Next to hiking, trail running in one of our absolute favorite outdoor recreational activities in the Rockies. At The Outdoor Corps, we feature trail guides, lists of an area’s best trail runs, and many other tips. Our objective — to help you discover your next trail running adventure around the Rocky Mountain West.
The Outdoor Corps’ articles provide recommended trails for all skill levels, from novice to advanced. You’ll often find recommendations for some of the most popular trails in an area (e.g., a national park or wilderness area). However, you’ll also find recommendations on hidden gem trails that see far fewer crowds.
There certainly is no shortage of amazing adventures in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning run or a multi-day or an ultra-distance run, The Outdoor Corps has it all.
Bergen Peak is a 9,702ft. mountain within Elk Meadow Park, located in Evergreen, CO and Jefferson County. Picturesque meadow views, aspen groves, and stunning vistas of nearby Mount Evans and surrounding peaks make the 8.7 mile out-and-back ascent to Bergen Peak extremely popular and a great option close to Denver.
The Flatirons Vista Trail, part of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), is an easy 3.5 mile loop hike with stellar views of the iconic sandstone Flatirons. Limited elevation gain and a fairly smooth trail make the Flatirons Vista Trail a great outing during any season.
North Table Mountain Park is located in Golden, Colorado within Jefferson County. At 6,552ft., North Table Mountain is a mesa that prominently towers over the city. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially rock climbers who frequent the park's Golden Cliffs area.
White Ranch Park is an open space located in Jefferson County, Colorado, north of Golden. With 3,953 acres and 21.5 miles of trails, it's the largest park in the Jeffco open space system. Trails are mostly multi-use, so hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians can all enjoy.
Betasso Preserve is a beautiful foothills park in Boulder County, only minutes away from downtown Boulder, Colorado. With approximately nine miles of trails over 1,181 acres and elevations ranging from 5,900ft. to 7,700ft., visitors are treated to open meadows, mountain vista scenery, and abundant wildlife throughout this expansive open space.
Mount Galbraith Park is located in Golden, Colorado within Jefferson County. All of the trails within this 799 acre open space are designated as hiking-only. Thus, the park is particularly popular with local hikers and trail runners. With moderately difficult trails, this park is an ideal location for all.
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