The best walks and hikes around Littleton
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1,657
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Hiking around Littleton, Colorado, features a diverse range of landscapes, from gentle riverside paths to trails that navigate dramatic red-rock formations. The region is characterized by the South Platte River corridor, which provides mostly flat routes, and nearby parks offering more challenging canyon trails with significant elevation changes. This variety of terrain makes the area suitable for hikers of all abilities, with options including reservoir loops and mountain views.
Best hiking trails in Littleton
- The most popular hiking route is Plymouth Mountain via Black Bear Trail — Deer Creek Canyon Park, a 17.4 miles (28.0 km) trail that takes 8 hours 7 minutes to complete. This is a difficult hike with considerable elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Chatfield Reservoir loop — Chatfield State Park, a moderate 11.5 miles (18.5 km) path. The route circles the reservoir with minimal elevation change.
- Local hikers also love the Ketring Lake loop — Ketring Park, a 1.0 mile (1.6 km) trail leading around the lake, often completed in about 23 minutes.
- Hiking around Littleton is defined by riverside greenways, reservoir paths, and rugged canyon trails. The network of routes provides options for different ability levels, from short, easy walks to difficult all-day hikes.
- The routes in Littleton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 1,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Littleton's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
3
hikers
15.3km
03:58
110m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
10.4km
02:44
110m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
2.91km
00:44
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
10.4km
02:44
110m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
32.7km
08:16
60m
70m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Don’t miss the chance to see a SpaceX rocket booster up close. It’s mounted just above the Mary Carter Greenway in Littleton, inside a fenced lot by DISH Network. You can’t go inside, but the view from the bike path is more than enough for a quick, geeky photo stop. The site is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
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This is the closest most people will ever get to a rocket booster. It is located right next to the bike path. It is in a fenced area with locked gate. I don't know what the opening hours are. Maybe someone else can post those hours to this highlight when they visit it. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_first-stage_boosters#Booster_1021
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This point marks the intersection and trailhead for the Lee Gulch Trail and the Mary Carter Trail. This major trail junction is along the shores of the South Platte River and is a great resting spot or a spot to visit with the family.
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The South Platte River is a tributary to the Platte River. It is 439 miles long and was originally called Niinéniiniicíihéhe by the native Arapaho people who lived on its banks.
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Redtail Lake is surrounded by a network of trails that offer views of the water, wildlife, and mountains. You can access the lake from the Mary Carter Greenway Trail, which runs along the South Platte River and connects to other trails in the park. Redtail Lake is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise in a peaceful setting.
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Redtail Lake is surrounded by a network of trails that offer views of the water, wildlife, and mountains. You can access the lake from the Mary Carter Greenway Trail, which runs along the South Platte River and connects to other trails in the park. Redtail Lake is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise in a peaceful setting.
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This lake is best known for its fishing, but it also fronts on the paved Mary Carter Greenway Trail (to the east side of the lake). You can also run a complete loop around the lake, but the rest of the loop will be on dirt and gravel.
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There is a trail that loops around Centennial Pond in Centennial Park that's really popular for walking and running. There is a dock on the western side of the water that is the most popular overlook spot, but you get views from pretty much any spot around the reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many dog-friendly hiking trails in the Littleton area?
Yes, there are several options for hiking with your dog. For a dedicated off-leash experience, the Chatfield Dog Off-Leash Trail loop in Chatfield State Park is a popular choice. For on-leash hiking, many parks like Deer Creek Canyon Park and South Valley Park welcome dogs. However, be aware that dogs are not permitted in Waterton Canyon to protect the bighorn sheep population.
What are some good, easy hikes for beginners or families with kids?
The Littleton area has many accessible trails perfect for a family outing or a gentle start. The Ketring Lake loop is a very short, flat walk around a lake. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the paved Mary Carter Greenway Trail along the South Platte River is excellent and suitable for strollers.
I'm looking for a challenging hike. What do you recommend?
For a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain, head to Deer Creek Canyon Park. It's known for its steep and rocky trails that reward hikers with great views. The park offers several routes that climb to the summits of Plymouth Mountain and Bill Couch Mountain, providing a serious workout.
Where can I see the famous red-rock formations near Littleton?
The most spectacular red-rock formations are found at Roxborough State Park, a National Natural Landmark. The park features several trails that wind through and overlook the dramatic, tilted sandstone fins. It's a highly regarded spot for its unique geology and scenery.
How many hiking trails are available around Littleton?
There is a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 70 hiking routes available on Komoot. These range from 44 easy walks suitable for all ages to 24 moderate trails and 3 difficult hikes for those seeking a challenge.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Littleton?
The hiking routes around Littleton are highly rated by the Komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the diversity of the landscape, from the serene riverside paths of the South Platte to the stunning geological wonders in the nearby state parks.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, many trails are designed as loops. A great moderate option is the Hildebrand Ranch Park to Hogback Hill Park loop, which offers a satisfying circuit with some elevation change. Many parks, including Roxborough and Chatfield, also feature well-marked loop trails.
Where is the best place to see wildlife while hiking?
Waterton Canyon is an exceptional destination for wildlife viewing, famous for its large herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You might also spot mule deer and numerous bird species. South Platte Park is another excellent choice, particularly for birdwatching in its riparian and grassland habitats.
Are there any paved walking trails suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is an excellent choice. It's a paved, multi-use path that runs alongside the South Platte River, offering beautiful views and a smooth surface. Parts of the 71-mile High Line Canal Trail are also paved and accessible.
What kind of scenery can I expect on hikes near Littleton?
The scenery is incredibly diverse. You can experience tranquil riverside walks along the South Platte River, explore the vast open spaces and reservoir views at Chatfield State Park, or immerse yourself in the dramatic, 300-million-year-old red sandstone formations of Roxborough State Park. For more rugged mountain terrain, the canyons and peaks of Deer Creek Canyon Park offer a different kind of beauty.
I'm looking for a difficult, full-day hike. What's a good option?
If you're prepared for a long and demanding day, the Plymouth Mountain via Black Bear Trail is one of the toughest hikes in the area. This nearly 17.4-mile (28 km) route involves considerable elevation gain and takes over 8 hours to complete, offering a true challenge for experienced hikers.
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