Get easy to access Rocky Mountain highs on these five metro-area dayhikes that explore close-to-home wilderness in Mt. Falcon Open Space, Matthews/Winters Park, the Indian Peaks, Boulder Open Space, and Golden Gate State Park.

Hike or ride smooth singletrack on this 7.2-mile lasso-loop, which climbs gently through rich scrubland and ponderosa forest to a killer mountainside overlook.

Cruise 5.2 miles along gentle foothills, Ireland-esque pastures, and past an old sawmill to a vista overlooking Boulder Canyon and the Front Range.

Quiet rules on this mostly off-trail, 5.1-mile scramble up a boulder strewn canyon to a gnarly rocky crown with panoramic mountain views in Pike National Forest.

Hike lonely trails filled with Yosemite-like granite formations in Lost Creek Wilderness on this 15.4-mile out-and-back up the Retirement Range's highest peak.

Ascend North America's tallest dunes for a day surrounded by alpine peaks, a desert valley, and shifting mountains of sand on this 6.6-mile loop in America's newest national park.

Thanks to only a little elevation gain, this 7-mile loop offers flatlanders great rewards (big views, wildlife, solitude) without much suffering. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen.

Follow this 9.9-mile loop through vibrant wildflower displays and past snow-fed streams to a huge alpine lake with unbeatable campsite views of Mount Meeker.

Explore Colorado's Gore Range on this 12.4-mile shuttle hike that begins in Vail, crosses Red Buffalo Pass, and drops into Silverthorne.

The Eagles Nest Wilderness doesn‰Ûªt attract regular Colorado crowds‰ÛÓunless you count the mountain goats. Explore rugged peaks, and pristine alpine lakes on this 13.3-mile route in an under-appreciated Rocky Mountain getaway.