Fowler to Rattlesnake Gulch Loop - Eldorado Canyon State Park

Difficulty: about 7.5 to 8 miles with about 1,350-1,450 feet elevation gain.

FEE: WE WILL BE PARKING OUTSIDE THE PARK AND WALKING IN. IF YOU HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS, BRING YOUR WALK-IN PASS OR RECEIPT WITH YOU. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL PASS, THERE IS A $4 FEE TO WALK IN. NOBODY COLLECTS IT, BUT YOU SHOULD BE PREPARED JUST IN CASE.

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

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Eldorado Canyon State Park preserves a truly golden section of the Rocky Mountain Foothills near Boulder, Colorado. Its pointed cliffs framing South Boulder Creek are a playground for climbers. We will hike the Fowler Trail to Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, which takes a moderate route up the side of Eldorado Canyon to the Crags Hotel Site and the Continental Divide Overlook. We will do the following hike in alltrails except we will add on a short climb to a scenic point: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/continental-divide-overlook-via-fowler-to-rattlesnake-gulch-loop

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Fowler Trailhead. Parking is along the road on CR 67. To get there, click on the alltrails link above and click Directions. Or if you use Google maps, you can type in “Fowler Trailhead” for directions. NOTE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD A HARD TIME FINDING THE TRAILHEAD. So please look at the map, alltrails, etc so that you know where you’re going…as we will leave for the hike timely.

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.

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the hike. Dog owners must clean up and carry out pet excrement.

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. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES IN CASE WE NEED THEM.

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=-105.30555331334956&lat=39.9267901526577#.Y_V_3C9lBvI