HIKE CHANGED: Coffintop Mountain & Button Rock Dam/Reservoir

Since they’re getting snow at Mount Flora, let’s do a hike a bit lower where no snow is forecast. First we will hike to the top of Coffintop Mountain with views looking down on Ralph Price Reservoir from up high! Once up there, we will explore around the top and take a break. Then we will hike down to the dam and along the shore of Ralph Price Reservoir.

Difficulty: about 9+ miles with about 2,500 feet elevation gain. I’ve never done this exact hike so mileage and elevation gain are estimated.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will break at the top of Coffintop Mtn & will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Hikes through Button Rock Preserve are always beautiful. On this hike, we’ll start up the Sleepy Lion Trail but eventually turn off to head up to Coffintop Mountain. From the top, we will have beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Twin Sisters. Thereafter, we will hike past Button Rock Dam (with its shooting water) and along Ralph Price Reservoir before heading back along the North St Vrain Creek. This exact trail is not in alltrails, so here is a link to my self-made alltrails route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/map-september-22-2025-4a77837

NO DOGS: Dogs are no longer allowed in the preserve.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the parking area for Button Rock Preserve. To get to the preserve from Longmont, travel west on Highway 66 to Lyons. Proceed west on Highway 36 for 4 miles. Turn left at Boulder County Road 80 and continue for 3 miles where you will arrive at a gate across the roadway where there is parking allowed. Alternatively you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. If you use Apple Maps or Google maps, you can type in “Button Rock Trailhead” for 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?lat=40.21554000000003&lon=-105.36693999999994#.ZBoCUy9MFvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: 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.