Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Henderson, Colorado
Henderson, Colorado sits in the South Platte River corridor northeast of Denver, and its hiking options reflect that setting: flat, open, and built around multi-use paths rather than mountain trails.
7 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 7 spots
Henderson, Colorado sits in the South Platte River corridor northeast of Denver, and its hiking options reflect that setting: flat, open, and built around multi-use paths rather than mountain trails. The listings here are dominated by paved and gravel MUPs (multi-use paths) along corridors like 120th Avenue and E 96th Avenue, plus the Fulton Ditch Maintenance Road, which runs alongside an agricultural irrigation ditch and earns an easy difficulty rating. The Dahlia Street route adds another low-key connection to the mix. None of these are wilderness hikes — you won't gain significant elevation or find yourself far from roads — but they're genuinely useful for getting miles in on foot without driving to the mountains. The Fulton Ditch road in particular offers a quiet, flat walk that feels removed from the surrounding suburban grid. If you're visiting from out of town specifically to hike, Henderson is better treated as a warm-up or recovery day option than a destination. But for locals or anyone staying in the northeast Denver metro, these corridors are accessible, well-connected, and easy to link together for a longer outing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the skill level required for hiking in Henderson, Colorado?
All of the listed routes are beginner-friendly. The Fulton Ditch Maintenance Road is explicitly rated easy, and the MUP corridors along 120th Avenue and E 96th Avenue are flat, paved or gravel paths with no technical terrain. Anyone comfortable walking a few miles on level ground can handle these routes.
What is the best time of year to hike in Henderson?
These low-elevation paths are accessible most of the year. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, while summer mornings before 9 or 10 a.m. are your best bet to avoid heat on exposed stretches. Winter is generally walkable as long as you check for ice on paved MUP surfaces after a freeze.
Is any special gear needed for these hikes?
No technical gear is required. Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are fine since the surfaces are maintained paths and maintenance roads. Bring water, especially in summer — there are no reliable water sources along these corridors.
Are the 120th Avenue MUP and E 96th Ave MUP open to bikes and other users?
Yes, MUP stands for multi-use path, so expect to share these routes with cyclists, joggers, and dog walkers. Stay to the right and give an audible signal when passing. The Fulton Ditch Maintenance Road tends to see lighter traffic.
Can I park easily at the trailheads for these routes?
Parking access varies by entry point along these corridors. The MUPs along 120th Avenue and E 96th Avenue typically have roadside pull-offs or small lots at major intersections, but dedicated trailhead parking is limited. Arriving early on weekends helps, and some hikers access these paths directly from nearby neighborhoods on foot.
