Roxborough Carpenter Peak & Powerline Loop…then into Nelson Ranch Open Space

Let’s do a longer loopish hike in Roxborough….up to Carpenter Peak….Powerline Trail over to Nelson Ranch…and back on Willow Creek.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph to 3mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at the picnic table in Nelson Ranch & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 12 miles with about 1,800-1,900 feet elevation gain.

FEE: THERE IS A $10 FEE FOR A DAY PASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Roxborough State Park is a unique Colorado State Park with a collection of spectacular red rock formations. We will first hike up to Carpenter Peak with its splendid views! From there, we will connect to the Powerline Trail and over to Nelson Ranch. In Nelson Ranch we will hike the Swallowtail Loop around Rabbit Rock (our name for the rock…looks just like a rabbit!). Then back into Roxborough where we will take the Willow Creek Trail back to the parking lot.
Here is a link to my self-made alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-2-2025-63f4462?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE PARK.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Roxborough State Park Visitors Center. The address is: 4751 E. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, CO 80125. To get there, you can click on the following alltrails hike (not the hike we are doing but it will get you to the parking lot) and click directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/carpenter-peak-trail
Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Roxborough State Park Visitor Center” to get directions. In Apple Maps, type in “Roxborough State Park” 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. 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=-105.07530245598728&lat=39.43376867528028

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.