perfect picnic sites.
Daniels Park
A rugged landscape is what set Daniels Park apart from the more green and lush parks on this list. It features a sandstone ridge and view of the Front Range extending from Pikes Peak to the south, all the way to the Mummy Range near the Wyoming border. A visitor is able to see a 100 mile panoramic view. It’s also home to one of two bison herds in the state (the other at Genesee).
Dedisse Park
A mountain golf course? Sounds intriguing! Dedisse Park could be considered a full service entertainment destination for outdoor lovers. Besides golf, it’s also home to the very pretty Evergreen Lake (with fishing and boating available), several trails, nature center, picnic areas and classic mountain scenery. If you are looking to have an all encompassing experience, this park is the place for you and your family. Take a lunch and enjoy the mind blowing horizon, look for the bison herd or enjoy a rocky bike ride along the maintained paths.
Echo Lake Park
Echo Lake is at the very beginning of the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, and only about 45 minutes from Denver. The 10,600 foot elevation will take your breath away, literally and figuratively. It is the only Denver Mountain Park within the sub-alpine zone, and thus is home to rare and globally vulnerable plants. For this reason, hikers and admirers are asked to stay on the trail to preserve the species living in the area. A natural lake at the base is stocked and always ready for avid or novice fishermen. Trails from the parking lot and back side of the lake lead to backcountry access into the Chicago Lakes area with a route up Mount Blue Sky. They are considered easy, but never underestimate the altitude and weather when considering if it’s right for you or your children!
Fillius and Bergen Parks
Fillius and Bergen Parks in Evergreen are sought after destinations for summer picnicking thanks to their dense Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests. The shade these trees provide is always welcome on hot days. Although smaller in acreage, Bergen still offers a worthwhile hike thanks to the Jefferson County Pioneer Trail that runs along the western edge of the park. Fillius offers short loops that would be ideal for those with toddlers or smaller children.
Genesee Park and Buffalo Herd Outlook
20 miles west of Denver, you’ll run into Genesee Park off exit 254. With 2,413 acres, it’s one of the largest in the area. Besides the hiking, camping and vast acreage, the main draw is the buffalo herd, set amongst the snow-capped peaks seen in the distance. The herd has their own tunnel under I-70, so they can be found on either side of the highway! Fun fact: the buffalo were originally descendants of the last wild herd of bison in North America, which was located at Yellowstone National Park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located just 30 miles west of Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers 12,000 acres of forest, meadows and rugged terrain. Hiking trails are abundant, and are also great for mountain bikers. The huge meadows are perfect for picnics and playing, while the various ponds are great for fishing.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Famous for its acoustics and concerts among the stunning red sandstone formations, Red Rocks Park is also a great way to take a quick hike without having to travel too far out of the city. Some of the terrain is rough, and the majority of the trail is less than 30 inches wide, yet it is still considered an easy trail for most. If children are joining the hike, please provide supervision as some areas of the trail include drop-offs, steep grades and road crossings. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center to check out the many events held at the park and amphitheatre throughout the year.
Summit Lake Park
Situated below the Mount Blue Sky summit, Summit Lake Park is the highest city park in North America and is the highest park in the Denver Mountain Parks system. A short hike (M. Walter Pesman Nature Trail) will lead you to the Chicago Lakes Overlook. The trail is lined with colorful wildflowers for a few weeks in July, and is a must visit. The scenery, alpine botanical features and wildlife viewing opportunities are what make it a popular spot for locals and tourists. It is also one of the most accessible high alpine lakes in Colorado, where visitors can often spot mountain goats!
Tips for Visiting Mountain Parks with Kids
- Visit a destination for a specific reason. Whether it be to see certain wildlife, a breathtaking view or cool rock formations, make sure to talk about the wonders your kids will see along the way to keep busy minds and tired legs interested.
- Layer! Always start cool and know you’ll warm as you progress throughout the day.
- Every parent knows the key to any successful outing with a child is snacks. Bring out the highly coveted ones when you may be pushing the limits on how far they can go.
- Of course, never forget water. Have them carry their own hydration pack in a size-appropriate backpack to save your shoulders.
- Bring a net and binoculars. As a mom of three boys, I can attest that a silly bug net and set of play binoculars have saved many outings from going downhill.
- Pack a first aid kit with bandaids, Benadryl stick (for bugs or reactions), safety whistle and wet wipes.
The mountain parks in and around Denver provide a wide array of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, cyclist, or simply a nature lover, these parks offer something for everyone. So pack your gear, grab a map and start exploring!
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