Fowler to Continental Divide Overlook in Eldorado Canyon SP + Goshawk Loop

The upper loop of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, above the Crags Hotel Ruins and the Continental Divide Overlook, is CLOSED to protect nesting golden eagles on the south side of the canyon. So on this hike, we will go up as far as the Continental Divide Overlook and head back the way we came…then add on the Goshawk Loop at the end.

DIFFICULTY: about 8.5 miles with about 1,600-1,700 feet elevation gain. This is my self-made trail so mileage and elevation gain are estimated.

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.

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. On the way back, we will take the Goshawk Ridge Trail and loop back to Fowler. Here is a link to my self-made alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-march-17-2026-58ec6a1?u=i&sh=ittjkn
I will also post a photo of the route.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Fowler Trailhead. Parking is along the road on CR 67. To get there, you can click on the following alltrails link and click Directions…this is not the hike we’re doing, but it will get you to the trailhead: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/fowler-trail-to-eldorado-canyon-trail-to-walker-ranch-loop
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 NOT ALLOWED ON GOSHAWK TRAIL: You can bring your dog, but on the way back when we hike the Goshawk Trail, no dogs are allowed, so you can just take the Fowler Trail back to the trailhead. 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

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.