Top Walking Trails in Denver Rated by Distance and Difficulty

Washington Park’s perimeter loop measures 2.3 miles with under 50 feet of elevation change, placing it at the easy end of the city’s trail ratings released this month by Denver Parks and Recreation.

July marks peak outdoor season in Denver, where residents seek nearby paths to maintain fitness routines without driving to the foothills. City data shows park visits rise sharply between Memorial Day and Labor Day, prompting the department to update its trail guide with distance and difficulty markers for quick planning.

The 2.3-mile loop at Washington Park circles two lakes and passes the Boathouse, while the adjacent Cherry Creek Trail offers a 4.8-mile segment from the park’s south entrance to University Boulevard. Both routes fall under the department’s maintained network and connect directly to neighborhood streets such as Downing Street and Virginia Avenue.

Moderate distances with steady grades

City Park’s loop around Ferril Lake and the Museum of Nature and Science spans 3.1 miles and includes one short hill near Colorado Boulevard, rated moderate in the department’s July update. A 2025 usage report from Denver Parks and Recreation recorded 1.2 million visits to City Park trails, up 12 percent from the prior year.

Further east, the High Line Canal Trail section between Monaco Parkway and Quebec Street covers 5.2 miles with a gradual 120-foot climb, listed as moderate to difficult depending on direction. The canal path stays within city limits and links to the Montclair neighborhood near 12th Avenue.

Practical steps before heading out

Trail maps and current conditions appear on the Denver Parks and Recreation website, which also lists parking at Washington Park’s two lots off Franklin Street and at City Park’s 23rd Avenue entrance. Users can filter routes by distance or elevation before leaving home.

Residents should carry water and check the city’s air-quality alerts, especially on days when ozone levels climb above 100. The department advises starting early on weekends to secure parking near the larger loops.