The best walks and hikes in Elbert County

Embark on the Bingham Lake Trail for an easy hike through a quiet oasis. You will find soft-surface paths that make for a comfortable walk, offering pleasant mountain views as you go. This short route covers 1.0 miles (1.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 19 feet (6 metres), taking approximately 24 minutes to complete. As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, various birds, and geese that frequent the area around Bingham Lake.

The Bingham Lake Trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset, making it easy to fit into your schedule. You will find convenient amenities right at the trailhead, including a parking lot, a picnic shelter, and restrooms. If you bring your dog along, remember to keep them on a leash to respect other visitors and wildlife. Fishing is allowed in Bingham Lake, and you do not need a Colorado fishing license for this privately managed body of water, but please practice catch and release. Note that boating and wading are prohibited to help protect the lake's ecosystem.

This trail offers a peaceful escape within Bingham Lake Park, providing a quick nature break or a pleasant stroll. It is known for its natural features and the opportunity to observe local fauna in a serene setting. The park's management encourages catch and release fishing, highlighting its commitment to maintaining the lake's health. This makes the Bingham Lake Trail a great choice for a short, accessible outdoor experience.

Embark on the Ray J. Harvie Big Loop, an easy hiking route that winds through the tranquil Ray J. Harvie Open Space. You will follow soft-surface trails past peaceful ponds, surrounded by lush greenery. Depending on the season, you might encounter blooming wildflowers or vibrant autumn leaves, creating a picturesque setting. This loop covers 1.5 miles (2.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 84 feet (26 metres), making it a perfect outing for about 38 minutes. It offers a serene escape for anyone looking for a short, enjoyable walk.

The Ray J. Harvie Open Space provides convenient amenities for your visit. You will find a gravel parking lot available, along with picnic shelters and restrooms for your comfort. The park's moderate climate allows for year-round enjoyment, though spring and fall are particularly pleasant seasons for hiking. Consider starting your hike in the morning or late afternoon for the most comfortable temperatures.

This trail is notable for its recently opened open space, offering a new opportunity to connect with nature in Parker, Colorado. The environment is designed to be accessible for all levels of fitness, whether you are seeking a leisurely stroll or a light workout. You can find more details about the open space and its offerings on the official parkerco.gov website.

Embark on the East Canyon Preservation Trail, an easy 2.5 miles (4.0 km) hike that takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. You will gain 89 feet (27 metres) in elevation as you follow a creek up the canyon, encountering rugged terrain with notable rock formations and out-croppings. The path can be rocky in sections, requiring you to navigate minor obstacles and look for stacked rock monuments that mark the way, leading you to a view of the canyon before descending to cross Cherry Creek via a wooden bridge.

When planning your visit, be aware that the East Canyon Preservation Trail is a designated preservation area, which often means specific use restrictions are in place due to its fragile environment. Dogs are generally not permitted on this route, and it is not typically considered suitable for young children. You should also note that some parts of the trail may have noticeable road noise from nearby Highway 83, so prepare for that during your hike.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience a rugged natural setting within Castlewood Canyon State Park, despite its relatively close proximity to Denver. The diverse plant life, including cacti, ponderosa pines, and Rocky Mountain junipers, highlights the area's distinct ecosystem. Its status as a preservation area underscores the importance of protecting this scenic and ecologically sensitive canyon environment for future enjoyment.

Embark on an easy hike along the Two Bridges Trail Short Loop, a pleasant route spanning 3.3 miles (5.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 152 feet (46 metres). You can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hours and 24 minutes, winding through open meadows and gently rolling prairie land. The trail's namesake, two picturesque wooden bridges, offer charming spots as they cross small creeks, adding to the serene atmosphere of your outdoor experience.

This trail is easily accessible, with parking generally available at the Bayou Gulch Open Space, making it convenient for your visit. As a multi-use path, you might share the route with mountain bikers and horseback riders, so be mindful of others enjoying the outdoors. It's a great option if you are looking for a straightforward and relaxing outing without needing extensive planning.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species, as you explore the area. On clear days, the expansive views can even stretch to include Pikes Peak, offering a rewarding vista. The presence of the two distinctive wooden bridges over small waterways provides a unique visual element and a tranquil setting along the path.

Hike the challenging 27.7-mile Piney Creek Trail in Colorado, gaining 973 feet through diverse landscapes and parks, including Cherry Creek

Hike the 27.7-mile Piney Creek Trail through Aurora, Colorado, connecting to Cherry Creek State Park, with diverse scenery.

This moderate 7.4-mile loop in Castlewood Canyon State Park offers diverse views from canyon rim to creek bottom, with historical sites.

Explore the Inner Canyon and Lake Gulch Trail Loop, an easy 1.9-mile hike in Castlewood Canyon State Park with canyon views and creek crossi

Hike the 7.8-mile Aurora Reservoir Trail, a moderate loop offering lakeshore views, Front Range mountains, and diverse wildlife.