Hike Green Mountain Trail and Hayden Trail Loop at William F. Hayden Park

Rating	★★★★☆(4/5)
Overall Difficulty	Moderate
Navigation Difficulty	Easy
Distance	5 miles roundtrip
Time	2.5 hours
Terrain	Hilly, 700 feet of elevation gain
Best Seasons	Spring, Fall, Winter
Family Friendly	Yes
Dog Friendly	Yes
Accessible	No

Highlights

The best views of the Denver skyline
Beautiful grassy hills and distant mountain vistas

Hike Summary

Rising 1,600 feet above the Mile-High City, the treeless and aptly-named Green Mountain is a prominent landmark visible throughout the Denver metro. The City of Lakewood preserves its grassy slopes and maintains a vast trail network for hikers and mountain bikers, each providing great views and a decent uphill challenge. This loop hike up the Green Mountain Trail and down the John O. Hayden Trail is an excellent hike for fall or spring when you crave good views but don't want to drive far into the mountains.

The trail starts by switchbacking gradually up the mountainside, as pictured below. One of the benefits of having no trees is that the views are nearly constant after you've ascended a bit.

The switchbacks near the beginning of the trail

Watch for two things on this hike: mountain bikers and rattlesnakes. This is a popular destination for mountain bikers, and you're likely to see bikers almost any time you hike. Technically, you have the right of way on the trail, but it's a nice gesture for you to step aside and let bikers pass. Rattlesnakes, like the one pictured below that I saw on the end of my hike, may be present starting in late spring when the weather warms. If you do encounter one, keep your distance and either wait for it to move or carefully step several feet off-trail and walk around it. Don't worry though, snakebite risk is low: only 6 bites were reported from 2015-2019 in Jefferson County Open Space parks out of about 35 million visitors during that same period.

A rattlesnake sunning itself on the trail

Follow the signs for the Green Mountain Trail as you encounter trail junctions ahead. As you rise higher, the views of the Denver skyline are stunning. Because Green Mountain is the closest highpoint near the city, these are the best views of Denver in the entire metro area (but that's just, like, my opinion, man).

The Denver skyline from the Green Mountain Trail

Though you might think the radio tower pictured below is at the summit of Green Mountain, you will still have a little higher to climb! Luckily, the trail isn't at all steep.

The grassy slopes and radio tower near the top of Green Mountain

You can reach the true summit by taking an unmarked side trail away from the wide, road-like trail -- if you accidentally pass this trail, you'll reach a slightly shorter, unnamed highpoint. Once at the top, the views are amazing. In addition to the Denver city views, you'll see the beautiful snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the west as they form a fortress-like wall on the edge of civilization, as pictured in the three images below.

The summit view to the north

The summit view to the south with Dinosaur Ridge and the Front Range dominating the scene

The Rocky Mountains to the west of Green Mountain's summit

After you're done savoring the views, start retracing your steps back to the wide trail and turn right to head downhill. On the right side, look for a sign indicating your turn for the John O. Hayden Trail. This route down is less open and airy compared to the Green Mountain Trail and provides more of an interior view of the grassy slopes. Near the end of your descent, turn sharply left to return to the parking lot.

Climb Green Mountain next time you want to go for a solid hike but don't want to drive a long distance. Connect with me using the social media links below and share your adventures!

Important Information

Dogs are allowed on leash. With just over 700 feet of elevation gain, this hike is too difficult for younger children, and there are no substitute trails in this park -- they all involve significant uphill. There is absoultely no shade on this hike, so you should avoid the trail during the summer. Visit during fall and spring for the best conditions, though you can climb easily during snow-free times in winter as well. Expect to see people no matter when you visit, and be on alert for mountain bikers during your hike.

Directions

From Denver, take U.S. Highway 6 west. Exit at Union Boulevard, then turn left. Turn right onto Alameda Avenue. The entrance for the parking lot will be on the right just past the left turn lane for Florida Drive.

Google Maps Directions

Parking, Fees, and Facilities

Parking is free! This is a popular park, so parking often fills up during peak times. You can find another, smaller parking lot further down Alameda Avenue; otherwise, check the official park map linked at the bottom of the page to find additional parking areas and amend your route up Green Mountain accordingly.

There is a portable toilet in the parking lot.