The weather is warm, the wildflowers are blooming, and Colorado’s hiking season is in full swing. Just in the nearby foothills, you’ll find hundreds of miles of trails. Choosing where to go can feel overwhelming, though outdoor apps offer helpful filters for distance, difficulty, and features like waterfalls and alpine lakes.
However, these tools won’t help you find a great local restaurant nearby. So to help hungry explorers, we’ve pulled together this list of the best post-hike hangouts in and near the Denver metro area. Discover scenic trails set just minutes from burger joints, breweries, brunch spots, and more great places to dine.
Littleton
Breckenridge Brewery
Summer crowds sprawl on the spacious lawn outside Breckenridge Brewery, which ranks among the state’s top beer makers. Find this outpost along the South Platte River Trail, a paved multi-use path that spans an incredible 45 miles. Walk as far as you like, then stop by for a beer flight, comforting fare like Country Fried Chicken ($16) and Mac N Cheese ($15), plus fun lawn games and outdoor concerts. 2990 Brewery Ln., Littleton, breckbrew.com
Homegrown Tap & Dough
Ken Caryl borders so many great hikes, including the kid-friendly Coyote Song Trail. Admire red rock formations on this easy three-mile loop, then refuel at the nearby Homegrown Tap & Dough outpost. The menu stars hand-tossed pies like the summer’s special Palisade Peach Pizza ($18.95), as well as an affordable family bundle featuring garlic bread, two Caesar salads, and two one-topping pizzas ($59.50). 12622 W. Ken Caryl Ave., Littleton, tapanddough.com
Morrison and Golden
The Golden Mill
Please a crowd at The Golden Mill, a buzzy food hall made up of five dining concepts. Meal options range from barbecue and burgers to street tacos and poke bowls. Save room for an ice cream cone to savor on the patio along Clear Creek, and plan your visit around its live music calendar. Golden has no shortage of hikes, though many would agree that the moderate four-mile Mount Galbraith Loop is one of the best. 1012 Ford St., Golden, thegoldenmill.com
Red Rocks Beer Garden
With its dog-friendly patio and welcoming vibe, this popular pre-concert hangout is equally as appealing post-hike. Ramble along the nearby Red Rocks Trading Post Trail, a moderate 1.6-mile loop featuring sandstone formations and foothill views. Then order a round from this spot’s Colorado-only tap list, as well as Soft Pretzels ($10) with spicy mustard and thin-crust pizzas to share ($10-$18). 116 Stone St., Morrison, redrocksbeergarden.com
New Terrain Brewing Company
While there are many great places to dine near trailheads, New Terrain is one of few actually connected to a mountain park. Hike four moderate miles along the Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop, or choose one of several other routes on North Table Mountain. Down at the brewery, you’ll find a dog-friendly outdoor space with regular live music, rotating food trucks, and refreshing beer flights. 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy., Golden, newterrainbrewing.com
Bob’s Atomic Burgers
Craving a casual bite? This downtown Golden mainstay serves some of the area’s best burgers and they come cheap, too. Nosh on a fresh-ground beef Hamburger ($9.25) or a satisfying Veggie Burger ($9) made with your choice of toppings, several of which are free. A big boat of crispy Onion Strings ($4.50) makes it a meal. For a nearby hike, check out the easy 2.5-mile Peaks to Plains and Welch Ditch Loop. 1310 Ford St., Golden, bobsatomicburgers.net
Evergreen and Pine
Blackbird Cafe
If you love a moderate hike with a big payoff, don’t miss Panorama Point Trail. This three-mile lollipop loop provides expansive views but parking can be tricky on a summer weekend. Plan to arrive early, then drive less than a mile up the road to Blackbird Cafe. This cozy spot along Bear Creek offers a shaded patio and a delicious brunch menu featuring potato cakes, signature Benedicts, and many vegan options. 25940 CO-74, Evergreen, blackbird-cafe-evergreen.com
Lariat Lodge Brewing Company
For more panoramic views of the Front Range, venture along the Independence Mountain Trail. Though just two miles in length, this route has a good amount of elevation gain. After your hike, plan to rest your tired legs at this local microbrewery along the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway. Pints pair well with its saucy Wings ($8), Smoked Pulled Pork ($17), and Reuben on local marble rye bread ($19). 27618 Fireweed Dr., Evergreen, lariatlodgebrewing.com
Bucksnort Saloon
Though open since the ‘70s, few in the metro area are familiar with the Bucksnort Saloon. After all, it’s not the kind of place you stumble upon. Set along Elk Creek, this legendary bar has welcomed all manner of cultural icons. They and many others scrawled their names on the dollar bills that decorate every surface. Take in the ambiance while enjoying a cold beer, a juicy burger, and a slice of Ice Cream Pie ($9) after hiking a moderate 2.6 miles on the nearby Pine Lake Loop. 15921 S. Elk Creek Rd., Pine, thebucksnort.com
Idaho Springs
Beau Jo’s
Head up the hill to Idaho Springs, home to the original Beau Jo’s location serving Colorado-style pizza. These cheesy, loaded pies feature a thick, doughy crust which is best enjoyed with a drizzle of honey. Savor a few slices after visiting Saint Mary’s Glacier, an iconic two-mile trail that features alpine lakes and snowpack year-round. If you have visitors from out of town, this is an especially winning combo. 1517 Miner St., Idaho Springs, beaujos.com
Mighty Argo Outpost
Take a quick day trip to experience one of this summer’s most exciting new attractions: the Mighty Argo Cable Car. This scenic gondola provides all abilities access to stunning panoramic views. Alternatively, visitors can hike up Rosa Gulch Trail, a moderate four-mile route that leads to the mountaintop outpost. For lunch, order the Colorado Pasty ($17.95) filled with potatoes and black beans, plus a side of Green Chile ($11.95) before riding the cable car back down to the base. 2350 Riverside Dr., Idaho Springs, mightyargo.com
Westbound & Down Brewing Company
This local craft brewery is one of the best stops after viewing autumn foliage and summer wildflowers. Both can be seen on the nearby Herman Gulch Trail, but note that this striking 6.6-mile route is quite strenuous. Reward your efforts on the patio of the Westbound & Down outpost in Idaho Springs, which serves a range of house beers, wine, and cocktails, along with elevated comfort food like the Lamb Burger ($22) and Seared Ahi Sandwich ($19). 1617 Miner St., Idaho Springs, westboundanddown.com
Boulder
Chautauqua Dining Hall
Set adjacent to Chautauqua Park, this historic dining hall is a fantastic place to linger after a hike. Walk along the base of the iconic Flatirons or push yourself on the steep three-mile Royal Arch Trail. After exploring, take a seat on this restaurant’s wrap-around patio to enjoy brunch plates through 3 p.m., followed by mid-day bites and a dinner menu starring Crispy Brussels Sprouts ($11.50) and the Alpine Bison Burger ($18). 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder, chautauqua.com
Skratch Labs Table
Though the brand is better known for its hydration mixes and other sports nutrition products, Skratch crafts some seriously tasty breakfast and lunch fare (which happens to be good for you, too). Refuel with its Tuna Poke Bowl ($19) or the House Salad featuring rice tots, spiced cashews, and sesame citrus vinaigrette ($11). The challenging three-mile Mount Sanitas Loop is just a five-minute drive away. 1245 Alpine Ave., Boulder, skratchlabs.com
Rayback Collective
It’s hard to beat the vibe at Rayback Collective. This indoor-outdoor hub is plenty spacious, with Adirondack chairs around fire pits and picnic tables throughout. Local beer, wine, and cocktails are served from its extensive tapwall, and it’s hard to resist a $3 hot dog during happy hour. For a bigger bite, order from one of several rotating food trucks and take note of the moderate four-mile Red Rocks and Anemone Loop nearby. 2775 Valmont Rd., Boulder, therayback.com
Avery Brewing Company
Few places in Boulder are more popular on a summer afternoon than the patio at Avery Brewing Company. Start your day on the Wonderland Lake Trail, an easy two-mile loop in the foothills that’s perfect for kids and pups. Then gather the family at this local favorite offering classic and experimental craft beers alongside Brisket Nachos ($18), Fried Chicken Sammies ($19), and more pub fare. 4910 Nautilus Ct. N., Boulder, averybrewing.com
Nederland
Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse
Take a scenic drive through Boulder Canyon to reach one of the state’s quirkiest towns. Nederland is full of character and incredible hikes like Lost Lake via Hessie Trail, a moderate four-mile trek that’s known for waterfalls, wildflowers, and frequent moose sightings. Enjoy exploring, then end your outing on the creekside deck of Crosscut Pizzeria. Its wood-fired pies hit the spot and can be made vegan or gluten-free. 4 E. 1st St., Nederland, crosscutpizza.com
Busey Brews Smokehouse and Brewery
With its aspen groves and abundant wildlife, the moderate five-mile Delonde and Bluebird Loop is another top trail in Ned. After your hike, head to Busey Brews for housemade beer and a hearty meal on its spacious patio featuring mountain views. The smokers here run at all hours of the day, turning out sauce-slathered Wings ($10), St. Louis-style Pork Ribs ($19), and Spicy Hot Links ($13). 70 E. 1st St., Nederland, buseybrews.com
