The best walks and hikes around Aurora

Yes, many trails in and around Aurora are dog-friendly, though they generally must be kept on a leash. Places like Cherry Creek State Park and the Aurora Reservoir are popular spots for walking with dogs. Always check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit.

Aurora has several great options for families and beginners. The Morrison Nature Center loop is a very gentle 1.6-mile (2.6 km) walk through a peaceful woodland area, perfect for little legs. The trails at Star K Ranch are also known for being beginner-friendly.

Yes, the Sand Creek Regional Greenway offers a 14-mile paved trail that winds through Aurora, providing a smooth surface for walking, running, or pushing a stroller. Parts of the trail system within Cherry Creek State Park are also paved and accessible.

For expansive views, the trails around the reservoirs are excellent choices. The path circling the Aurora Reservoir offers scenic vistas of the water with the Front Range mountains in the distance. Similarly, trails in Cherry Creek State Park provide wonderful mountain views across the reservoir.

The Plains Conservation Center loop offers a unique experience, taking you through 1,000 acres of prairie grassland. It's a great place for wildlife spotting, with chances to see pronghorn and various bird species. The trails are generally flat and easy, providing a sense of the region's natural history.

Absolutely. Many of the lower-elevation and flatter trails in Aurora are accessible year-round. Reservoir loops and greenway paths are popular choices for winter walks. However, trails can become icy or muddy, so it's wise to wear appropriate footwear with good traction.

Yes, Aurora has several excellent loop trails. The 7.8-mile (12.5 km) Perimeter Trail loop — Aurora Reservoir is a popular choice that takes you all the way around the water. For a shorter option, the trails at the Morrison Nature Center and Plains Conservation Center also form loops.

The Plains Conservation Center is a prime location for spotting prairie wildlife like pronghorn deer and red-tailed hawks. Star K Ranch and the Sand Creek corridor are rich riparian habitats where you can see diverse bird species. For a chance to see bison, the nearby Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent choice.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the wide-open spaces, the scenic views across the reservoirs, and the peaceful, well-maintained paths along creeks and through nature preserves. The variety of easy trails suitable for all fitness levels is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

For those seeking a longer challenge, the Sand Creek Trail is a great option. This route follows the Sand Creek Regional Greenway for nearly 19 miles (30 km), connecting various parks and natural areas through Aurora and neighboring cities.

The hiking around Aurora is characterized by its high plains environment. Expect mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. Trails often follow creek corridors like Sand Creek, circle large reservoirs, or cross open prairie grasslands. You'll find a mix of paved greenways, dirt paths, and gravel trails.

While many local parks and greenways like the Sand Creek Regional Greenway are free to access, some larger parks require a fee. For example, Cherry Creek State Park requires a daily vehicle pass or an annual state parks pass for entry. Always check the specific park's website for the most current fee information before you go.