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Rocky Mountain Arsenal - Lake Ladora hike
4.7 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · Running trail in Denver, Colorado · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Rocky Mountain Arsenal - Lake Ladora hike's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with picnic facilities known for its population of bison.
What runners say about Rocky Mountain Arsenal - Lake Ladora hike
“beautiful scenery and great loops and trails to walk”
Nice easy hike with established trails. Nice view in the fall. Easy parking and facilities
Get your steps in. Lake Ladora and lake Mary (more like ponds) walking loops are great places for crisp views of Denver skyline and snow covered front range mountains from a prairie like setting. Lots of bird life and water fowl to be seen. Wide open views of the big sky. Best enjoyed in fall, winter, and spring.
Trail has great views. We saw a bunch of dear chilling around. This time of the year, the trail is very muddy. It was still fun to walk.
This is such an enjoyable way to spend some time. I come out here a few times a week and drive around the park. Always see the Bison, and we saw lots of baby bison this past calving season. Always see hawks and eagles, mule deer, white tail deer, coyote, song birds, prarie dogs, and even wild turkeys!
Trail conditions & character
“Lake Ladora and lake Mary (more like ponds) walking loops are great places for crisp views of Denver skyline and snow covered front range mountains from a prairie like setting.”
“Always see hawks and eagles, mule deer, white tail deer, coyote, song birds, prarie dogs, and even wild turkeys!”
“March 3, 2024 Ashley and I went to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal and did the Lake Ladora Trail in Commerce City Colorado.”
“Buffalo are in their pens towards the end of the driving loop.”
Plan your run at Rocky Mountain Arsenal - Lake Ladora hike
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone(303) 289-0930
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Running trails near Denver
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Mary Loop Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 99 reviews
Park and wildlife refuge featuring wildflowers, birding, fishing, and hiking.
Prairie Gateway Open Space
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Tranquil nature area encompassing trails, prairies and a bison herd.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,686 reviews
Open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands & woodlands home to more than 330 species.
Smith Road Trailhead
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Recreational area featuring kid-friendly hiking trails and opportunities for walking and biking.