Hiking Beautiful Waterton Canyon
The winding dirt road trail of Waterton Canyon takes you along the South Platte River and into a canyon where you might spy some Bighorn sheep or catch the sight of massive eagles soaring on the warm air currents rising from the rock. It's an out-and-back hike, and you have a lot of options, from a short hike in to have a picnic, all to way to 12.4-mile round-trip adventure to the Strontia Springs Dam. You can hike, bike, and fish on this hike near Denver. Explore the five different options we have detailed below. We'll describe the location of a few destinations, including the best places to rest and have a picnic, and some of the other trails that join up with this Colorado canyon hike.
Waterton Canyon will be closed from June 1st 2021 through June 11th 2021. It will be open on Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6th. See the Denver Water Waterton Canyon page for updates and details.
Trail Snapshot: Hiking Beautiful Waterton Canyon
Hike Distance | A variety of trail lengths depending on your goals. It is a 6.2-mile trail to the Strontia Springs Dam, or 12.4 round trip. |
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Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Duration | Approx 2 to 6 hours |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Elevation Gain | Approx +700′ |
Seasons | All Year |
Dogs | Not Allowed |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map of Waterton Canyon |
Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
Beauty | Bighorn sheep, Views of a lake and a river |
Activities | Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, and nature viewing |
When you set out to explore Waterton Canyon, there are plenty of things that you can expect. We've hiked this three times and have spotted Bighorns on two of those hikes. The trail is a wide dirt road that gives Denver Water access to the dam at the top end of the canyon. So, this makes for a great stroller hike, if your stroller has a way to give the kids some shade from the sun. It's also a really enjoyable mountain bike ride because it's not too steep--well, at least not until just past the dam--and the downhill ride back down is easy and fun. Here are over five different ways you can hike this great hike near Denver, Colorado.
Hike Options at Waterton Canyon Trail
1. The Shorter Hike in Waterton Canyon
The first mile or two of Waterton Canyon takes you to an old water conduit pipe that juts out over the trail, and your best chance to catch the site of Bighorn Sheep and Golden Eagles. The trail quickly goes from a paved road to a dirt fire road, then begins following the course of the South Platte river. The canyon itself starts low and shallow, and grows higher and more rugged the deeper you venture into Waterton.
After about 15 minutes of hiking, keep your eyes peeled on the green hillsides on your right (see photo above). This is where we most often spot bighorn sheep and their lambs. Scan the skies, too, for gigantic golden eagles that hover on the hot air that rises from the canyon walls in the afternoons. You'll find the first picnic area just about 1/2 of a mile into Waterton Canyon.
2. Waterton Canyon Picnic Area - 3 Miles Round Trip
This section of Waterton makes for a great evening picnic. You'll find it on your left just after the Highline Canal Diversion Dam. It's a great place to skip rocks with the kids and to watch the light soften on the canyon walls as the sun sets over the distant mountains. Continuing past this picnic area, the next feature you'll pass is the Marston Dam. There is another picnic area at approximately 3.75 miles into Waterton Canyon (see the pdf map), that's also a great little spot, but if you get in that far, you'll want to keep exploring.
If you hike further up into Waterton Canyon, the river grows both wider and wilder. Cedars and pines grow along the banks and canyon sides, and the cliffsides become steep and jagged. It's here, around mile 4, that things start to get interesting.
3. Fishing Hole and Picnic Table at Mile 4.5
The next destination worth mentioning is a secluded spot on the river where you'll find a deep fishing hole on the right side of the road. There is a picnic table hidden down among the willows (it's hidden well enough that it doesn't show up in the photo below). There is a restroom just about 150 yards upriver from the spot.
The trail just keeps getting better after you pass this fishing hole. At mile five, we saw a lot of bighorn sheep sign, flowering bushes, and wildflowers. Hummingbirds were buzzing along the trail in a furious search for nectar. Folks who fish Waterton Canyon often ride their bikes in and start fishing at the dam, then work their way back downstream.
4. Hike the Entire Trail to the Strontia Springs Dam - 6.2 Miles
The Strontia Springs Dam is an imposing structure, looming over 200 feet high above the trail with water gushing from its release pipes into the river. Accessing the 7700 acre Strontia Springs Reservoir is extremely difficult, though not impossible. However, its banks drop straight off into the water making it a pretty inhospitable place, but it can be fished for perch, trout, and walleye. One fisherman on a Colorado fishing forum commented that you have to really "WANT to get there" because it's so tough to access.
5. Hike the Colorado Trail
Most people turn around at Strontia Springs, but the trail doesn't end there. In fact, Waterton Canyon is the eastern gateway to the close to 500 mile Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail starts here in Denver, then weaves its way all the way to Durango. You can download a Trail Map of the Colorado Trail here. You really have several options at this point. You can continue onto segment one of the Colorado Trail on Trail #1776.
Segment one of the Colorado Trail will take you out of the canyon and onto US Forest Service land where you can camp near Lenny's Rest. It's important to note that camping is prohibited in Waterton Canyon, so this area at Lenny's rest should be your goal if you plan to overnight. Another option is that you can hike down into Roxborough State Park on the Roxborough Connector section of the Indian Creek Trail #800. Yet another option--and this option is way more than a dayhike being well over 28 miles--would be to hike the full Indian Creek Trail Loop, then to exit at either Roxborough or back down through Waterton Canyon. However, Indian Creek does have its own campground, so you could make it a long weekend trip. Of course, your final option is to hike out the way you came through Waterton Canyon. Click here for a PDF map of the first segment of the Colorado Trail that shows the connections to both Roxborough and the Indian Creek Campsite.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Waterton Canyon :
- No Dogs: Because of the bighorn sheep and other wildlife, dogs are not allowed in Waterton Canyon.
- Fishing: If your goal is to go fishing in Waterton Canyon, then start early and ride your mountain bike the 6.2 miles up to the dam and fish your way down.
- It Gets Hot: Don't hike this in the middle of the day. Waterton Canyon is close to 100% exposed to the sun, so it's best to start very early or to hike later when the sun is moving itself to end the day.
- Did I Mention It Gets Hot? Bring sunscreen and a hat
- Bring Water: Bring plenty of water. You can say this about every hike, but it's especially important because of the sun and heat.
- Dusk: It gets dark quickly after sunset. Because you're in a canyon, once the sun sets beyond the foothills, the canyon becomes a land of shadows.
- Watch for Bikes: Watch for mountain bikes, especially those headed down and out of the canyon. The road is wide enough to accommodate a lot of traffic in Waterton Canyon, but you want to be sure that you are staying to the right as you hike so that you can give a wide berth to the bikes that are letting it rip as they leave the canyon.
- Trail Map for Waterton Canyon: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Spur Coffee in Littleton
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Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir
Looking for a trail that will provide some shade on a hot Colorado day? This hiking trail has shade, plus a waterfall, a stream, a canyon, and lake. It's hard to beat. Forsythe Canyon is just outside Boulder, Colorado (1hr 15min from Denver), and is an easy to moderate hike. Check out our full hiking trail profile for details and be sure to read the directions to this trailhead carefully.
Trail Snapshot: Forsythe Canyon Trail
Hike Distance | 2 miles+ Round Trip |
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Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | 2 hr+ |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | Late Spring to Fall |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
Denver Drive Time | 1 hr 15 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map (note: people miss trailhead often, see profile and comments below for details) |
Town Nearest Hike | Boulder, Colorado |
Beauty | Waterfall, Wildflowers, Reservoir, Woodland Canyon |
Activities | Hiking Trails |
The shade of a wooded canyon, combined with a waterfall, ending at a blue lake, make this hike near Boulder Colorado worthwhile. Though it's probably 25' high, the waterfall is not what I'd call spectacular. So, if you are going for this waterfall, I'd recommend going early in the season when the snowmelt is at its peak in May and early June.
The trail winds gently downhill through a canyon, beside a creek, sheltered beneath fir and spruce. In fact, of the hikes we have profiled, this trail may provide more shade than any trail near Denver. You'll come upon the falls about 1 mile into the hike and the reservoir is just 200 yards further down the trail. In fact, reaching the clear blue water was the highlight for our kids.
We skipped rocks and hiked along the sandy and rock rim so that we could explore more of the lake. With the water levels being so low, and a large tree blocking the shot, I couldn't get a good photo of the falls.
One important note. The trail is a bit difficult to find just above the waterfall, in fact, if you take the wrong route, it appears to lead you down a rock face - which is not a good idea, especially with kids. The correct route bears to the left of a cedar tree, will lead you up further above and away from the falls, then back down into the canyon floor. I've posted a photo below showing the juncture. Even in the photo, it's hard to see the trail.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Forsythe Canyon:
- TIP: If you are coming from Denver, it's quite a drive. The payoff is that the parking lot was almost empty on memorial day weekend. We recommend making a day of it and spending some time in Boulder before or after the hike.
- TIP: The Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee Salmon, and this stretch of it is where they supposedly like to hang out. So, bring your fishing gear. Here is a link to a Dept. of Wildlife PDF with information on the stock on the lake and some links to the fishing regulations for Gross Reservoir.
- TIP: Swimming and Wading are Prohibited
- TIP: The Google Map & Directions: The trailhead parking lot is new, and really nice (with a restroom), and the directions above are accurate. However, I get a lot of email from folks who plug this map into their GPS and somehow miss it and try to drive down FR359. Remember, GPS is only accurate up to a point. Once you turn off of Magnolia and onto 68, drive for 2 miles then turn right into the parking lot just before FR359. Look for a gravel parking lot with a restroom and a wooden fence surrounding the perimeter. You can zoom in on the Google Map to get a feel for what it looks like. Google updated the satellite photos recently, so the parking lot now shows. You can check here for seasonal road closures of FR359. Or you can all 303-541-2500 (Boulder Ranger District) to check the road status before heading out on your adventure
- TIP: Be sure to take the recommended route using Magnolia road. We've had a few emails from folks trying to reach the Forsythe Canyon Trailhead from Lakeshore Road. My understanding is that it's not possible, or at least highly problematic.
- After the Hike: After the Hike: Ozo Coffee
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
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Map & Driving Directions to Forsythe Canyon Trailhead
Click for Driving Directions
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Eldorado State Park
The Rattlesnake Gulch trail takes you up the sides of Eldorado Canyon, one of Colorado's historic State Parks. This lollipop trail takes you past the ruins of the Crags Hotel, then on to gain views of the Continental Divide. Scroll down to look over the trail snapshot, then explore the trail details and tips below for this rewarding hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Trail Snapshot: Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Eldorado Canyon
Hike Distance | Approx 2.5 to 4 miles |
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Difficulty | Moderate |
Duration | 1.5-2.5 hrs |
Trail Type | Lollipop w/Spur Option |
Seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
Denver Drive Time | 45 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Boulder, Colorado |
Beauty | Canyon, waterfalls and cascades, cliff swallows, cliff-top views, geologic features |
Activities | Picnic areas, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing |
Fee | Link to Fees Page |
If your legs are ready to gain some quick elevation to some rewarding views, the Rattlesnake Gulch trail will give you just that. This trail starts at the west trailhead of the Fowler Trail about 1/2 a mile into Eldorado Canyon. The hike first takes you about 1.2 miles to the site of the Crags Hotel. The hotel was built in 1908 and visitors could reach it by taking an incline railroad and by an old wagon trail. In 1912, the hotel burnt to the ground, and just a few ruins remain. The parks department has put up interpretive signs to give you an idea of what the site was like in the early 1900's.
If you continue past the Crags Hotel site, you can add on an additional 1.4 miles by hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop. A spur along the trail takes you to the Continental Divide overlook, where you can look out to the plains and towards a few peaks to the west. If you don't want to hike the entire loop, but you want to catch the view from the overlook, take the trail to the right after the hotel site and hike about 10 more minutes. See the map link above for the exact location of the spur that leads to the overlook.
The picture above is looking northeast towards the Cadillac Rock area. If you take a pair of binoculars, scan the formation for rock-climbers. Eldorado Canyon makes for some great Denver area hiking. It's one of those places with so many unique features, that you'll find yourself drawn back there time and time again.
Tips & Resources for Hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Eldorado State Park:
- Exact Trail Length: Exact trail lengths are approximate until we can GPS this one. We've noticed discrepancies on maps and reports. So, be sure to add some buffer time on to this hike.
- Parking: Parking fills up fast at Eldorado Canyon. So, we suggest you go early in the day, or as the crowds are filtering out of the park in the late afternoon. As well, you'll find weekdays less crowed. Eldorado Canyon is open from sunrise to sunset year round.
- Directions: Use the driving directions on this page. They will lead you to the nearest parking area to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead.
- Fee: There is an $8 parking fee per car or you can use your Colorado State Parks Annual Pass
- Trail Map for Eldorado Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Boxcar Coffee Roasters in Boulder
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Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Bear Creek Trail at Lair o' the Bear Park
Lair o' the Bear is, in our family's opinion, the best family hike near Denver. First, the drive into the canyon on Bear Creek road is beautiful. Once at the park you'll find great hiking trail options, the cool water of bear creek, great parking, and some good picnic spots. There are open areas as well as shade. Our one big suggestion is to keep your kiddos close to you on the busier trail segments as this is also a mountain biking mecca. Explore the details below in our profile of this Jefferson County, Colorado park.
Trail Snapshot: Bear Creek Trail at Lair O' the Bear
Hike Distance | 1.6 Miles |
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Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | 1 hr 15 min |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All Season |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
Driving Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Denver, Colorado |
Beauty | Bear Creek, Meadows, Wildlife: Beaver, American Dippers aka Water Ouzel |
Activities | Hiking, Birdwatching, Mountain Biking, Fly Fishing, Picnics |
Lair O'the Bear is fantastic for families because this hike has lot of shade, a mostly level path, the sounds and sights of water, and a few great areas for picnics in this Colorado park. On top of all of that, it's one of the most accessible Denver trails just out of town in the foothills. Within Lair O the Bear park, the Bear Creek Trail follows the creek for 1.6 miles of trail. Approximately 1 mile of the trail runs West from the parking area, and .6 of a mile to the East. But that is just within the park boundaries; the actual trail continues following the creek in both directions, so you can explore even more of this beautiful canyon and riparian landscape. You can also fish Bear Creek in Lair O the Bear. I've not had any luck yet, so I'd appreciate any tips in the comment section below.
Tips & Resources for Hiking at Lair o' the Bear :
- Bikes: There are some hiker only trail segments, but most are open to mountain bikes - and there are A LOT of them, especially on the weekends. So, just hike aware and let your kids know that bikes may be zipping by.
- Picnic: Take a picnic lunch or dinner. There are some great picnic areas along the river at Lair o' the Bear.
- Birding: This is a great place to teach your kids (or yourself) some tree and bird identification. The riparian ecosystem is pretty diverse at Lair o' the Bear.
- Lair o’ the Bear Park Trail Map: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Ice Cream @ The Blue Cow
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Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Eldorado Canyon State Park Hikes
Eldorado Canyon State Park is a hiking and climbing Mecca tucked into the Front Range near Boulder and Denver, Colorado. In this hiking profile of Eldorado Canyon, we quickly give you the 4 main trails and some tips for your time in the canyon. Explore the full trail profile below to get all the details.
Trail Snapshot: Hiking In Eldorado Canyon
Hike Distance | 4 Trails: .5 mile to 3.5 miles (one way) |
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Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Duration | 1-2.5 hrs |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click Here for a Map of Eldorado Canyon State Park |
Denver Drive Time | 45 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Eldorado Springs, Colorado |
Beauty | Canyon, Cascades, Cliff Swallows, Cliff-Top Views, Geologic Features |
Activities | Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Fishing |
Video | Click For Video |
Fee | Link to Fees Page |
Eldorado Canyon is an oasis just about 45 minutes from Denver. Kids will love hiking over rocks along the streamside trail, peering into caves, and gazing up at the climbers on the towering canyon walls. The park features one of the best picnic areas in the state with shallow areas of boulder creek which quickly fill with kids. Close attention is needed in any situation involving water and children. South Boulder Creek can be swift, especially after rains and during the early melts. During these times, the canyon gushes and roars. The sounds are as great as the views.
Fishing at Eldorado Canyon State Park could potentially yield you fish that are eight inches to an average about eight inches to about twenty inches long. For a more detailed guide on fishing here, check out the one at Colorado Parks and Wildlife here.
There is no camping at Eldorado Canyon State Park, although there are nearby areas to do so.
4 Trail Options in Eldorado Canyon State Park
#1 - The Streamside Trail is the shortest (.5 mile one way) and follows close to the sides of the creek and canyon walls. >
#2 - The Fowler Trail takes you .7 miles (one way) and provides great views of the canyon.  >
#3 - The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is more difficult, traveling 1.4 miles up to the ruins of the Crags Hotel that burned to in 1912. Another trail goes from the hotel another .8 mile loop and features a view of Colorado's continental divide.  >
#4 - The Eldorado Canyon Trail is the longest, 3.5 miles (one way), eventually intersecting with the Walker Ranch Loop Trail.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Eldorado State Park:
- Go On a Weekday: Eldorado Canyon is a climbing mecca and can reach capacity on the weekends.
- Picnic: There is a great picnic area at the back of Eldorado Canyon, so pack a lunch or dinner for after the hike.
- Driving Note: Take care in driving through the town of Eldorado Springs, there are many bikers, pedestrians, and pot holes!
- After the Hike: Ozo Coffee in Boulder, Colorado
- Trail Map for Eldorado Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link
- Climbing in Eldorado Canyon
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions