Colorado Hikes near Denver: Square Top Mountain
Are you looking for the challenge of a 14er without the crowds? This trail, peaking at about 13,800, is 75 minutes from my LoHi personal training studio in Denver and offers just as many views! It also started my seven-week stretch of nine peaks in July (four 13ers and three 14ers). It’s well worth the visit, even if you only hike the modest first four miles out and back!
Truly, an incredible escape from the personal training studio in Denver.
Time of Year: Sunday, July 23rd, 2023.
Weather: 41 degrees and sunny.
Cover: 100% exposed.
Time: 9:04 am - 1:07 pm.
Distance: 6.85 miles total.
Cost: No cost.
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.
Difficulty: Hard Level 2 for altitude (13,783 feet), elevation gain (about 2310 feet), and length (nearly 6.86 miles). Steep grade up a dirt path about 2 miles in, but it's not technical.
Route: Out and back (South Park Trail to Square Top Mountain Trail and back).
Traffic: Light.
Parking: 3 spots left in the upper lot next to the trailhead. The lower lot feeds the Bierstadt Trail, and it was packed with a line of cars streaming down the road.
Equipment: Hiking boots, hiking poles.
Terrain: A fairly easy-to-follow dirt trail with a non-technical rock scramble towards the top.
Experience: An incredible alternative to the circus line on the Bierstadt trail next door. While this isn't a 14er, it's pretty close and provides many of the same sweeping views and fruits of the higher counterpart (without the line of people). It is a lovely trail from the moment you step onto it. If you want some of the views without the work, hiking two miles out and turning around is worth it, too.
Denver Personal Trainer Notes: This is a perfect workout for my personal training clients in LoHi, who have shown an excellent cardio baseline. The first section is gradual (a nice warmup) before your climb up. Because it isn’t technical, my personal training clients who love to run can zip up and down for an added challenge.
My personal training clients in Denver love this trail….and see why!
My LoHi personal training clients recommended this trail, and it ranks as one of my new favorites!
Even an Illinois native can handle this trail!
Plenty of alpine lakes in views atop Square Top Mountain.
Enjoying a windy visit atop Square Top Mountain outside of Denver, Colorado.
Square Top Mountain is a perfect addition to a personal training session outside of Denver!
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!
