Colorado Hikes near Denver: Green Mountain Loop via Chautauqua Trail
Now that cooler weather is upon us a hike in nearby Boulder is always a safer bet for mild temperatures and interesting terrain. All of my personal training clients in LoHi have been hearing about this recent hike and I encourage you to add it to your list. It's such a great workout! Definitely my new favorite front-range trail with sweeping views east, north, and west! Don’t plan to hike? Maybe decide after these photos….
It’s hard to build personal training studio in Denver like this! Expect similar terrain on the way up to the peak of Green Mountain.
Time of Year: Late-October.
Weather: 38 degrees and sunny at 8:57 am, wind: 4 mph (nonfactor).
Cover: 65% dispersed cover.
Time: 8:57 am - 12:31 pm.
Distance: 7.3 miles total (left on the loop at Amphitheater Trail).
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.
Route: Chautauqua Trail to 6th Street Connector Trail to Meadow Trail to Amphitheater Trail to Saddle Rock Trail to EM Green Man Trail to Green Mountain West Ridge Trail to Ranger Trail to Gregory Canyon Trail.....and then back to Meadow Trail to 6th Street Connector Trail to Meadow Trail to Chautauqua Trail. In other words, follow the All-Trails map (except Ski Jump Trail-closed).
Traffic: Light.
Parking: 50% full (parking is now free until Memorial Day Weekend; there is tons of parking for the many trail connectors).
Equipment: Hiking boots.
Terrain: A well-marked rocky trail with a 2600-foot climb over the first 3.7 miles. Primarily a dirt path the first 1 mile down from the peak of Green Mountain before a rocky dirt trail starts again within the canyon. The Meadow Trail on the front and back ends is mostly a dirt trail, too.
Experience: I think this is the most rewarding front-range hike so far. While everyone jumps on Boulder's Royal Arch and Flatirons trails, this neighboring trek offers interesting terrain with incredible east, north, and west views up the steep incline to the top of Green Mountain. You can see over 20 other peaks and the high plains at 8100 feet. On the way back, you're rewarded with a rocky stroll through Gregory Canyon. I clocked 3.5 hours for 7.3 miles. Expect to add time to your hike for the climb and soak in the views.
Cost: Free.
Difficulty: Hard Level 1 (cardio and muscular endurance necessary for the consistent grade up the first half and steady footing on the way down; moderate distance overall at 7.3 miles; no significant scrambles; 1 ladder climb because of a mudslide).
Denver Personal Trainer Notes: Like the neighboring Royal Arch hike, personal training clients need good cardio and muscular endurance to manage the 2600-foot climb within the first 3 miles. For such hikes, I move at a pace that doesn’t overstep my physical boundaries, and I certainly take breaks when necessary. No doubt, this hike will certainly count as your other workout outside of your personal training session. My weekly goal is 7-11 miles, but I will enlist a short hike with a little elevation instead. You can cut off a couple of miles by parking at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. I won’t judge. :)
My personal training clients in Denver will be able to name over 20 peaks in the distance with this handy tool on Green Mountain in Boulder.
This is view is only 35 minutes from my Denver personal training studio in LoHi. Simply amazing.
Couldn’t stop taking photos of the many Colorado peaks once climbed up the 1000k feet.
Happy to meet mid-hike for a personal training session with this as a backdrop!
Leaf-peaking is a popular sport for my personal training clients…..you don’t have to go far for a buffet of fall colors.
Gregory Canyon in Boulder gives us a peak of the high plains and its fall colors.
We have a skyline while personal training in Denver and Boulder gives us the majestic rock formations swimming in the forest of trees.
The high plains of Colorado coming to life with new color!
Personal training in LoHi is just part of one’s fitness experience. This uneven terrain will bring activation to your lower limbs.
The varying terrain of Boulder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
