denver day hike: chief mountain

distance: 3.1 miles (out and back) | elevation: 984’ (10,772’ starting) | difficulty: easy/moderate

Living in Denver (hi, it’s been a while… I made the cross country move to Colorado in December), there is no shortage of gorgeous hikes within an hours drive of the city. I mean, after all, that is part of the reason I decided to call this place home. However, I think I may have found the BEST views for when you don’t have the time to hike up that 14’er.

How do you feel about relatively low effort, high reward? The perfect place to take all your out of town visitors who want beautiful views, but low on time (or not big hikers)? Or really just for you when you want to a short jaunt in nature close to Denver with allllll the views? Perfect, because Chief Mountain is the hike for you.

how to get to chief mountain

Like I mentioned above, this hike about 45 minutes to an hour outside of Denver in Idaho Springs. An easy drive on I-70 (as long as you’re not driving in ski traffic that is), to Evergreen Parkway, and then about 10 miles winding up Squaw Pass Road. Heads up, if you’re hitting this trail in the winter, be sure to check for any road closures as it is at a high elevation. There is no parking per se for this hike (just pulling off the roadway), so the trailhead is easy to miss. However, the trailhead will be staked with a wooden post (though can be easy to miss in the winter months when it is covered in snow). A good indicator is once you see the entrance for Echo Mountain ski resort, you’re almost there.

the hike to chief mountain

The beginning of the hike is a steep incline through an alpine forest. The trail was easy to follow with the packed down snow, but I believe trees are also marked. Soon enough, the number of trees will start to diminish and you’ll reach Colorado’s high country tundra. Please be careful to stay on the trail especially in this area as it is a very fragile ecosystem.

After some steep switchbacks, the breathtaking views begin to emerge. As you keep climbing up, some rocky formations will begin to come into sight. In the snow, the trail is kind of non-existent due to the insanity of the wind covering up any footprints, but in the warmer months, it should be pretty obvious. The higher and higher you get, the greater the views. From the top, you’ll see Mount Evans to the west and Squaw Mountain to the east.

You know those hikes where ya want to chill, eat, and take in the views from the top? Yeah, this one is 100 percent not one of them. While the views are top notch, the wind is pretty intense and not always the most enjoyable to have snow wiping into your face. But hey, you do you.

This is an out and back trail, so to get back to your car, just retrace the steps you took to the top. It should be pretty quick as it is all downhill.

I haven’t had hiked this in the summer, but word on the street is it a very popular spot. And since the parking is solely on the side of the road, I suggest getting an early start. I got to the trail around 10am on a Sunday and there were about three other cars there (but keep in mind, this was also while still in winter conditions).

before ya go to chief mountain:

As always, make sure to check the temperature and/or recent reports on AllTrails. I went in early April and the snow showed no signs of going anywhere, anytime soon so microspikes were needed (but also passed people on my way down with snowshoes as well as just boots). Also, once you get above the treeline, no matter the time of year, it will be veryyyy windy… so I suggest some extra layers thrown in your backpack (one of the ten essentials of course).

after the hike:

My favorite thing to do after a hike is to enjoy a beer. Evergreen Brewery and Tap House is located in Evergreen (duh) is a great place to take in some more mountain views, have a cold one, and even enjoy some noms.