History Hikes are monthly outdoor programs exploring Aurora’s past at relevant sites. Hikes last 1–2 hours on easy terrain and cost $4 for May–September and $5 in October. Registration required.
Fitzsimons Army Hospital to CU
Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m.
General’s Park (1561 N Quentin St, Aurora, CO 80045)
Explore the changing history of the Fitzsimons/Anschutz campus on a two-mile paved walk.
Tickets for May History Hike
Birding 101 and Jewell Wetlands History
Sunday, June 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Jewell Wetlands (13005 E Jewell Ave, Aurora, CO 80012)
We’re partnering with the Denver Audubon for a walk around a wetland in the heart of Aurora. Learn the basics of birding along with the park’s history. Binoculars may be supplied, bring your own if possible. This hike will be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and approximately 1 mile.
Tickets for June History Hike
Colfax: A Road Through Time
Saturday, July 18 at 4 p.m.
Centennial House (1671 Galena St, Aurora, CO 80010)
Join us for this walk through time to see how Aurora has changed along Colfax from the time of the trolley to today.
We will meet at Centennial House and walk through "Original Aurora" to Colfax Ave. Colfax has been the heart of Aurora since the 1890s and has gone through many changes over the years. Stops on this walk include the Hornbein Building, Fire Station 1, Riviera Motel, Fox Theater, the People's Building, and Mango House.
This walk is about 2 miles with frequent stops with content written for adults.
Tickets for July History Hike
The Smoky Hill Trail
Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 a.m.
Pronghorn Natural Area (27800 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80018)
In the 1860s the fastest route west to Colorado was the Smoky Hill Trail. People traveled this trail in their covered wagons in search of gold and farmland. The middle branch of the trail went through Aurora and was known as the Starvation Trail. Learn why and see the landscape how westward travelers saw it over 150 years ago.
There is little to no shade cover on this walk, so please bring sun protection and water. Content is written for adults. No pets are allowed on this trail so please leave your dogs at home.
Tickets for August History Hike
DeLaney Farm
Saturday, September 19 at 3:30 p.m.
DeLaney Farm (170 S Chambers Rd, Aurora, CO 80017)
Join us for a guided hike around a historic homestead as we step back into life in the late 1800s. Along the way, we’ll explore how westward expansion reshaped the area and what drew the Gullys, DeLaneys and other immigrant families to settle on the plains. Highlights include a one-room schoolhouse, the Highline Canal and Colorado’s last remaining round barn.
Tickets for September History Hike
Before Aurora
Saturday, October 3 at 9 a.m.
Plains Conservation Center (21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013)
Step back in time on the plains, where landscape and history intertwine. Along the way, explore native plants, learn about local history and discover how people adapted to life on the prairie. See firsthand how the Plains Native Americans and early settlers made a living in this rugged environment. The hike includes visits to different types of dwellings, from tipis to sod houses built from prairie soil, offering a vivid look at daily life on the plains.
Two-mile loop trail. No pets are allowed on this trail.
Tickets for October History Hike