Tag: State park hikes

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Inner Canyon Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park

A fun and beautiful hike at Castlewood Canyon State Park is the Inner Canyon Trail. A 1.16 mile trail that takes you down into the canyon and along the waters of Cherry Creek is a relaxing and refreshing hike. There is a moderate incline of the trail into and out of the canyon itself, but wooden stairs and a well maintained trail made it easy enough for our 4 year old to navigate.

The canyon walls tower above the trail once on the canyon floor and the trees and boulders offer spots of shade. Many will take the time to dangle their feet in the creek or let their dogs go for a swim.
We enjoyed this leisurely hike on a Sunday (10:00am) early enough to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
There are restrooms, picnic tables and grill pits available at the trail head.

You may also enjoy Cherry Creek Trail Creek Bottom Trail at Castlewood Canyon Park.

Bridge in Inner Canyon Trail




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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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Three Easy Trails at Castlewood Canyon State Park

Inner Canyon Trail
Rimrock Trail
Cherry Creek and Creek Bottom Trail

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Cherry Creek Trail and Creek Bottom Trail at Castlewood Canyon

Castlewood Canyon State Park hosts a number of fun and scenic trails. Begin at the Westside parking lot and trailhead.

Start your hike on the Cherry Creek Trail north to the Lucas Homestead site. From there, take the Homestead trail until you meet up with the Creek Bottom Trail where you will go right (you may want to stop and take a look at the water while you are at this intersection- a great place for throwing stones into the water). After that section of the Creek Bottom Trail, you will go right onto the Cherry Creek Trail again back to the parking lot. Grab a map at the trailhead.

The trail offers hiking through scrub oak, small hills, and eventually down into the canyon itself. The canyon walls are covered in trees and lush vegetation, and the bottom of the canyon is covered in huge boulders. It is well maintained and has areas of gradual incline, creek crossing and and shade.

Picnic Recommendations:
We enjoyed packing a lunch and eating on the side of the trail once we found a large rock to call our table. There are many such areas along the trail – down near the water is open and there is a lot to see. Or, you may choose to have your picnic at one of the many picnic tables provided at the trailhead.

Restrooms available at trailhead.

Note:You may also enjoy: Inner Canyon Trail

10 Fantastic Rocky Mountain Hikes Near Denver - Mary Norton

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