- RAWHIDE LOOP HIKE: WHITE RANCH PARK, GOLDEN!Needs location
Nomadic Ute and Arapaho tribes camped and hunted on this land. In 1865, Welsh immigrants James Bond and his wife, Mary, settled on this land. Their home still stands within the park. By 1913, Paul and Anna Lee White purchased a portion of the land. The family operated a commercial Hereford cattle ranch until 1969. The park was acquired through a substantial gift from Anna Lee White and by Jeffco Open Space purchase.
This is a gorgeous park with numerous trails to enjoy! We'll hike the Rawhide Trail Loop, which will take us through beautiful forest areas, leading to elevations with amazing views, including the Ralston Buttes rock formations, Denver and beyond! This hike is approximately 6.5 miles in length, with 1,000 ft. elevation gain, moderate difficulty.DIRECTIONS:
WE'LL MEET AT THE WEST TRAIL HEAD of the park.
Take Colorado Highway 93 north from Golden approximately 1 mile to GOLDEN GATE CANYON ROAD. Travel west approximately 4.1 miles to Crawford Gulch Road. Turn right (north) and follow the signs to White Ranch Park. You will turn right off of Crawford Gulch Road onto Belcher Hill Road for the last leg of the drive (signs posted). Restrooms are available at the trail head, and dogs are welcome, on leash.Address: 25303 Belcher Hill Rd, Golden, CO 80403
Phone: (303) 271-5925
Website/maps: White Ranch Park | Jefferson County, CO (jeffco.us) - WALKER RANCH LOOP HIKE: FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN, BOULDER!Needs location
Difficulty: Moderate - about 8.5 miles with about 1650 feet elevation gain.
Walker Ranch Loop is a fantastic hiking and mountain biking trail through Walker Ranch Park and a portion of El Dorado Canyon State Park. The loop can be done in either direction. Going clockwise from the Walker Ranch Parking Access, the trail starts with a gentle climb, that opens up at the top at the Crescent Meadows Trailhead parking area. From here it’s a two mile descent followed by a short portion up very steep steps, followed by another moderate climb back to the trailhead. The trail is primarily gravel and loose dirt. The loop offers incredible scenic views and a beautiful river. Walker Ranch Park is located just outside Boulder and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are 46 parking spots at the trailhead, a restroom and picnic tables. Dogs are welcome, on leash.
Click on the link below for a trail map:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/walker-ranch-loop
**TAKE FLAGSTAFF ROAD TO THE WALKER RANCH LOOP TRAILHEAD PARKING LOT--WHERE WE'LL MEET**
DIRECTIONS:
Turn West onto Baseline Rd (heading toward Chautauqua Park)
1.5 mi
Continue onto Flagstaff Rd (Baseline becomes Flagstaff Rd. just past Chautauqua Park)
7.2 mi
Turn left
138 ft
Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead Parking Lot
7701 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302