MOUNTAIN LION TRAIL LOOP, GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK!
Details
LOCATION: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Length: 6.8 mi. Elevation gain: 1,578 ft. Difficulty: Moderate w/some steep elevation gains (not technical) Route type: Loop
Enjoy this incredibly scenic loop trail near Pinecliffe, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 39 min to complete. We'll hike the Mountain Lion Trail loop, counter-clockwise. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. This is an excellent trail if you really want to get a workout in. You get a little bit of everything, including a beautiful mountain lake, several creek crossings (via bridges- the creek runs throughout much of the hike) elevation changes, aspen groves, prolific wildflowers (in season), open plains, etc! Combo of narrow and wide paths, dusty and rocky sections. There is a mix of sun and shade.
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Restrooms near the parking lot.
LINK TO TRAIL ROUTE & DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/rocky-mountain-high-trail
**NOTE: THE MOUNTAIN LION TRAIL WAS TEMPORARILY NAMED THE 'ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH' TRAIL IN 2023, IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN DENVER'S SONG OF THE SAME NAME, AND STILL COMES UP AS BOTH NAMES IN A SEARCH**
• Golden Gate Canyon State Park charges a fee (or a CO State Parks Pass) to enter. For more information, please visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/GoldenGateCanyon/Pages/Fees.aspx
DIRECTIONS:
***WE'LL MEET AT THE NOTT CREEK TRAIL HEAD***
From Hwy. 93 in Golden, head west on Golden Gate Canyon Rd.
3.9 mi
Turn right onto Crawford Gulch Rd
3.7 mi
Continue onto Drew Hill Rd
3.9 mi
Turnoff to parking lot on right side of the road.
**IMPORTANT** WHEN YOU SEE THE RED BARN AND RED BUILDINGS ON YOUR LEFT, YOU ARE AT THE TURNOFF TO THE TRAIL HEAD/PARKING LOT. TURN RIGHT JUST PAST THE RED BARN, WHERE THE PARK REGULATION SIGNS ARE POSTED, ONTO THE DIRT ROAD, AND TRAVEL A SHORT DISTANCE TO THE PARKING LOT
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