FIRST DAY HIKE: White Ranch Park-Let’s Start the New Year Off on the Right Foot

I put alot of thought into where we should hike on the first day of the year. Initially I thought it should be something spectacular like maybe RMNP…but decided that would be too busy on Jan 1. Then with my broken wrist still healing, I decided maybe I don’t want to deal with ice on the trails yet. So finally I decided to pick White Ranch Park…as it’s centrally located for both north and south metro hikers. We will do a bit longer hike to start the new year off on the right foot! And maybe some of you have not hiked some of the trails we’ll take.

Difficulty: about 9.5 miles with about 1,700 to 1,850 feet elevation gain. This is a self-made trail so distance and elevation gain are estimated.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This loop trail weaves through meadows, rocky areas, and evergreen forest with terrific views to the east of the front range hogback and the eastern plains and some views of the western mountains on a clear day. Here is a link to my self-made alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-december-24-2025-fcbb64e?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS: Allowed on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement, per Jefferson County Open Space Regulations (https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/8982).

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the White Ranch Park WEST Trailhead. The trailhead address is 25373 Belcher Hill Road, Golden, CO 80403. For directions, you can click the following Alltrails link above and click directions. Its not the exact trail we’re doing, but it will get you to the trailhead: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/rawhide-trail--2
If you use google maps, you can type in “White Ranch Park West Trailhead” to get there.
Note that as you are driving down Belcher Hill Rd, you will first pass a smaller trailhead on your left. Keep going until you get to the end of the road where there is a larger trailhead. Look for my blue Subaru Outback.

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. 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?lat=39.81846000000007&lon=-105.28679999999997

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.