Colorado Hikes near Denver: Chief Mountain Trail and Mestaa'ehehe Mountain Trail
Living in Denver, Colorado, offers many perks, including great hiking trails near Evergreen within 60 minutes. Here’s an outstanding hike that I’ve recently recommended to my personal training clients in LoHi.
Chief Mountain should be on your list of hikes within 60 minutes of our personal training studio in Denver. I hiked this trail two days after my best friend’s daughter was born. It was necessary to rename the mountain after her :)
Time of Year: Mid-September.
Weather: 52 degrees and sunny at 9:45 am.
Cover: 65% exposed on Chief Mountain Trail and 100% exposed on Mestaa'ehehe Mountain Trail.
Time: 9:45 am - 1:09 pm.
Distance: 7.3 Miles total - Hiked to the peak of Chief Mountain Trail and back down towards Forest Service Road 252.1C. Took it to Mestaa'ehehe Mountain Peak on Fire Tower Trail before returning to my car near the Chief Mountain Trailhead.
Traffic: Moderate to high on Chief Mountain, Low on Mestaa'ehehe Mountain (some cars driving to the halfway mark).
Parking: Tough to notice off the road without GPS. Busy but plenty of roadside parking within .5 in each direction of the Chief Mountain Trailhead.
Equipment: Hiking boots.
Terrain: Chief Mountain Trail is a rocky dirt trail with an incline from the first step. The similar terrain along the trail at times might lead you astray. The path to Mestaa'ehehe Mountain is a rarely used dirt road.
Experience: The Chief Mountain Trail is a short but incredibly rewarding trail with sweeping 360 views on top of a short rock scramble. Views really begin at the mile mark and offer more than enough to push their way into my top 3 trails under 12k/4 or fewer miles. For another 4 miles (and another peak), I took the service road halfway back down to Fire Tower Trail (a dirt service road) and climbed the less scenic incline to the tower. It was worth the climb! The top 1/5 offered comparable sweeping views and a perspective of Chief Mountain from a couple of miles away. I could walk up the stairs to the tower's balcony and enjoy another 360 perspective. Almost as beautiful as Chief Mountain!
Cost: Free.
Difficulty: Moderate (baseline cardio endurance necessary for the steep grade up to each peak).
Denver Personal Trainer Notes: I’ve been telling my personal training clients about the Chief Mountain trail for weeks, and I couldn’t recommend a better trail under 4 miles. It’s an excellent option for adventurers still working on their endurance but seeking the fruits of a big mountain hike. The peak of Mestaa'ehehe Mountain Trail offers equal joy at the top. Unfortunately, the road up is less exciting. It’s only about 4 miles out and back and still worth it if you’re seeking an extra treat!
This sweeping panoramic view begs my personal training clients in Denver to visit for a plant-based picnic!
A nice little launching pad for a fitness session with a view! My Denver personal training studio in LoHi is jealous!
One of my favorite views atop of Chief Mountain.
No matter the direction you look, you will find a new peak for your next personal training session!
I’ve told my personal training clients quite a bit about this neighboring hike to the Fire Tower as well.
Denver seems like light years away atop Mestaa'ehehe Mountain.
Mestaa'ehehe Mountain is a bit underrated because of the walk-up. It is equally as satisfying as the top of Chief Mountain, though. Personal training in Denver offers the chance to push endurance to new levels on the weekend with accessible peaks like this.
Could there be a better hotel stay than the Fire Tower on Mestaa'ehehe Mountain!!
Personal training in LoHi is just part of one’s fitness experience. With a bit of work, anyone can reach this height as well.
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!
