Red Rocks to Dakota Trail Loop & Optional Dinosaur 🦕 Tracks

A portion of our standard route on this loop is closed for trail maintenance so we will have to walk a bit down the road thru Red Rocks Park to cross over to the Dakota Ridge side. But I don’t expect much of any cars so the short walk on the road should be fine.

Difficulty: Moderate - 6.5 to 7 miles with about 1,250-1,350 feet elevation gain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a fun foothills loop where we will see beautiful red rocks and some nice views. The side trip to see the the dinosaur footprints will be optional…depending on group interest. If need be, we can split the group at that point. Here is a link to my self-made map in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/map-march-10-2026-c223e57?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW RULES: Dogs are allowed on leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Waste must be picked up and deposited into receptacles per Jefferson County Open Space Regulations (https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/8982).

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Matthews/Winters Trailhead main parking lot. The address is 1103 County Road 93, Golden, CO 80401. If you use google maps, you can type in “Matthews / Winters Park Parking Lot / Trailhead” to get there. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Matthews/Winters Red Rocks Loop” 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, bug repellant, 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=39.69707000000005&lon=-105.20379999999994#.ZAc5MS9lBvI

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.