Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Applewood, Colorado
Applewood, Colorado sits in Jefferson County just west of Denver, and its trail network punches above its weight for a city of its size.
14 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 14 spots
Applewood, Colorado sits in Jefferson County just west of Denver, and its trail network punches above its weight for a city of its size. The 14 listed hikes here skew heavily toward accessible terrain — Croc Tooth Trail, Basalt Cap Loop Trail, Cretaceous Trail, and Ancient Palms Trail all come in at the easy end of the difficulty spectrum, which makes Applewood a reasonable first stop for hikers getting their legs under them at Front Range elevation before pushing into the higher country. That said, trails like Soaring Eagle Trail and Jawbone Trail don't carry an easy tag, so there is some variety if you want a bit more effort. Willow Tree Loop appears across multiple listings and is clearly a local staple worth putting at the top of your list. The geology-themed naming on several trails — Cretaceous Trail, Basalt Cap Loop Trail, Croc Tooth Trail — hints at the exposed rock and ridge terrain you can expect, which also means limited shade on warm afternoons. Morning starts are worth the early alarm, especially from late May through September when afternoon heat and the occasional thunderstorm build quickly on open ground.
Frequently asked questions
Which trails in Applewood are best for beginners or families with young kids?
Several trails here are rated easy, including Croc Tooth Trail, Ancient Palms Trail, Basalt Cap Loop Trail, and Cretaceous Trail. Willow Tree Loop is another popular option that shows up frequently in local listings. These are reasonable choices for kids or anyone new to hiking at Front Range elevations.
Are there any more challenging hikes in Applewood, or is it mostly flat easy terrain?
Most of the listed trails lean easy, but Soaring Eagle Trail and Jawbone Trail do not carry that rating, suggesting more elevation change or technical footing. If you want a harder effort without driving far, those two are your best starting points.
What is the best time of day to hike in Applewood during summer?
Start before 9 a.m. if you can. The geology-themed trails like Basalt Cap Loop and Cretaceous Trail appear to cross open, exposed terrain that offers little shade, and afternoon temperatures on the Front Range climb fast from June through August. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common and can move in quickly on exposed ridgelines.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in Applewood?
For the easy-rated loops, a daypack with at least a liter of water per person, sunscreen, and trail shoes is sufficient for most conditions. If you are tackling Soaring Eagle Trail or Jawbone Trail, add trekking poles and extra water since the terrain is less predictable. Regardless of trail, carry a rain layer from spring through early fall given how fast afternoon weather shifts on the Front Range.
Is Willow Tree Loop worth doing more than once, and why does it appear so many times in the listings?
Willow Tree Loop shows up across four separate listings, which typically reflects multiple access points, seasonal route variations, or simply high local traffic driving repeated documentation. It is worth doing at least once to understand why it is a local staple, and the different listing entries suggest you may be able to approach it from more than one trailhead.
