When the city heats up in summer, it’s time to go west to the higher elevations for cooler temperatures. A summer hike can be refreshing, especially when there’s shade and freshly melted snow rushing by in a creek.
The best way to avoid the heat is to go hiking very early in the morning so that you’re finishing your hike when the sun is getting high and hot. Also, bring a hat, sunscreen and wear light colors and, of course, plenty of water to drink.
These Front Range hikes might offer some decent shade as you log the trail miles this summer:
Trail: Ouzel Falls
Sun streaming through the waterfall mist created surprising rainbows below Ouzel Falls. (Wendy Rigby, Estes Park Trail-Gazette)
Hike Length: 5.5 miles roundtrip (or 3.6 miles roundtrip to just Calypso Cascades)
Hike Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 950 feet (if all the way to Ouzel Falls)
Rocky Mountain National Park has an abundance of wonderful hikes to choose from, but one of my favorites is the hike to Calypso Cascades and, if you want to go a little farther, Ouzel Falls. This trailhead is found at Wild Basin, just outside of Allenspark. The roundtrip hike to Ouzel Falls is 5.5 miles and you are primarily hiking alongside the North St. Vrain Creek where the spray of the water as you cross bridges is like natural air-conditioning. The trail is mostly shaded along the way. Ouzel Falls itself is not that thrilling and somewhat hidden in an area off-trail not intended for hikers, so make the most of the cascades on your way up and down. Note: The parking lot at the trailhead is small, and you’ll add another mile or so by parking in the larger winter lot.
Trail: Raven’s Roost
Hike Length: 4 miles roundtrip
Hike Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Reynolds Park trails lead to a stunning viewpoint on Raven’s Roost Trail during a challenging uphill 4-mile roundtrip hike. Just outside of Conifer, intersecting trails make a loop that, depending on the time of year and conditions, might include a creek crossing near the end. Whether going up or down, with the exception of the viewing spot, this trail is mostly in the shade. From the parking lot, take Fox Trot Trail to Elkhorn Loop to Raven’s Roost Trail, and on the way, connect with Oxen Draw Trail and follow signs back to Fox Trot. If you go clockwise, you’ll see the aspens, wildflowers and creek crossings first on this hike rather than at the end.
Trail: Elk Falls
A shady portion of the Staunton State Park trail is built almost like a cobblestone street. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
Hike Length: 12 miles roundtrip*
Hike Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet (depending on which route you choose)
Arguably the best hike at Staunton State Park, also near Conifer, is a long one at 12 miles roundtrip with some stretches of no shade. The destination is Elk Falls, but there are many places along the way — historic cabins, climbing rocks — where you could decide to turn back. Starting at Staunton Ranch Trail, which is shared with mountain bikers and equestrians, you can enjoy shade from evergreen and aspen trees with a few grassy meadows in between. At about 3 miles, the trail opens up and overlaps with a road. It’s an option to take Marmot Passage Trail which makes the hike a mile longer, but does provide shade. After Elk Falls Pond, you take the Chimney Rock Trail which is so shady that the rocks are covered in bright green moss much of the way. Get a map from the visitor center to make sure you connect your trails!
*I recorded this hike to be 10.5 miles, but the park website has it as 12 miles.
Trail: Raccoon Trail
The 2.5-mile Raccoon Trail loop in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is mostly in shade, except when you pop out for stunning views of the Continental Divide (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
Hike Length: 2.5 miles roundtrip
Hike Type: Balloon
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Golden Gate Canyon State Park has more than 35 miles of trails to choose from with a mix of views, trees, and historic structures to visit. A favorite is the 2.5-mile Raccoon Trail loop as you are mostly in shade, except when you pop out for stunning views of the Continental Divide. The trail begins behind the Reverend Ridge campground area at a pretty steep pitch downhill (remember: you’ll be hiking up this at the end!) and keeps you in the trees — a variety of evergreens and aspen trees — almost entirely until you get to Panorama Point, where a deck includes a sign pointing each significant mountain peak in the distance. Follow the trail to loop around until you reconnect with the start of the trail.
Trail: Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail and Crater Lakes Trail
Hike Length: 6 miles roundtrip
Hike Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
The James Peak Wilderness Area has some spectacular hiking options with plenty of trees for shade. I like the 6-mile out-and-back trail to Crater Lakes that starts at the East Portal Trailhead just beyond Rollinsville. The first 2 miles are on a wide trail surrounded by tall trees and you’ll hear South Boulder Creek rushing downhill as you hike up. At the 2-mile mark, follow the sign to the Crater Lakes Trail. Here the trail becomes steeper for the last mile, but after passing a few meadows of wildflowers and crossing little streams, you’ll arrive at these side-by-side lakes where you can picnic and take in the scenery. There are plenty of shady spots to kick back and cool off.