Hike Golden Gate Canyon State Park (A+)

Name: Hike Golden Gate Canyon State Park (A+)
Start: 2025-07-17T06:30:00-06:00
End: 2025-07-17T18:00:00-06:00
Location: Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitors Center

Hosted By

Tom B.

Details

Hike Description: This is a loop hike located in a Colorado State Park west of Golden, Colorado. We begin on the Black Bear Trail, then go up the Mule Deer Trail and return on the Horseshoe Trail. There is a stop at Fraser Meadow to view the ruins and interesting information about the John Fraser Homestead. We will also pass by the Greenfield Meadow and Homestead. The area features a scenic combination of trees, mountains, and meadows. The Black Bear Trail includes some steep and rocky sections to scramble over so be prepared. At the end of the hike, there is a nice visitor center to explore.
Hike Length, Elevation Range, Elevation Gain: The hike distance is about 6 miles, elevation ranges from about 8,256' to 9,285, and elevation gain is about 1,329'. The hike is rated A+.
Meetup Location and Rideshare Amount; The meeting place is Jax West, Loveland. Roundtrip travel to the hike start is 120 miles so the rideshare is $12.
Lateness: We will wait only five minutes for late arrivals at the meetup location. Please allow extra time to get there.
Hike Pace: This hike will be at a moderate pace. We hike as a group and will stop at appropriate spots, as needed, for rest, water, snacks, photos, clothing adjustments etc.
Things to Bring: Water, snacks, lunch, appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and hiking poles are recommended.
Weather Forecast: See the forecast for the trail area here: https://forecast.weather.gov (enter the location). Any changes to the hike due to weather conditions will be communicated on Meetup.
Cancellation of Hike: Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. You will be notified if the hike is cancelled for any reason.
Required Waiver: If you have not already done so, you must sign the LMC waiver available on our website (see below) prior to this hike. Copies will be available at the meetup location, or you may print, sign, and bring with you a form available at this link: https://lovelandmountainclub.org/images/Forms/2024application-renewal-waiver.pdf. If you choose to sign the waiver on the day of hike, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike on time. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you can perform this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.
Covid Protocol: Fully Covid vaccinated hikers only for carpooling. At the hike leader's discretion, non-vaccinated hikers may meet at the trailhead. Please contact the hike leader to discuss the matter.