Best Free Trails Near Longmont, Colorado

I consider myself incredibly lucky to live in a place as pretty as Colorado. The Rocky Mountain views from Longmont make me whisper “wow” on a daily basis. While it’s not in the mountains, it’s close. This town has done an awesome job of establishing trails that provide beautiful views of the reason most people live here – the mountains. I of course have sought out the best free trails near Longmont, Colorado. There are many, and I plan to keep updating this list as I visit more of them.

This list includes the distance of the trail, driving time (from center of Longmont), a description/tips for visiting, and a link for where to park. All the trails are within a 20 minute drive from the center of Longmont. I have personally visited all of these spots and taken these (excellent, right?) photos.

Definitely check out The Best Things to do in Longmont, Colorado too.

Best Free Trails Near Longmont, Colorado:

Coot Lake Trail

1.2 mile loop trail (with other connecting trails)

15 mins from center of Longmont, toward Boulder

This short hike is lovely. The trail meanders around the lake and there is hardly any elevation gain. The lake itself is very pretty. Look for the huge fish in the water. If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can add in trails that go around/near Boulder Reservoir; you’ll see the off-shoots. Very dog friendly with an area for your pups to swim.

There is a little parking lot with latrine toilets. GoogleMaps location of parking. If the small parking lot is full, there is extra parking across the street.

Barefoot Lakes Loop

2.9 mile loop trail (can shorten the loop if you’d like)

18 minutes from center of Longmont

This flat trail loops around a couple lakes and also walks you next to a creek. This is a great spot for bird watching and provides an awesome view of Longs Peak. Very dog friendly.

There is a decent sized parking lot, but the bathrooms are locked. I think those who live in the local community have a code. GoogleMaps location of parking.

McIntosh Lake Trail

3.5 mile loop trail

11 minutes from center of Longmont

Another flat, half-paved, half-gravel trail that weaves around a lake.

Ahh my personal favorite. I have run around this lake countless times, and I love it every time. The lake looks different depending on how the sun is hitting it, and the views of the mountains are stellar. It’s a very popular spot, and also has some great playgrounds for kids.

There is parking with bathrooms in a few spots. Googlemaps location of parking. There is also a lot of street parking near the trail.

Jim Hamm Nature Area

1 mile loop trail

9 minutes from center of Longmont

This little loop around a pond is also a favorite of mine. The 1 mile is half-paved, half-gravel. I sometimes go around a few times. The mountain views, once again, are what make this so good.

Parking with bathrooms right off the highway.

Golden Ponds Park

2.6 miles of trail

7 mins from center of Longmont

You guessed it – more beautiful views of the mountains while you walk around a couple ponds. Flat, gravel trail. There’s a little waterfall to see, you can fish if you want, and you can watch people sky-diving if you’re there at the right time.

Parking and bathrooms.

Dickens Farm Nature Area

You can walk for miles here… it’s connected to the St Vrain greenway, which goes on for a very long way.

4 mins from Longmont center

The St Vrain Creek runs through here, so you can wade in the water or tube down the creek. There are some pretty bridges to walk over as well.

Parking with restrooms.

Want to venture a little farther?? Check out the Best Easy Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park or Colorado’s Best Alpine Lake Hike.

If you find yourself in Longmont, Colorado, I hope you find time to enjoy the outdoors. The world is beautiful, and Longmont showcases this beauty on these trails. Be sure to read The Best Things to do in Longmont, Colorado as well.

Did I miss any awesome trails? Please let me know in the comments below; I am always looking for new pretty spots to hike!