When we think of hiking, it’s going up a mountain, gaining elevation, and taking in the view from the top. But Colorado has enough variety — and terrific trail builders — to include flatter trails that might be easier on the lungs and knees.

Are these just walks? I’d argue no. It’s still a hike when you’re on a dirt path and walking among the evergreen and aspen trees with the possibility of seeing deer, bear, elk and other wildlife. Plus, these aren’t completely flat, just less steep options.

Hiking on these flatter trails can provide a decent workout and time in nature even if you’re not topping out on a peak.

As the summer season rolls over to the cooler, shorter days of autumn, try one of these “safe for beginner” trails to get outside and moving. (Always tell someone you trust where you are going and when you expect to return from any hike, and bring sun protection and plenty of water.)

Roxborough State Park is south of Denver in Littleton. If you have an annual state parks pass, there is no additional fee; the day-use cost is $10 per vehicle. From the visitor center and bathrooms, hike the 2.6-mile Fountain Valley Loop with a mere 300 feet of elevation gain. The jutting red rocks, historic homestead, and possible wildlife sightings make this a rewarding easy hike for all ages. Leave your leashed dogs at home.

Also in Littleton you will find Waterton Canyon, a wide dirt road used by Denver Water that also serves as a portion of the 567-mile Colorado Trail. This trail is popular with cyclists but it is wide enough for hikers to share, and you are almost guaranteed to see people fishing in the South Platte River as it hugs the trail. Bighorn sheep call this canyon home, and there is a pretty good chance you will see some during your hike. It is a 6.2-mile out-and-back hike to Strontia Springs Reservoir (that’s one-way, so plan on 12.4 miles roundtrip), with a subtle elevation gain of about 600 feet. No dogs are allowed here.

A bit further south you will find the Greenland Trail outside of Larkspur. This trail lets you choose between a 4.5-mile loop or a longer 8.2-mile loop, where sometimes you will see and hear the train rolling past. Leashed dogs are welcome but be aware that this land is shared with grazing livestock, too. The elevation gain will depend on your preferred loop, but it can be a gradual 500 feet.

Mount Falcon Park is part of Jefferson County Open Space and has an east side and a west side, which are very different. The steep east side has about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. On the easier west side, you will start out on a wide gravel road, then have the choice to go left on Castle Trail to see the castle ruins ( .7 of a mile one way) or right to connect with Tower Trail and climb the stairs of the fire lookout (.7 of a mile one way, then reconnect with Meadow Trail for half a mile to see the ruins). The elevation gains are minimal and you should skip the tower if you want to stay flat. If you seek more of a challenge, you can stay on Castle Trail to Walker’s Dream and hike to the cornerstone of the “summer White House,” which was never built. Leashed dogs are welcome (and I’ve seen leashed goats out for a stroll on these trails!) and there isn’t a fee.

A personal go-to for a flatter hike is Flatirons Vista Trail just off Highway 93 outside of Boulder. This 3.5-mile loop with about 200 feet of elevation gain gives you views of the flatirons as you head west, then provides a little tree coverage as you turn south and begin the loop back. You might be sharing the trail with grazing livestock, cyclists and equestrians, so step carefully and stay on the trail. You’ll need $5 for parking at the trailhead, and leashed dogs are allowed.

Nearby at the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, you can choose your adventure with 15 miles of flat trails. They are shared with wildlife (I’ve seen a large herd of elk here) and cyclists. It’s free to use these trails, and only service animals are permitted.

White Ranch Park is part of Jefferson County Open Space and, like Mount Falcon, has a steeper east side trailhead and a mellower west side. It can be confusing because the Belcher Hill Trail is accessible from both trailheads. On a recent hike here, we chose the Rawhide Trail and got onto Wrangler Trail for a 2.5-mile loop with slight elevation gain of about 300 feet here and there. Stay alert for mountain bikers on these trails, where leashed dogs are allowed. No fee.

If you really want to get into the mountains for your hike, try Caribou Ranch outside of Nederland. The DeLonde Trail is 1.2 miles out and back with just 85 feet of elevation gain. Or, you can do the Bluebird Loop of 1.8 miles and 155 feet of elevation gain. Consider skipping the portion down to this historic ranch and stay left to the old mine to minimize the elevation. This trail has seasonal closures for wildlife and dogs are not allowed anytime. No fee.

One option that is paved but gets you into the foothills is the Peaks to Plains Trail, which is still partially under construction so you will need to choose your trailhead — downtown Golden, Big Easy or Mayhem Gulch — and distance. The concrete trail runs alongside Clear Creek so, depending on the season, you might see tubers, kayakers or fishermen as you hike here. The trail will be out and back no matter where you start. The 1.75-mile Gateway segment is the newest one to be completed, going from Golden to Tunnel 1. At times, the trail — which is shared with cyclists — crosses the river via a series of bridges. There is no fee.