Guided Hiking Tour in Denver: Rocky Mountains with Local Guide

A drive through Colorado's old towns, dinosaur history, and a mountain hike with views of three peaks

A guided hiking tour from Denver that starts at a local cafe, drives through Morrison and past Dinosaur Ridge, then heads to an off-the-beaten-path trail with views of Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt and the town of Kittridge below. The guide is a local who knows the rocks, trees and wildlife of the Rocky Mountains. Winter gear is available in season. Snacks are included. The tour takes about four hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided hiking tour in Colorado Rockies

• Meet at Nest at Nurture cafe
• Drive past Meow Wolf building
• Drive by Denver Broncos stadium
• Drive through Morrison town
• Drive by Dinosaur Ridge
• View Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Drive past popular hiking spot
• Drive to hiking trail
• Hike with breaks and snacks
• See wildlife and learn about nature
• Reach top with views of Mount Evans
• View Evergreen Colorado from mountain
• See Mount Bierstadt views
• Viewpoint with Kittridge town views
• Return to cafe in Denver

The experience

You meet at Nest at Nurture, a cafe and wellness center in Denver, where your guide briefs you on the day ahead. From there the drive itself becomes part of the experience: you pass Meow Wolf Denver and the Broncos' stadium, then head west through Morrison, an old mining town with shops and restaurants still standing from its days as a mining hub. Along the way your guide points out Dinosaur Ridge and tells you about the dinosaurs that once roamed Colorado, and you get views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre rising from the landscape.

The drive takes you to a hiking trail off the main routes, where you spend a few hours on the trail itself. You hike at your own pace with breaks as needed, eat snacks, drink water, and stop for photos. Your guide talks about the native rocks, trees and plants you pass, and you might see wildlife along the way. The real payoff comes at the viewpoint: Mount Evans, a 14,155-foot snow-capped peak, dominates the view, with Mount Bierstadt (14,065 feet) visible nearby. Below, the small town of Kittridge sits in the valley, framing the whole scene. On the way back down you get views of Evergreen, Colorado from higher up.

After the hike, you have the option to return to the cafe for lunch before heading home. Winter gear is available if you're hiking in the colder months, and the whole tour is designed for hikers of all ages and abilities: solo travelers, families, and groups all fit here.

What’s included

• Snacks during the hike.
• winter gear during the winter season.
• a local guide who speaks English and knows Colorado's geology, plants and wildlife.
• the drive from Denver to the trailhead and back to the cafe.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Senior (80 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Colorado Hiking Co

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Denver without a car. Your guide picks you up downtown and handles all driving, so you can focus on the hike itself rather than logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the hike itself actually like, how long are we on the trail?

The hike takes a few hours with breaks built in for water, snacks and photos. Your guide sets the pace and you stop as needed, so the trail works for all fitness levels.

Do I need my own car to get to the trailhead?

No. You meet at Nest at Nurture in Denver and the guide drives the group to the trail, so you don't need your own transportation. Public transit options are available near the cafe if you're coming from elsewhere in Denver.

What's Dinosaur Ridge and why does the guide talk about it?

Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison is where Colorado's dinosaur history is visible in the landscape. Your guide shares stories about the dinosaurs that lived in Colorado and what the rocks tell us about that past.

Will I actually see Mount Evans from the hike, or just from a distance?

Mount Evans is visible from the viewpoint at the top of your hike: a 14,155-foot snow-capped peak in the Rocky Mountains. You'll also see Mount Bierstadt nearby and the town of Kittridge below, making for strong photos.

What if I'm hiking in winter? Do I need to bring my own gear?

Winter gear is available during the winter season, so you don't need to bring your own cold-weather equipment.

Is lunch included, or do I pay extra at the cafe?

Lunch is optional. After the hike, you have the choice to return to Nest at Nurture for a meal, but it's not part of the tour package.