Roxborough to Waterton Canyon One-Way Hike

Last year at this time, we saw young bighorn sheep that were soooo cute in Waterton Canyon! And the wildflowers were blooming too! But to make this more interesting than just Waterton Canyon, let’s start in Roxborough State Park…hike up to Carpenter Peak…hit the Colorado Trail over to Waterton Canyon Dam, then hike Waterton Canyon…and hope to see the young bighorns again.

Group Limit: Only groups of 9 or less are allowed in Roxborough without a permit. So this hike will be limited to 9 people.

Carpool/Fee: This is a one-way hike from Roxborough State Park to Waterton Canyon, so it will require a carpool, which is about a 15 minute drive. We will coordinate so those with a state park pass drive into Roxborough.

Difficulty: Moderate Plus - about 13 miles with about 1,300 feet elevation gain.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Let’s do a one-way hike starting in Roxborough State Park where we will climb to the 7,166 foot Carpenter Peak which is the high point in Roxborough State Park. The surrounding red rock formations are truly impressive dramatic hogbacks, spires, and monoliths of sandstone. From Carpenter’s Peak, we will take the trail that connects to Waterton Canyon at the Strontia Springs Dam. Then we will hike the Waterton Canyon trail from the dam to the parking area. The Waterton Canyon trail winds alongside the South Platte River through thick cottonwood trees and towering canyon cliffs. The views are pretty of the South Platte River rushing through Waterton Canyon with rugged hillsides on either side. The area has a great deal of wildlife, including the possibility of seeing Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep.

DOGS: 🚫 Not allowed in Roxborough State Park or Waterton Canyon.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Waterton Canyon parking lot and carpool from there into Roxborough State Park. From C-470, exit at CO 121/Wadsworth Blvd. and go south past the entrance for Chatfield State Park. At Waterton Rd., go left/southeast and the parking lot is the second entrance on the left. If you use Apple Maps or Google Maps, you can type in “Waterton Canyon Parking” to get directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.09988531585178&lat=39.43216131154355

REQUIRED WAIVER: Note that if you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.