Because that 9am meeting will be so much more interesting after some views and fresh air

1. Dakota Ridge on Mount Sanitas

This is a good one if you’re short on time but keen for a good workout — you can run in from town and head up the 1-mile Dakota Ridge Trail before running back down the slightly longer Valley Trail for a 2.3-mile round trip.

Bed-to-Desk time: 1 hour

Trail distance: 2.3 miles

View score: 3.5/5

For more details on this trail, head here.

2. Mount Sanitas Loop

If you really want to get your quads burning, head up the 1.8-mile Mount Sanitas trail. The steps will hit you hard, but the views are well-worth the climb. Try getting up there for sunrise.

Bed-to-Desk: 1 hour 45 minutes

Trail distance: 3.1 miles

View score: 4/5

For more details on this trail, head here.

3. Sunshine Lion’s Lair Loop

For a slightly longer but less busy and more runnable loop, head to Lion’s Lair. This 5.1-mile trail is very smooth, and the ascent is more gradual than the nearby Mount Sanitas. The views are just as rewarding, though.

Head back down the way you came, or, for a more technical descent, try out the Mount Sanitas trail.

Bed-to-Desk: 1 hour 30 to 2 hours, depending on which descent you take

Trail distance: 5.1 miles

View score: 4/5

For more details on this trail, head here.

4. Green Mountain

For high probability of a professional ultra runner sighting and a lot of up, head to Green Mountain. Take the Ranger Trail (South) for some steep hills and switchbacks leading you to epic views East & West for miles, before descending on the Saddle Rock Trail. This trail is great if you’re keen for varying terrain and a lot of ascent.

Bed-to-Desk: 2 hours

Trail distance: 5 miles

View score: 4/5

For more details on this trail, head here.

5. Royal Arch

This trail is short, but packs in a lot of ascent; it gets steeper and steeper until you reach the summit so don’t use up all your strength in the first half mile. The steps will test your legs, but the views will make you forget all about the pain.

Bed-to-Desk: 1 hour 45 minutes

Trail distance: 3.2 miles

View score: 4.5/5

For more details on this trail, head here.

Now set your alarm clock and go catch those pre-work views.