Best Hikes Near Denver and Boulder

Here are forty of the best hikes within an hour 's drive of the Denver-Boulder area-from open grasslands in the plains and old ranches in the foothills to crystal-clear mountain streams and lakes. whether you are in the mood for an easy nature walk, a daylong hike or an overnighter, this guide offers plenty to choose from. 

Includes full color photos and maps, comprehensive route descriptions, at a glance information on distance, difficulty level, hiking time, fees, permits and canine compatibility. 

Best Loop Hikes Colorado

by Steve Johnson and David Weinstein

60 loop hikes accessible from metro areas including Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Boulder. Includes topo maps and photos. Degree of difficulty and directions to trail heads. Get out and explore!

Best Wildflower Hikes Colorado 

by Chris Kassar

Best Wildflower Hikes Colorado is your guide for exploring the wildflowers the state has to offer. Informative and fun, this guide includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos of some of the state's most scenic wildflower hikes. Encompassing state and national parks, forests, monuments and wilderness areas, this guide leads hikers to remote corners to view spectacular wildflowers. 

 

Step into the prehistoric world with the Brachiosaurus, one of the largest and most iconic dinosaurs. with its towering neck and massive size, This plush offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of these ancient giants, allowing imagination to roam freely.

The softest bamboo socks, featuring a beautiful cherry blossom design. 

• Women’s shoe size 5-10.5
• 62% Rayon From Bamboo, 36% Nylon, 2% Spandex

Colorado Waterfall Hikes

by Sandy Heise

Colorado has thousands of stunning waterfalls, many of all skill levels. Some are quite close to the trailhead while others require a full day of hiking. Colorado Waterfall Hikes guides you on fifty of the best hikes for experiencing the beauty of cascading water and lush habitats. In addition to the wonderful falls, you will see an abundance of birds, mammals, and wildflowers. Detailed descriptions get you to the trailhead, provide insight into the area, and help you find your way.

Socksmith Death Before Decaf Men's Crew Socks

• One Size Fits Most Men
• Fits U.S. Mens Shoe Size 7-12.5
• 78% Cotton, 20% Nylon, 2% Spandex

Bring prehistoric charm to your fridge with this delightful Dino Cookie Magnet. A fun addition to home décor, office spaces, or as a gift for paleontology fans of all ages.

This dino set is a super soft plastic play set that includes six prehistoric dinos which are sure to keep your kids entertained.  These action figure toys are soft for young hands and encourage learning and imaginative play for infants, toddlers, babies, and kids. 

• Conforms to safety requirements ASTM F963-11 and EN71
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• Recommended for 18+ months
• Figurines range from 3.5" x 4"

Constructed with a premium, canvas-like material and double-stitched for quality, our zippered totes make amazing grocery, gym, book and beach bags. Features one zippered interior pocket, dual straps and a squared off bottom for support and stability.

Details:
• 17” x 12.5” x 4”
• Washable Polyester Canvas
• Zipper Closure
• 5.25” x 8” Interior Zippered Pocket
• Dual Shoulder Straps

Fierce Dinosaur Hand Puppets soft & stretchy for extra fun!

• Material: TPR Rubber
• Size: 6.3”L x 3”W x 5.5”H

Capture your ideas and adventures in this Dinosaur Notebook, featuring a durable hardback cover adorned with vibrant dinosaur illustrations. Perfect for students, artists, or anyone who loves prehistoric creatures, this notebook combines style and practicality to inspire creativity every day. Lined Paper (8.3" x 11.7").

Pick one of these four dinosaur plush! Each dinosaur has unique features that make it easy to identify what dinosaur it is!

The prehistoric word of dinosaurs is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life is a stunning dinosaur encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they travel through the history of the Earth. From Tyrannosaurus and saber-toothed cats, to ferns and woolly mammoths, this collection of amazing dinosaurs, plants, and other prehistoric life will wow children and many adults too - providing something for everyone to love!

Bring prehistoric adventure to your holiday celebrations with the DMNS Dino Globe Ornament. Inspired by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s iconic dinosaur collection, this ornament features a detailed globe design that captivates both young and old. Perfect for adding a distinctive touch to your tree or as a thoughtful gift, it blends natural history with festive cheer, making every season more memorable.

Double Sided Cartouche Pendant - Available in Sterling Silver.

Translate any name into hieroglyphs on this beautiful Egyptian Cartouche! Your traditional pendant will be custom made, by hand, in the ancient bazaar of Khan el Khalili in the heart of Cairo. 

Please ensure that the length of your word or name matches the cartouche size below.

• Sizes:
• Small (2-3 Symbols), 1.5" L
• Medium (4-5 Symbols), 1.75" L
• Large (6-7 Symbols), 2" L
• X-Large (8-9 Symbols), 2.25" L
• Double sided cartouche pendants: Choose between English and hieroglyphs on either side, the options are endless! 
• Each cartouche pendant is custom-made. Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive your custom pendant.
• Chain sold separately. 
• All personalized cartouche pendants include free shipping.
• Shop our other personalized cartouche pendants here.

Bring home this adorable little plushie inspired by the vibrant dragon fruit! With its cheerful pink exterior, spiky green leaves, and friendly expression, this cuddly companion captures all the whimsical charm of its fruity namesake. Perfect for collectors, kids, and dragon fruit enthusiasts alike, it's soft, huggable, and ready to brighten any shelf or cuddle session. A delightful gift for anyone who loves quirky, nature-inspired toys.

Perfect your daily reflections with the Dragons Flame Reusable Journal. This innovative notebook features captivating dragon artwork paired with elegant dice motifs, blending fantasy inspiration with practical design. The reusable pages let you write, erase, and write again—ideal for journaling, note-taking, or creative planning without the waste. Durable binding and quality paper ensure this journal withstands countless uses. Whether you're tracking thoughts, sketching ideas, or documenting adventures, this unique journal makes every entry feel special. A must-have for fantasy enthusiasts and eco-conscious writers alike.

I dino what to tell you, this is an EPIC soft dinosaur toy! Perfect for the anyone who loves dinos! Larger than life and vibrantly detailed, these 22” dinos are made of soft, pliable vinyl. Comes in 4 assorted dinos!

Dig into the past and discover dinosaurs by examining the fossils they left behind. This essential guide to dinosaurs, from tiny, chicken-sized Compsognathus to the mighty, long-necked Brachiosaurus, this book unearths fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures. This dinosaur book for kids looks closely at different types of dinosaurs and their body parts, diets, senses, evolution, and more. 

• Scientific name: Allosaurus fragilis
• Location: Mesa County, Western Colorado
• Formation: Morrison
• Age: Jurassic, 149 MYA
• Quarry: Mygatt-Moore
• Measures 6.5" x 3" including the base

Allosaurus belongs to the group of dinosaurs known as Theropods. Allosaurs were the largest carnivores of the late Jurassic. 

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

• Scientific Name: Alxasaurus elesitaiensis
• Age: Mid Cretaceous, 105 MYA
• Formation: Bayin Gobi Formation
• Location: Inner Mongolia

• Measures 4.5" x 2.5" with the base

Alxasaurus is a member of the Therizinosaur Family, a rare,  and poorly known type of theropod. Until recently Therizinosaurs had only been found in Asia, but now one has been found in New Mexico. 

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

• Age: Early Cretaceous, 125 MYA
• Formation: Tevch Formation
• Location: Inner Mongolia
• Measures 3" x 1.5"

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

• Age: Cretaceous, 68 MYA
• Formation: Hellcreek
• Location: South Dakota
• Measures 1.75" x 1"

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

This cast of a T-Rex tooth with serrations on both sides was used to rip and cut large chunks of flesh. Although these serrations are not razor sharp, T-Rex's extraordinarily large head and powerful jaw muscles made them very effective.

• Scientific Name: Tyrannosaurus rex
• Age: Cretaceous, 68 MYA
• Formation: Hellcreek
• Location: South Dakota 
• Measures 3" x 1.25"

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

This piece is a cast of the hand claw (manus claw) fossil, from the second finger. 

• Scientific Name: Utahraptor ostrommaysi
• Formation: Cedar Mountain
• Location: Grand County, Eastern Utah
• Age: Early Cretaceous, 125 MYA
• Measures 5" x 3.5" including the base

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

• Age: Late Cretaceous, 84 MYA
• Formation: Djadotcha
• Location: Mongolia
• Measures 2.5" x .75"

Made from high-quality urethane resin and hand poured and colored in Fruita, Colorado. Molds are made from the original fossil, preserving every detail on the cast or replica. 

Please note, this is a replica fossil.

Now you can give gifts in style with our Gift Wrapping Service! Choose shipping or pick up in our store to match your holiday needs. Our wonderful designs will make your gift the most festive on the block!

Indulge in a whimsical tea experience with the Gnome Brew Tea Infuser! This creative infuser features an adorable gnome design, making brewing tea a fun and charming ritual. Say goodbye to boring tea bags and hello to an enchanting cup of tea. Ready to brew up some magic? Let the Gnome Brew Tea Infuser be your guide.

• 90% Preshrunk Cotton, 10% Polyester

• Machine washable

• Rib-knit crew neck

Soak these eggs in cold water and in a few hours a creature will break out of its shell and grow! Animals reach full size in 1-2 days.

Hiking Colorado's Front Range

by Bob D'Antonio

Lace up your boots and sample sixty of the finest trails that the northern foothills have to offer. Situated between low-lying plains and towering mountain peaks, the front range provides varied scenery and terrain. Choose from easy day hikes around Boulder, exhilarating summit ascents near Denver, wild-country explorations near Fort Collins, picnic outings near Estes Park, and excursions with the kids around Colorado Springs. 

Falcon Guide by Jamie Siebrase 

Colorado has a lot to offer--from soaring mountains to vast alpine forests and sage covered desert--so it's no surprise that it's one of the top outdoor tourist destinations in the country. And, with families spearheading the need to get outdoors with their little ones (just say no to excessive screen time ), there are places a-plenty for exploring with littles of all ages. Whether you live there or are simply traveling through, Hiking with Kids Colorado offers up new and exciting adventures for parents and their elementary school-age kids alike. Organized around location, for ease of knocking out all of those "bucket list" places, the book features 52 easily accessible day hike locations, with each hike featuring a color photo and a map. As is standard with FalconGuides, all the basic information--from trailhead GPS to best times to go to fees and contacts--will be there, along with trail descriptions geared directly for the kids. The book's handy "Best Hikes For" chart in the beginning will identify the best hikes for water features, historic geographic features, views, cool flora/fauna, and more. Hiking with Kids Colorado will keep its young participants engaged with tips on cool scavenger hunts; how to identify various animals, bird calls, and more; fun facts about the history of the land; and more. 

• 50% preshrunk cotton, 50% polyester
• Machine washable
• Rib-knit crew neck
• Glows-in-the-dark
• Available in charcoal

Bring prehistoric excitement to your home with the Inflatable Remote Control Raptor. This lifelike dinosaur moves and roars at your command, offering hours of thrilling entertainment for kids and adults alike. Lightweight and easy to control, it’s perfect for parties, playtime, or unique décor that captures everyone’s attention. Unleash the raptor and let the adventure begin!

Step into spring every day with Many Mornings Cherry Blossom Socks. Featuring a charming mismatched design inspired by delicate cherry blossoms, these socks add a playful yet elegant touch to your outfit. Crafted for comfort and style, they brighten your wardrobe while keeping your feet cozy. Embrace the beauty of nature with every step.

Add a splash of fun to your feet with Froggy Frog socks! Made in Europe, these green and blue socks bring a playful pop of color and a cozy fit that will make every step a joyful leap. Perfect for anyone who loves a little whimsy in their wardrobe. Size medium: Mens 6.5-8.5/Womens 8.5-10.5

Step into cozy comfort with the Many Mornings Lumberjack Life socks in vibrant red. Designed for everyday wear, these socks combine durability and style, making them perfect for those who appreciate a rugged yet playful look. Their unique pattern adds a bold touch to any outfit while providing a snug fit to keep your feet warm and supported throughout the day. Embrace the spirit of the outdoors with socks that bring both comfort and character to your wardrobe.

Large Size Women 11-13.5 / Men 9-12

 

Step into comfort and make a statement with Many Mornings Save The Planet Socks. These mismatched earth-themed socks combine unique style with a meaningful message, encouraging awareness and care for our planet. Crafted for everyday wear, they offer a cozy fit that keeps your feet happy while inspiring positive change. Perfect for those who want to express their eco-conscious spirit in a fun and fashionable way.

Large Size Women 11-13.5 / Men 9-12

Add a playful touch to your everyday wardrobe with the Many Mornings Scout Memory Socks. Featuring charming forest animal designs in a fun mismatched style, these socks bring personality and comfort to your feet. Made with soft, high-quality materials, they offer cozy all-day wear while celebrating the whimsy of nature. Perfect for anyone who loves unique accessories that stand out with lovable woodland charm.

 

Medium Size Women 8.5-10.5 / Men 6.5-8.5

Step into playful comfort with Many Mornings Sweet Panda Socks. These mismatched socks feature charming panda designs that add a fun twist to your everyday style. Crafted for a cozy fit, they brighten your mornings and keep your feet happy all day long. Perfect for those who love unique, cheerful accessories that stand out.

Medium Size Women 8.5-10.5 / Men 6.5-8.5

Meet the Mellowkins Eco Mini Brochiosaurus—a delightfully soft companion that brings prehistoric charm to any collection. This 11-inch stuffed dinosaur features an irresistibly huggable design, perfect for young paleontologists and plush enthusiasts alike. Crafted with eco-conscious materials, it combines cuddly comfort with environmental responsibility. Whether displayed on a shelf or snuggled during bedtime adventures, this adorable brochiosaurus makes an ideal gift for dinosaur lovers of all ages. Discover why Mellowkins plushies are beloved for their quality, charm, and sustainable approach to playtime.

3, 2, 1... Blast off! This metal die cast shuttle is out of this world. Features realistic decals and functioning wheels. Shuttle propels forward after being pulled back. 

 

Minecraft Jelly Cubes are the ultimate fidget sensation! These super firm squishy toys feature vibrant colors—Green, Purple, Pink, Yellow, and Blue—each packed with glittery Minecraft-themed sparkles that catch the light. Perfect for fans of the game and sensory toy enthusiasts alike, they're soft, satisfying to squeeze, and collectible. Stock up on these popular cubes before they sell out!

• Ages: 7+
• Made in USA
• Micro Size-style building blocks with scale 1:1
• Blocks measure: 4mm x 4mm
• For more Mini Building Blocks check out here, and here!

Experience the ultimate sensory satisfaction with the NeeDoh Dream Drop. This super solid, deeply satisfying squish toy features a perfectly molded raindrop shape that fits comfortably in your palm. Choose from three mesmerizing colors—Glacial Blue, Royal Purple, or Nebula Pink—collect them all!

Perfect for stress relief, focus enhancement, or quiet fidgeting, the Dream Drop provides tactile stimulation whenever you need it. Squeeze, stretch, and manipulate it endlessly without worry—it's durable enough to handle any fidget session. Ideal for desk workers, students, or anyone seeking a mindful moment.

Experience the mesmerizing motion of Newton's Cradle. This classic desk toy elegantly demonstrates the laws of physics in a sophisticated and artistic way. A timeless addition to any space, it adds a touch of refinement and intellectual curiosity to your surroundings. 

Beautiful hand-crafted etched metal t-rex ornament featuring the Denver Museum of Nature and Science logo!

• Solid brass hand dipped in 24 karat gold
• Made in USA

Discover a new way to save your lucky pennies with the Penny Passport! This innovative passport-style album is the perfect place to store and display your pressed pennies from all your adventures. No more leaving pennies behind - now you can collect and cherish them all in one place!

• 20 penny slots per passport.