Just a short drive from downtown Denver, Keith Brautigam enjoys exploring the area’s unique landscape, from rolling plains and mountain ranges to the foothills and clear waterways. Keith has worked in IT for decades and traveled across the country, but he finds the scenery around Denver the most impressive.
Keith was born in San Diego, went to college at the University of Iowa, and studied abroad in Mérida, Venezuela. He started his career in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, then moved into IT management at a large research university, where he later became Interim Chief Information Officer.
In 2023, Keith moved to the Denver area, where he briefly worked at Hunter Douglas as Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management before joining Radiology Partners as Director of IAM. Since moving to Denver, Keith has become an avid hiker, exploring red-rock formations, scenic trails, and beautiful alpine views on day trips.
The Denver Foothills are perfect for Day Hiking
Keith Brautigam has hiked numerous trails in the Denver foothills, a scenic pine-covered region just 40 minutes outside the city. This gateway to the Rockies is popular for its diverse trails, ranging from flat walking paths at lower elevations to higher and more intense climbs at sites like St. Mary’s Glacier. The high-altitude views are epic, making it easy to enjoy nature’s intense display of wildflowers surrounding crystal clear mountain lakes.
The Denver foothills offer a great mix of nature and city life, with lots of places to eat and things to do after your hike. There are also abundant urban hiking and walking opportunities across the Denver area. This includes green spaces like the High Line Canal or Platte River Trail from towns like Golden, Morrison, or Evergreen. These areas let you enjoy both the comforts of the suburbs and the charm of the outdoors, with plenty of local goods and unique food options.
Hike Spectacular Mountain and Waterway Trails
Keith Brautigam describes happiness as a transitory, often external feeling that he experiences living in Denver. But it is pure joy, that deeper, internal, and more permanent level of happiness that he feels when day hiking outside the Mile High City. Denver, Colorado, is a unique American territory where, in just a few hours from the city, hikers can experience the joy of mountainous terrain and crystal clear waterways among lush, green pine forests.
Both Pike and San Isabel National Forests are located south of Denver, but Keith suggests Maxwell Falls, a family-friendly, 4-mile scenic trail through shaded pine and ponderosa forests. Or, for one of the most spectacular fall foliage adventures, consider Kenosha Pass, famous for aspen forests, while staying within a few hundred feet of elevation gain. For a more strenuous, 6-mile dayhike, Brautigam suggests the scenic Carpenter Peak Trail located just 45 minutes outside the city.
Prepare for Wildlife and Weather
Brautigam advises anyone day hiking for pleasure to remain weather and wildlife-aware. Avoid wearing headphones and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk. Wildlife, such as mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and foxes, are most active during this time of day. Remember, there is safety in groups, and small children should always be kept close.
Also, avoid dense brush that may conceal hidden obstacles that increase the risk of trip and fall accidents. Thick brush can also make it harder to spot wildlife and increase the chance of surprising them. And, you will more readily come across ticks and stinging plants in thick grass and bushes. Even though it’s just a day hike, keep bear spray in an accessible place, not tucked in your backpack.
It is essential to remain weather-aware because afternoon storms are common in summer. During other seasons, it is best to wear water-wicking layers and waterproof hiking boots. Depending on the time of day and season of the year, your basic safety gear, which includes sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat (sun protection), a headlamp, and a first-aid kit, along with plenty of water and trail snacks, should be enough for an enjoyable day hiking around the green spaces near the Mile High City.
