Within just 15 minutes, you can be at the stunning location and hiking; that’s how great Conifer is.
The landscape here is varied, with meadows, pine forests, and aspen groves to enjoy. And the terrain is mountainous and rugged, with just a few easy options.
The most popular outdoor destination in the area is Staunton State Park which gets quite busy during the summer. Also, there are a few smaller ranches and a fun waterfall location to explore.
Trails near Conifer:
- Maxwell Falls
- Sunny Aspen Trail to Legault Mountain
- Staunton Ranch Trail to Staunton Ranch Overlook
- Lodge Pole Loop Trail
- Shadow Pines Loop
- Mason Creek Trail to Eagle Cliffs Overlook
- Berrian Mountain
- Cub Creek to Staunton Ranch
- Lion’s Head
- Davis Ponds Trail
1. Maxwell Falls
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 811 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 7 miles (12 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Maxwell Falls is a popular spot for hiking and nature trips. The selection of trails in the area allows making a 4-mile loop to see Maxwell Creek Falls (when the water is flowing).
The terrain is hilly, with many boulders and roots on the path. But the area is charming, with pines, bluffs, and the creek – the perfect little hike.
2. Sunny Aspen Trail to Legault Mountain
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,389 ft
- Time to Complete: 3h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 4 miles (5 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Sunny Aspen Trail is a fun but challenging climb to the 9,046-foot Legault Mountain. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow, but the terrain is steep, with an optional scramble at the peak.
This hike has a mix of open meadows, pine forests, and aspen groves, producing a diverse landscape. And the peak offers unobstructed views of surrounding mountains.
3. Staunton Ranch Trail to Staunton Ranch Overlook
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,274 ft
- Time to Complete: 4h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 7 miles (12 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Staunton State Park is Colorado’s newest park that opened in 2013. It is a highly-rated destination for a variety of outdoor activities including, hiking, biking, and climbing.
The park has a wide selection of well-kept routes, and Staunton Ranch Trail is its most popular option. The trail is wide and relatively flat for the first half before the climb to the overlook. The varied landscape and rugged vertical cliffs attract crowds in summer, but it’s a must-visit spot.
4. Lodge Pole Loop Trail
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 401 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 4 miles (5 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Lodge Pole Loop Trail is one of a few easy hikes around Conifer. It is relatively flat, without any surprises, well-marked, and easy to follow. Also, it can be connected to other trails in the area if 2 miles isn’t enough.
The loop is very scenic, too, with a mix of meadows and aspen and pine groves. It is the perfect choice for trail running, families with small kids, and beginners.
5. Shadow Pines Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 389 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 1 mile (2 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Shadow Pines Loop is another easy option for those who prefer to avoid steep terrain. It is a popular hike with a mix of exposed and shaded sections.
Dog walkers and trail runners love this location. And in winter, it’s an excellent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination.
The trail’s location is very convenient – it is halfway between Conifer and Aspen Park, making it the perfect choice for weekday workouts or evening strolls.
6. Mason Creek Trail to Eagle Cliffs Overlook
- Type: Lollipop
- Trail Length: 8.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,593 ft
- Time to Complete: 4h 30min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 7 miles (12 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Mason Creek Trail is another highly-rated and highly-popular route in Staunton State Park. It is well-maintained like many trails in the park, but the terrain is steep and rugged, with sections of exposed rocks. Yet, there is plenty of shade to cool off on hot days.
It is arguably the most scenic trail in the park as it leads to several overlooks with stunning views of mountains and valleys below – an excellent hike.
7. Berrian Mountain
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 989 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot (very small): Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 6 miles (10 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Climbing Berrian Mountain is a fun adventure. The trail is not as well-maintained or marked as in the parks. The terrain is steep and rough, but there is plenty of shade.
The views from the top are breathtaking. On clear days, you can see Denver and snow-covered Rocky peaks. But the best thing about this trail is that it doesn’t get crowded. So, if you are searching for some solitude and tranquility, this is your best bet around Conifer.
8. Cub Creek to Staunton Ranch
- Type: Point to Point
- Trail Length: 12.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,018 ft
- Time to Complete: 6h
- Difficulty: Hard
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 7 miles (15 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Cub Creek to Staunton Ranch route is an excellent point-to-point trail popular with backpackers as there are a couple of campsites on the way.
The terrain is typical for the area – hilly, with exposed roots and rocks and a couple of strenuous climbs.
Just like the previous route, this trail is relatively quiet and perfect for a peaceful experience.
9. Lion’s Head
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 11.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,816 ft
- Time to Complete: 6h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 7 miles (12 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Lion’s Head is a popular peak in Staunton State Park, typically accessed by Lion’s Back Trail.
This route is long and inexperienced hikers may find it too strenuous. For the first half, it’s relatively flat, but the final push to the peak is challenging.
But Staunton Park never disappoints, and the views from the top are definitely worth the sweat.
10. Davis Ponds Trail
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 2.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 231 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Conifer: 7 miles (12 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Davis Ponds Trail is the only easy option in Staunton State Park. It is a well-maintained route with a packed surface suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, there are a few steep sections where wheelchairs may need some help.
It is a pleasant walk with picnic areas, access to the ponds, and lots of shade. In a mountainous area like Conifer, such trails are a rare sight.
Final Thoughts
Conifer is an excellent base for hiking and running trails. The selection above includes the highest-rated trails in the area, most of which are suitable for running, as well as for hiking and mountain biking. Enjoy!
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