re: Denver - Top Hiking Trails/Things to Do this summer

There's a million trails. Diamond Lake Trail in Indian Peaks Wilderness is a good one to start out with, get your legs under you, great alpine lake and views up there. Outside of the 14ers, look at IPW, Never Summer Wilderness, Holy Cross Wilderness, and RMNP. All areas have lots of great trails and alpine lake trout fishing.

Be aware though, we're still getting lots of snow, which will push mud season and subsequently prime hiking season back. Take snowshoes or be prepared to posthole if you plan to go any time soon. Maybe stick to foothills trails like Chataqua Park in Boulder and Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Golden.

14ers bible

ETA: It's going to be a great rafting season. Definitely check out FIBArk Whitewater Festival in Salida. We always camp and raft that weekend down there.

Quandary East Ridge route is the easiest 14er summit in the state.