Horseshoe and Black Bear (rocky and steep) loop - 5.6 miles and 1250 ft EG

This is a great fall hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park with beautiful views, lots of Aspen trees and some rock outcroppings. Please make sure you leave your auto registration with the Keep Colorado Wild logo on your dashboard to show proof of entrance fee payment. You can also pay the fee at the visitor center before driving to the trailhead if you did not pay for the pass with your car registration.

We will meet at the Horseshoe parking lot and hike up to the remains of John Frazer's barn which was built in the 1880s. John Frazer died in the winter of 1896 when the chain holding logs on his lumber wagon broke. The logs crushed him on the steep trail down to Blackhawk. We will take a short break at the barn and meadow before following Mule Deer and Black Bear trail back to the parking lot. Just be aware that the Black Bear trail is steep and requires some rock scrambling at the top but nothing too crazy, and we will take our time.

You can find info for the hike on alltrails, but we will add on the short trail to the meadow and barn.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/black-bear-trail-horseshoe-trail-and-mule-deer-trail-loop

Please bring layers, sun protection, water and a snack for a mid-hike break.

Also, consider car pooling to the trailhead from Boulder or Golden if possible.

By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for your safety.