Panoramic Point: Short Hike to Big Views Near Denver
- Stephen Warner
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than a snow-capped, prominent peak. And in Colorado, we’ve got those in abundance. But the best vantage points don’t always require a massive trek into the backcountry. Trails like Panoramic Point offer an easy escape with incredible views, all without taking up your entire day.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Panoramic Point / Bear Creek Trail |
Distance | 3 miles / 4.8 km (Lollipop) |
Estimated time | 1-2 hours |
Elevation gain | 650 ft / 200 m |
Highest point | 7,383 ft / 2,250 m (Panoramic Point) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Small dirt lot |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know before you go
There are several trails and junctions that lead to Panoramic Point. This post focuses on the most direct route from Corwina Park, but if the lot is full or if you want some more distance, other starting points are listed below.
This trail can be hiked year-round. In shoulder seasons or winter, expect snow or ice. But it’s beautiful no matter the conditions.
You can also opt to skip the loop and just make this an out-and-back to save time and distance. AllTrails might nudge you toward completing a full loop, but it’s totally fine to just head to the viewpoint and return the way you came. This is especially helpful if you're starting from one of the alternate trailheads.
Alternate starting points
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) lollipop
Elevation gain: 950 ft (290 m)
Details: Leaves from a parking area earlier along CO-74 with a bit more distance and elevation
Distance: 6.4 miles (10.2 km) lollipop
Elevation gain: 1,100 ft (335m)
Details: Leaves even earlier parking lot in different and more popular Lair O' the Bear Park
The Trail
Our adventure started at the Corwina Park lot, following the Panoramic Point Trail up to the lookout.
The trail is well-maintained and gradually climbs through the forest. It can get icy in the shoulder season, so traction is recommended.
This trail system has several junctions that can be a bit confusing, but if you're leaving from Corwina, I’d recommend just sticking to Panoramic Point Trail on the ascent — it makes things much more straightforward.
The Panoramic Point trail heads in a counter-clockwise direction up the lollipop. The incline is gentle but still gets your heart rate up. As you approach the top, a short spur trail breaks off to Panoramic Point, your ultimate destination.
Before diving into that view, a quick note about the descent: you can easily turn this into an out-and-back if you’re short on time. But to complete the lollipop loop, keep following the Panoramic Point Trail until it connects with Bear Creek Trail. From there, continue until you rejoin the original trail and return to Corwina Park.
Now back to the main attraction, the viewpoint. It’s a stunner. You’ll see the lush greens of the foothills rolling out below you, framed by the snow-covered peaks of the Front Range in the distance.
A closer look reveals Mount Blue Sky in the distance. Not bad for a hike this close to Denver!
SS Reflections
This was another case of me poking around AllTrails, looking for something scenic but manageable for a group of out-of-towners. A few filters later, I stumbled on this gem — and I’m so glad I did.
While Colorado is full of great hikes with views, this one struck that perfect balance of effort and payoff. Gorgeous scenery, a reasonable distance, and minimal hassle getting there. What more could you ask for?
Other helpful resources
Adventurable's short post and photos of this hike
