Colorado residents......great hiking areas..?

[Douglas-001]

Going to see my daughter week of the 16th in November. She's stationed out there and we plan to sniff around the Boulder area, maybe south to the "Springs". Visited the Garden of the Gods back in April. Last visit we got in 2 nice hikes. Other was in Castle Rock park where I had a very close encounter with a rattle snake. This time I really want to get closer to the Rockies and try to take in some great views and be able to say that I did hike in the Rockies!

I'm sure it will be cold and snow may shut things down, but we're gonna give it our best shot. I know many despise the politics of some states, but from what I did see last visit, Colorado is beautiful, unlike this suckhole city and state I live in. We are planning to be just outside the Denver area, west and maybe south by 30 - 40 miles. So I ask for testimony as to any great hiking I should put on the list. Thank you!

 

[timesublime]

Awesome hiking at Brainard Lake. The sub shop in Ward is a step back in time.

Centennial Cone.

 

[BikePilot]

There are thousands of amazing hikes around here. By November the mountains usually have pretty deep snow and could require snowshoes, touring skis, and avalanche training to do safely. How far, and how much elevation as re you looking for? You might want to map out a few lower and higher elevation options and make a game time decision based on weather and snowpack. If the snow holds off, silver dollar lake (access from Guenella pass, just up hill from Georgetown) is super scenic and not too challenging.

Golden gate state park has several options that are relatively low elevation and will probably be clear, but is still just far enough from the city to feel remote.

Closer in, Apex Park / Chimney in Golden will be hike able without any serious gear and there are lots of breweries/restaurants at the base in town. Great views of Golden and Denver.

 

[Huskydriver]

Check out shelf road. Some fun stuff between Leadville and cripple creek