Roxborough State Park is one of my favorites in Colorado, it never feels too busy and there are tons of gorgeous red rock formations without the crowds of Garden of the Gods. Carpenter Peak is one of their tallest peaks within the park so you’ve got a 1,000 ft. climb to make it the top but over 3.2 miles to the top it’s never too steep.
One other part of this trail I really like is the amount of shade! There’s at least a mile or so where you’re winding through the forest and it’s a welcome break from the sweltering sun.