Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
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- DarwinCO
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Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
Given that I can only attempt 14ers on weekends, I find myself wanting something comparable, but close to Denver that I can do after work.
I'm looking for a hike that is difficult/strenuous within 30 minutes or so of West Denver. I'm just looking to keep in shape and challenge myself during the week while still enjoying the mountains. I live in Highlands Ranch so anything on the South West side of town would be best.
Any suggestions? If this has already been covered in another thread I apologize.
I'm looking for a hike that is difficult/strenuous within 30 minutes or so of West Denver. I'm just looking to keep in shape and challenge myself during the week while still enjoying the mountains. I live in Highlands Ranch so anything on the South West side of town would be best.
Any suggestions? If this has already been covered in another thread I apologize.
- climbing_rob
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
Couple of old standbys: White Ranch loop, the Boulder Skyline traverse, and my personal local favorite, very close to Highlands Ranch, the Sharptail / Indian Creek loop in Douglas county. But only do the latter if its not a particularly hot day.
- Greenhouseguy
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
South Ridge Mt. Morrison. Steep, short, close to town:
http://www.summitpost.org/route/158262/ ... sions.html
http://www.summitpost.org/route/158262/ ... sions.html
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- Matt
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
+1. This one works the legs and doesn't take too much time.Greenhouseguy wrote:South Ridge Mt. Morrison. Steep, short, close to town:
http://www.summitpost.org/route/158262/ ... sions.html
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- Carl
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
A good headlamp, and maybe a like minded partner, will open up a lot of options, including some of the closer 14ers.
Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
Crescent Mountain is really close, only a few miles from CO-93 on CO-72 in Coal Creek Canyon. It gains 2,000 +/- feet and offers class 2+ and 3, and even class 4 scrambling. The rock seems mostly solid, but there are exceptions.
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... orado.html
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... orado.html
- DarwinCO
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
Thanks for the suggestions all.
I'll definitely check out Mt Morrison and Crescent Mountain.
I'll definitely check out Mt Morrison and Crescent Mountain.
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
Coming from NW side of Denver, the quick drive to Boulder and doing Green Mountain, Bear Mountain, or the First flat iron are quick (4-7miles) with good vertical (1800 - 3000') and very well developed trails. They make a great gym for the legs!
Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
Two of us today climbed Chiefs Head, from Wild Basin. 20 miles round trip, about 5300' vertical gain. Beautiful amazing hike, though the knife edge west ridge is far more difficult than the RMNP Hiking Guide suggests. Alice, Ogallala, and Isolation would be similar 20 mile round trip hikes.
But I have to second South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. The ascent via Shadow Canyon is very steep, and rivals anything I've seen on Front Range 14ers.
But I have to second South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. The ascent via Shadow Canyon is very steep, and rivals anything I've seen on Front Range 14ers.
- luckyzsquirrel
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
I'm a fan of Bergen Peak in Elk Meadows Park near Evergreen. I hike it a lot in the winter, the trail is probably a class 1, but its still a decent amount of elevation gain (2000+) and distance (about 10 miles as a loop) for an after work hike.
- waolsen
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
I feel the same way. It's tough to hit the mountains during the week. I've taken up trail running the past couple years and there are some great places on the Front Range to do it. Running helps me get the burn in my legs and helps a lot with the cardio. The runners high usually hits in around 6-7 miles and it's all good.
Some of my favorites is Falcon Mt outside Morrison, Green Mt, Deer Creek Canyon up to the Mesa loop. You can get 7+ miles on all of those. I live in Littleton and they are all within a 15 minute drive.
Some of my favorites is Falcon Mt outside Morrison, Green Mt, Deer Creek Canyon up to the Mesa loop. You can get 7+ miles on all of those. I live in Littleton and they are all within a 15 minute drive.
"The mountains are calling and I must go"
- coloradokevin
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Re: Difficult/Strenuous Hike close to Denver
South Boulder and Bear Peak, accessed off of Eldorado Canyon Drive near Boulder. Nearly 3,000 ft of vertical.