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Routes
Hikes
United States
Colorado
Weld County

Dacono

The best walks and hikes around Dacono

45

hikers

22

hikes

Hikes around Dacono Colorado are characterized by accessible, multi-use paths connecting local communities and parks. The region is situated in the Carbon Valley, offering relatively flat terrain with trails that often circle reservoirs or follow former railroad lines. While Dacono itself provides these local routes, it also serves as a base for accessing the more mountainous landscapes of the nearby Front Range.

Best hiking trails around Dacono

  • The most popular hiking route is the Firestone Trail β€” Firestone-Dacono, a 9.7 mile (15.6 km) trail that takes around 3 hours 57 minutes to complete. This moderate path connects the communities of Firestone and Dacono, partly following an old railroad right-of-way.
  • Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Coal Creek Trail from Erie Commons to Erie Municipal Airport, a moderate 6.8 mile (10.9 km) path. The route offers a longer walk with minimal elevation change, suitable for a steady-paced outing.
  • Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Milavec Reservoir loop β€” Frederick, a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) trail leading around the water, often completed in about 37 minutes.
  • Hiking around Dacono is defined by paved community trails, reservoir loops, and flat, open plains. The network of trails near Dacono CO provides options for various fitness levels, from short, easy hikes for beginners to longer moderate routes.
  • The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 30 hikers have used komoot to explore Dacono's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 13, 2026

5

hikers

#1.

Thomas Reservoir Trail

1.29km

00:20

0m

0m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

2

hikers

8.55km

02:15

80m

60m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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5.81km

01:30

30m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

6

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

10.9km

02:46

20m

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Dacono

Road Cycling Routes around Dacono

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Running Trails around Dacono

Tips from the Community

Jamie S.
July 7, 2024, Coal Creek Trail (Vista Parkway to Erie Municipal Airport)

The Coal Creek Trail in Erie, Colorado, is a scenic multi-use path that runs through open spaces and along Coal Creek. Spanning approximately 14 miles, it connects several parks and neighborhoods, providing opportunities for walking, running, biking, and wildlife observation. The trail offers beautiful views of the Front Range mountains and is well-maintained, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. With its gentle terrain, the Coal Creek Trail is suitable for family outings and offers a peaceful escape into nature.

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The Milavec Reservoir is located in Frederick, Colorado and is home to the Frederick Recreation Area (FRA). This area spans 129 acres and offers a wide range of outdoor activities; visitors can enjoy non-motorized boating, fishing (with a Colorado fishing license), and numerous trails for hiking and biking, including a popular1.26-mile trail around Milavec Reservoir. The area is rich in wildlife, making it ideal for birdwatching; there are several migratory bird species including Canada and light-fronted geese, various ducks, Bald and Golden eagles, and herons that frequent the area. Other amenities include a large pavilion that can be reserved for events and gatherings, basketball court, dog park, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a skate park.

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Scott
November 29, 2023, Erie Commons

One of the many family friendly parks off the Coal Creek Trail alternate paths, there is an excellent playground and plenty of open space for a wonderful picnic.

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Especially during sunrise when the entire front range lights up 😍

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The trail west of Anthem Ranch gives you this fantastic overlook towards the front range. You'll see the Flat Irons and Long's Peak sticking out. If you run N-S it's a steady climb. S-N is easy to descend.

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Beautiful view of the front range if you go east to west. Especially during sunset hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there many easy, beginner-friendly hikes near Dacono?

Yes, the area around Dacono is well-suited for beginners. Most trails are on relatively flat terrain, often following paved paths or circling reservoirs. A great example is the Siena Reservoir loop from Anthem Community Park, which is a short and gentle walk with minimal elevation change.

Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?

Many trails in and around Dacono are multi-use paths where dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash. Parks like Lair o’ the Bear Park are known to be very dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit, especially in wildlife areas.

What are some good family-friendly hikes in the Dacono area?

For a family outing, look for shorter, flatter trails, often found in local parks. The Erie Commons loop from Erie is a good option that is manageable for all ages. Additionally, nearby Sandstone Ranch Community Park offers easy gravel paths and the chance to see prairie dogs, which can be fun for children.

Are there paved walking trails near Dacono?

Yes, Dacono and the surrounding communities feature an excellent network of paved trails. The Legacy Trail in Dacono and the connecting Firestone Trail are wide, concrete paths ideal for walking, jogging, or biking. These trails are designed to connect neighborhoods with local parks and shops.

Where can I find more challenging day hikes?

While the immediate Dacono area is known for its flat, easy trails, it serves as an excellent gateway to more strenuous hiking. For a true mountain experience with significant elevation gain, you'll need to drive west into the Front Range. Popular destinations for challenging hikes include Golden Gate Canyon State Park and the trails within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

What is the best time of year to hike around Dacono?

The local, lower-elevation trails around Dacono can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with autumn providing lovely fall colors. Summer is also popular, but it's best to hike in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. Winter hiking is possible on many paved trails, but be prepared for icy conditions.

Are there any circular walks available?

Absolutely. Many of the most accessible hikes in the area are loops around local reservoirs and parks. These circular routes are perfect for a quick outing without needing to retrace your steps. The walk around Milavec Reservoir is a popular, short loop perfect for a quick dose of nature.

What kind of scenery and wildlife can I expect?

The trails immediately around Dacono offer views of open plains, reservoirs, and the distant Front Range. For more dramatic landscapes, a short drive west will bring you to the foothills and mountains. St. Vrain State Park is excellent for birdwatching, with potential sightings of herons and bald eagles. In prairie areas like Sandstone Ranch, you can often see prairie dogs and various bird species.

How many hiking trails are there in the Dacono area?

There are over 15 hiking routes to explore in and around Dacono. These range from short, paved community walks to longer, moderate trails connecting the neighboring towns of Firestone and Erie.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails near Dacono?

The komoot community appreciates the accessibility and variety of the trails. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths that are perfect for easy walks, as well as the peaceful atmosphere of the reservoir loops. The area's role as a convenient starting point for bigger adventures in the Front Range is also a major highlight.

Are there any good spots for a picnic after a hike?

Many local parks are equipped with picnic facilities. Lair o' the Bear Park is a popular choice, offering picnic tables near a creek. St. Vrain State Park also has numerous spots perfect for a post-hike meal by the water. For something simple, you can find benches and green spaces along most of the community trails.

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