High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park
The High line Canal starts in the foothills and meanders over 60 miles through Denver, creating a treelined hiking and biking thoroughfare in the middle of the city. This stretch in Littleton, Colorado takes you past Fly'n B Park. Take the path south and you'll find yourself in Writer's Park. Scroll down for the trail snapshot, and for further details and tips for hiking this great segment of Denver's High Line Canal.
Trail Snapshot: High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park
| Hike Distance | 3.7 miles Round Trip |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 2 hr Round Trip |
| Trail Type | Out and Back |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park (see A6 to A2) |
| Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
| Driving Directions to High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
| Beauty | Giant cottonwood trees, Highline Canal, wetlands, waterfowl, pond at the Fly'n B Park |
| Activities | Hiking, cycling, birdwatching, pond, picnic shelter |
Denver's Highline Canal was designed as an irrigation stream, but it has become a 66 mile long hiking and biking trail running through the heart of Denver. This particular hiking trail section is in the Littleton & Highlands Ranch area. There are two parking lots from which you can start the hike: the Countyline Road Trailhead, or the Fly'n B Park lot. Round Trip, this segment is about 4 miles. From the Countyline Trailhead, cross over the first footbridge and head South (left). You'll run into an intersection about 200 yards up. Take a right to continue following the Highline.
Water flows in the highland canal about 90 days a year. Because the canal only drops two feet per mile, the water, even when it is flowing fast, appears calm. This is part of what gives this trail such a pastoral feel, even though it is close to 470. Immense Cottonwood trees arch over the path, and all sorts of birds decorate the bushes and wetlands that have grown up wild along its edges.
The trail is great for a stroller hike and for wheelchairs. After about 2 miles of trail, you'll walk through a tunnel that goes under 470. You'll then emerge to find yourself at Fly'n B Park. It looks like it is an old ranch that has been converted into a great park near Highlands Ranch. It features a small pond with boat dock, and a fantastic shelter house. The pond looks like a perfect place to take kids fishing in Denver. We haven't tried it out yet, so we would love your feedback if you have. The Highlands Ranch Metro District Parks is currently (Spring 2014) renovating the home on the property. Outdoor restrooms and some parking is available. However, we recommend parking at the Countyline Road Trailhead for this hike.
Tips & Resources for Hiking High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park :
- TIP: A detailed guide to of the Highline Canal Trail can be ordered from Denver Water.
- TIP: Take some snacks and extra water. The Highline continues well beyond this section and you're likely to want to explore more of it.
- TIP: From the Countyline Trailhead, you can also go North towards for views of McLellan Reservoir and the Front Range.
- Trail Map for High Line Canal Hike: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Enchanted Grounds Coffee Shop
- Denver Water Highline Canal Site
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Mount Falcon - Castle & Tower Hike
A hike to castle ruins in Colorado? Yep. Throw in a lookout tower, a great view of Denver, of Red Rocks, and of the mountains, and you've got some of the highlights of the Mount Falcon Trail. The trailhead is nestled in a community in the foothills just about 40 minutes from Denver. Here we detail a 2.3-mile loop trail that hits all the destinations.
Trail Snapshot: Mount Falcon Castle & Tower Hike
| Hike Distance | Approx 2.3 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | 1 hr 30 min+ |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash in Most Areas |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Morrison, Colorado |
| Beauty | Front Range views, Denver views, Fire Tower, ruins, & deer |
| Activities | Picnic area, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking trails |
Mt. Falcon Loop Hike
Mount Falcon features several trails. By combining a few, you can create a 2.3-mile loop and take in several historic sites as well as breathtaking views of Denver, Red Rocks, and the Front Range. This makes it one of the best hikes close to Denver for visiting friends and family. Because it is an easy hike and has a relatively flat and wide trail, you can take the jogging stroller on this one, too. If you are looking for more great trails for your family, be sure to check out our Kid Friendly Trails Near Denver and our recommended Colorado Hikes for Visiting Friends and Family pages. If hiking with kids, be sure to access it via the West Trailhead as described in this post. Map apps and other sites may take you to the very demanding east trailhead, which is very exposed to the sun and has heavy mountain bike traffic.
The Loop Trail Sequence:Start at the parking lot off of Mt. Falcon Road, and when you come to a fork in the trail, take the Tower Trail to your right. Soon you'll pass the Eagle Eye Shelter which offers great views towards Mount Evans and the surrounding foothills. Stay on the Tower Trail until you get to the Fire Tower which commands a panoramic view of Denver, Red Rocks, and more of the Front Range of Colorado.
Then continue on the Tower Trail until it intersects with the Meadow Trail. Take the Meadow Trail North/Left for about .3 miles. It will end at the Castle Trail - take a left. The Castle Trail will lead you back to the parking lot, but don't head back until you stop at the ruins of the old Walker Home. The views from here are beautiful as well.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Mt. Falcon:
- TIP: Bring a Lunch and stop at the Eagle Eye Shelter for a Picnic
- TIP: Go early or late to catch some of the best sunsets along the Colorado's Front Range
- Trail Map for Mount Falcon Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
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Elk Meadow Park - South Loop
Elk Meadow Park is a great place to hike with your family, if you have little ones, or if you just want to talk with a friend as you hike and take in great views of Colorado. It is important to know that the adjacent off-leash dog park has been closed. Get all the info you need to hike Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen by exploring the full trail profile below.
| Hike Distance | 2.6 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 1.5 hr |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
| Driving Directions to Elk Meadow Park - South Loop | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
| Beauty | Meadows, old barn, ponderosa pine, wildlife: elk, & Abert's squirrel |
| Activities | Hiking, dog park nearby |
Elk Meadow Park has just over 13 miles of hiking trails near Denver that wind through it's lower meadows, through ponderosa forest, and two more strenuous options that lead to the summit of Bergen Peak. This profiles a 2.6 mile loop that begins at the south parking area. To form the loop, combine the Meadow View Trail, Elk Ridge Trail, and the Sleepy "S" trail. Use the Elk Meadow Park map at this link. We chose this route because we have 2 children under 3 years old, and it was a good choice - just long enough, trails close to Denver, and lots of change of scenery during a short hike.
There had been an off-leash dog area just on the other side of the street from the south parking lot (not visible on this older google map, so you'll have to trust us that it's there). This was a great place to allow dogs to roam and play, but this has been closed due to excessive dog waste and damage to vegetation. Here is a link to the Jefferson County info page on the off-leash area. Dogs are required to be leashed in all other areas of the park.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Elk Meadow Park - South Loop :
- TIP: The Easy way. Take the loop clockwise for the easier route and counter-clockwise if you are looking for a more strenuous (but not much) hike.
- Parking: Park only in designated areas. There has been a lot of erosion damaged caused by visitors parking alongside the road. If parking is full, please find another park to visit.
- TIP: Enjoy some time in Evergreen. The town of Evergreen is a great place to retreat to during the summer. It's a few degrees cooler, Bear Creek runs through town, and you'll find some great places to eat.
- Trail Map for Elk Meadow Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
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Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
If you are yearning for wide open spaces, the Flatirons Vista trail near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect hike. The trail has two loop options and links up to other hiking trails along the Flatirons. Explore the trail profile of this classic Colorado hike for a trail map and all the details like driving directions, trail difficulty rating, and distances.
Trail Snapshot: Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
| Hike Distance | 1.9 or 3.3 Miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | 1 to 2.5 hrs |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Season |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Boulder, Colorado |
| Beauty | Views of the Flatirons, Meadows, Ponderosa Pines, Wildlife: Bobcat, Bear, Mule Deer, Eagles (in winter), & coyote |
| Activities | Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, & Trail Running |
| Fee | $5 Parking fee or $25 Annual Pass |
You've got options. The Flatiron Vista Loop trail offers 2 loops. One is 3.3 miles and the other is just 1.9 miles. They will wind you through the ponderosa pines and meadows that skirt of the famous Flatirons just south of Boulder. It's an easy hike and a trail runner's dream. The Flatiron Vista Loops are a great destination for winter hikes as well. That's the time of year that you are likely to spot both Golden and Bald Eagles.
The Loops:
-
Longer Flatiron Vista Loop -3.3 miles:
Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). After 2.4 miles, bear right onto the North Flatiron Vista Trail. Then, after 1 mile, take the connector trail you came in on back to the trailhead. (reverse this if you like).
-
Shorter Flatiron Vista Loop -1.9 miles:
Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). After approx. 1 miles bear right onto Prairie Vista Trail. Continue about 1 mile, then take the connector trail you came in on back to the trailhead
Tips & Resources for Hiking at Flatirons Vista:
- No Shade: The trails at Flatirons Vista are very exposed. Bring a hat and use the sunscreen.
- Trail Map for Flatirons Vista Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Windy Saddle Cafe
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Canyon Loop Trail - Betasso Preserve, Boulder
This hike at Betasso Preserve near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect evening escape to watch the sunset over the town below. You'll cross through meadows dotted with wildflowers then under stands of Ponderosa pine that eventually open up to views to east. Explore the hiking trail profiles and map link below for details.
Trail Snapshot: Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve
| Hike Distance | 3.3 Miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | Approx 1.5 hr |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Season |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click Here for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 50 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Boulder, Colorado |
| Beauty | Views of Boulder, Wildlife: Aberts Squirrel & Deer, Ponderosa Forest, Meadows |
| Activities | Picnic Area, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails |
Tips & Resources for Hiking the Canyon Loop at Betasso Preserve :
- Easier Approach: Make your hike at Betasso Preserve a bit easier by starting from the East Trailhead
- Mountain Bikers: Each month the direction of travel required for Mountain Bikers is switched. Check the sign at the trailhead. Additionally, biking is not allowed on Wed. & Sat.
- Hikers: Check the sign at the trailhead as well and try to hike the opposite direction of the bike traffic.
- Trail Map for Betasso Preserve: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Ozo Coffee in Boulder
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Maxwell Falls Near Evergreen, Colorado
The Maxwell Falls hike is our most popular hike near Denver. Why? Because it's a perfect Colorado family hike with a variety of terrain, and it takes you to one of the closest waterfalls to Denver. Below, you'll find three different hike options: a one-mile hike, a three-mile loop, and a four-mile trek--all taking you to Maxwell Falls.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
#1: While this is a moderate hike, a significant number of novice and unprepared hikers have found themselves in challenging circumstances while hiking these trails: dehydration, heat exhaustion, altitude sickness, etc., and have had to call for emergency and rescue services. Evergreen Fire and Rescue urges novice and out-of-town hikers to seriously consider your fitness level before attempting the hike, to wear shoes that will help you navigate loose gravel, and to pack water for your trip.
#2: In the last few years, Maxwell Falls has become one of the most popular destination hikes near Denver, and it's having a negative impact. In other words, Maxwell Falls is being loved to death. Please read through the Help Care for Maxwell Falls segment for basic trail etiquette that will help protect this beautiful place.
Trail Snapshot: Maxwell Falls Hike
| Hike Distance | 1.6 to 4 Miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | 45 min to 2 hr 30 min+ |
| Trail Type | Out & Back and Loop |
| Seasons | Summer through Fall |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
| Denver Drive Time | 50 min |
| Directions | Lower Parking Area - Upper Parking Area |
| Town Nearest Hike | Conifer, Colorado |
| Beauty | Waterfall, overlooks, creek, woodlands |
| Activities | Picnicking, hiking trails |
When we were moving to Denver, we were looking for a great house and for great hikes, and our favorite hikes end with a waterfall. Waterfalls close to Denver, Colorado don't have a lot of wow-factor, but they make great for great destination hikes. There are 3 ways to hike to Maxwell falls. Our favorite is the Cliff Trail loop because it gives you the falls a reward at the end. The falls are more of a series cascades, but are worth the hike. If you want to explore more waterfalls near Denver, check out our Waterfall Hikes Near Denver page.
Hike Options for Maxwell Falls Trails.
1. The Short Version:
Less than 1 mile round trip - Begin at the Upper Trailhead and follow the signs to the falls. It's just under half a mile, one way.
2. The Cliff Trail Loop:
3 Miles - Start at the upper trailhead lot. The trail will split a couple times and you'll want to bear left, following the signs that point you down the Cliff Trail. You'll climb a bit to a rock promontory that gives you beautiful views of the valley below. You will begin a descent to the creek bed, then the trail will turn and head upstream. Follow it until you hear the falls. After the falls, follow the trail back up to the upper lot.
3. Lower Maxwell Falls Hike
- 4 Miles Round Trip - Begin at the lower parking area and hike up the valley and along Maxwell Creek for about 2 miles. About 1.7 miles along the trail, you'll cross to the other side of the creek. Shortly after that, you'll hear the falls. Return the same way you came.
We've had some inquiries about whether or not there is camping at Maxwell Falls. Because this area gets so much traffic, we recommend camping elsewhere. It is permissible to camp on USFS land, but it's important to take into consideration our impact, and the Maxwell Falls area is getting loved to death. I'd recommend checking out Reserve America for other camping ideas.
So, strap on your hiking boots, grab a picnic lunch and your trekking poles, then hit the trail to Maxwell Falls.
Help Care for Maxwell Falls Area
Maxwell Falls and the surrounding trails get an incredible amount of traffic, and in recent years, hikers have really harmed the area. So, during your visit (and as always), follow Leave No Trace principles and the following:
- Pick up trash on your hike (especially your own). There is no trash service at this trailhead.
- Pack out dog droppings
- Keep Dogs on a Leash
- No fires or digging fire-pits. Fires pose an extreme danger to nearby residents.
- If parking is full, come back later, or find a different hike. Roadside parking is causing erosion and safety hazards.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Maxwell Falls:
- TIP: This trail gets a ton of use, so make an effort to pick up a few pieces of trash while you are making your trek to the falls.
- TIP: Be on alert for the signage. It's easy to miss, and sometimes in disrepair. I'd recommend reading through the comments section below for details.
- After the Hike: Beaujos Pizza in Evergreen
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
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Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions for Upper Lot
Looking for more waterfalls near Denver? Explore our more than 50 Colorado Waterfall Hikes, our favorite Waterfall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 Waterfalls within One Hour of Denver.
Glendale Farm Trail - Douglas County Open Space
Glendale Farm is a short hiking trail near Littleton, Colorado, that offers a seventeen-acre off-leash dog park. This makes for a great after-work trail run or a leisurely hike when the sun is setting over the mountains and the day is cooling down. Glendale Farm Open space is situated on a prairie plateau between Lone Tree and Castle Pines, Colorado. From the high point on the trail you'll gain views of Pikes Peak in the south, Devil's head in the west, and Rocky Mountain's Longs Peak in the North. It's just a 1.6 mile loop trail, so it makes for a great run or hike. There's not much shade on this trail, so bring sunscreen--or better yet, hit the trail as the sunsets.
Trail Snapshot: Glendale Farm Trail - Douglas County Open Space
| Hike Distance | 1.6 mile |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 45 min |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Glendale Farm Trail - Douglas County Open Space |
| Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
| Driving Directions to Glendale Farm Trail - Douglas County Open Space | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
| Beauty | Grassland, Front Range views, Cherry Creek, wildlife: pronghorn antelope, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, deer, rabbits, scrub jays, & spotted towhees |
| Activities | Picnic areas, horseback riding, mountain biking, adjacent dog park |
This is another one of those great hikes with your Dog near Denver. Leashes are required on the trail, but after doing the loop, you can let your dog loose in the adjacent 17 acre off-leash dog park. Greenland Open Space Trail has a similar off-leash dog park of 17 acres.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Glendale Farm Trail - Douglas County Open Space :
- An off-leash dog area: Located southwest of the main trailhead is a 17-acre parcel designated park that is fenced-in, and the only area where dogs are allowed off-leash.
- Watch your step: Prickly pear cacti grow along the trail and there are rattlesnakes present in the area.
- Trail Map for Glendale Farm Open Space: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
- Rules: For the most up-to-date rules and info in Douglas County dog parks, see this brochure.
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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 |
|---|---|
| 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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O Fallon Park Trails
hese hiking trails near Evergreen, Colorado weave through the Bear Creek area in O'Fallon Park. It's a great place to launch into the Bear Creek Canyon area. Because there are a lot of options, be sure to download the trail map and look over the five different trail options listed below in the hike profile. Scroll down for the full O'Fallon Park Trails profile and to find driving directions, pdf map, and full trail details.
| Hike Distance | 1.3 to 7 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | Approx 1 to 5 hrs |
| Trail Type | 3 Loop Trails and Out & Back |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of O'Fallon Park Trails |
| Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
| Driving Directions to O'Fallon Park Trails | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
| Beauty | Mountain peak views, Bear Creek & brooks, wildflowers, & butterflies |
| Activities | Picnic areas, horseback riding, mountain biking |
O'Fallon Park is part of a series of Jefferson County and Denver Mountain Parks that are connected by Bear Creek and the Bear Creek Trail. Quartz riddles the trails and butterflies alight on flowers along the five trails that weave through the park. The O'Fallon Park picnic area is right beside Bear Creek and plenty of shade provided by the Ponderosa Pines that cover it.
Fishing at O'Fallon Park may get you some rainbow and brown trout!
Trails at O'Fallon Park
1- Meadow View Loop (2.5 miles): We actually hiked this as an out-and-back from the lot up to the vista. Great views up there, but be ready for a steady gain in elevation. It's some work, but it's worth it.
2- Panorama Point - (1.3 miles out-and-back)
3-West Ridge Loop - (3 miles)
4- Picnic Loop (1.3 miles): Stays closer to the picnic areas and makes for a nice easy walk with the family before or after lunch.
5-Bear Creek Trail - This trail runs 7 miles from Pence Park parking lot to the Lair o' the Bear Park lot. Medium in difficulty and a mountain biking mecca.
Tips & Resources for Hiking O'Fallon Park Trails :
- TIP: This is another park that can fill quickly on the weekends, but it's mainly the picnic areas. It's not necessary to go early, but it's not a bad idea.
- TIP: Keep alert for mountain bikers, especially on the Bear Creek Trail. Most of the other trails are hiker only.
- TIP: Bring a picnic breakfast or lunch.
- O'Fallon Park Trail Map: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
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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) |
|---|---|
| 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
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