Golden Gate Canyon State Park

This is one of my favorite quick getaways to take a break from my desk and stretch out my legs! Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a variety of hikes for every level. There is also camping and of course, it's a great place for a picnic lunch on a summer day. Only about 30 minutes from Denver, you can enjoy mountains, greenery, scenery and amazing wildflowers without hitting a ton of interstate traffic going to and from the mountains. You can head out there for an afternoon day hike and be back by supper. If you are lucky enough to escape during the week, then you might even have the path all to yourself. There is an admission fee of $5.00 per day, or you can buy an annual pass for all of the CO state parks. It's also a marvelous site to host your wedding! more

I love this beautiful park so close to home. It's a great place to hightail it to when you've just got to get away from the computer (or the guy in the cubicle next to you) for a few hours! A small entrance fee (or buy a CO State Parks annual pass) gives you access to a multitude of hiking trails of varying levels. Their park rangers (is that what they're called?) are very helpful and if you stop at the visitor center and tell them you time constraints and your energy level, they will send you on the best hike for you. If you go during the week, it's not deserted, but it is sparse with people. Pack a lunch and go commune with nature. You'll come back wonderfully restored! more