CONTINENTAL DIVIDE OVERLOOK: FOWLER TRAIL TO RATTLESNAKE GULCH, ELDORADO CANYON!
Details
Length: 7.5 mi Elevation gain: 1,332 ft Route type: Loop
Generally considered a moderately challenging route.
THERE IS NO PARKING CHARGE, AS WE WON'T BE IN A LOT. BRING YOUR CO. STATE PARKS PASS, THOUGH, IN CASE WE'RE ASKED TO PROVIDE IT.
***We wait 5 MINUTES MAXIMUM for hikers who arrive late, out of consideration for those arriving on time. Please allow some extra time to drive to the trailhead.***
IMPORTANT: Your participation in this event is at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for your personal hiking experience, from start to finish. Please consider your fitness/comfort level & the demands of this hike (length/elevation gain/difficulty) prior to signing up.
This is a gorgeous hike, with amazing vistas throughout the trail system.
Starting from the Fowler Trail Head, the route takes you two miles until it enters the canyon, before climbing as it joins Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. The views are spectacular throughout this hike, including those west towards the Continental Divide (the best vistas are just past the official lookout) and back east down the canyon. We'll also explore the historic Crags Hotel ruins. Built in 1908, visitors would reach it by rail from the canyon floor; the hotel burned down in 1913. There is a placard with further information at the site.
DIRECTIONS:
We'll meet at the Fowler Trail Head, which is adjacent to where we'll park, along CO RD 67 (no parking lot at the TH). FROM HWY. 93, TURN WEST ONTO ELDORADO CANYON RD. AND FOLLOW IT APPROX. 3 MILES TO CO RD 67, (YOU'LL SE A LARGE, BLUE YOGA ASHRAM SIGN ON YOUR LEFT); YOU WILL TURN LEFT ONTO CO RD 67 AND FOLLOW IT FOR APPROX. ONE MILE TO WHERE IT DEAD-ENDS AT THE FOWLER TRAIL HEAD. PARKING IS ALONGSIDE THE ROAD.
***CARPOOLING FROM THE LOT AT THE JUNCTION OF HWY. 93 & THE TURN OFF TO ELDORADO CANYON STATE PARK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! PARKING NEAR THE FOWLER TRAIL HEAD IS LIMITED (PARKING IS ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD).***
ADDRESS:
2998-2912 Co Rd 67 Boulder, CO 80303
TRAIL ROUTE:
We'll start our hike on Fowler Trail, which intersects the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at about the 4 mile point, continuing for about 2.7 mi. on Rattlesnake Gulch Trail and rejoining Fowler Trail to return to the parking area.
Click on the link below to view Fowler and Rattlesnake Trails. We'll hike these combined trails. Note that Fowler Trail becomes Fowler East Trail before intersecting w/Rattlesnake Gulch Trail.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE OVERLOOK: FOWLER TRAIL TO RATTLESNAKE GULCH, ELDORADO CANYON!