Tag: Golden Gate Canyon Park

Lookout

Mountain Lion Trail

mountain lion trail

Just like Burro Trail, the Mountain Lion trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is challenging and a little bit longer. The trail will take you in a 6.7 mile loop that moves through small meadow, aspen stands, up hills, through pine tree stands and past “Forgotten Valley” wilderness campground. You may also take a jaunt out to “Windy Peak” lookout.

Lookout

This is one of the park’s longer trails, so start early, take your lunch, wear your boots and enjoy a great hike. Grab a park map and start this trail at the Nott Creek trailhead.

Golden Gate State Park is 30 minutes drive west of Denver. There is a park fee and a visitor center for info and unique wildlife displays. You may also be interested in Burro Trail or Raccoon Trail at Golden Gate Park.

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Raccoon Trail

Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park wanders through groves of pine and spruce as well as aspen stands. Wildflowers and views of the Continental Divide are an added treat. The trail is well traveled and is not a tough climb, but rather a pleasant hike through the forest with a slight gain at Panorama Point.

This easy to moderate loop trail is a good hike for kids and will only take an hour to two depending on your speed. The trail head is at the Reverend’s Ridge campground or you could start at Panorama Point and make the loop from there. Stop for a map of the park to find your way. Other trails in the park you may enjoy: Mountain Lion Trail or Burro Trail

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Burro Trail

Burro Trail is in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It is one of the more challenging hikes in the park and is just a 30 minute drive from Golden and west Denver. This is a favorite hike leading to ‘Windy Peak’ where you have great 360 degree views of the mountains and the park below.

Burro Trail has areas of pines, small meadows with aspens, wildflowers and rock outcrops at ‘Windy Peak’. There are also areas where the trail is rugged with rocks and fairly steep. It’s good to wear sturdy hiking shoes and plan for some places where the trail has loose dirt and rock. The trailhead is located at Bridge Creek – grab a map at the park entrance for reference.

You may also be interested in Raccoon Trail or Mountain Lion Trail - both in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Picnic Spot Recommendations:
We enjoy eating lunch up at Windy Peak or at one of the picnic grounds within the park (there are many).

Burro Trail in Colorado’s Golden Gate Canyon Park

A more challenging hike for the family is Burro Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The park is just a 30 min drive from Golden and west Denver.

This is a favorite hike leading to ‘Windy Peak’ where you have great views of the mountains and the park below. This loop is 4.5 miles round trip so be sure to:

1) take your lunch

2) start in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms

3) wear your boots (some areas are steep with rocks and slippery dirt).

Trail has areas of  pines, small meadows with aspens and wildflowers and rock outcrops at ‘Windy Peak’.

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10 Fantastic Rocky Mountain Hikes Near Denver - Mary Norton

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