Raccoon & Coyote/Upper Mule Deer Loop - from Panorama Point in Golden Gate SP
Details
NOTE THAT MOUNTAIN BASE ROAD IS CLOSED IN THE PARK SO YOU WILL NEED TO PLAN YOUR ROUTE TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD. SEE ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS BELOW.
PARK FEE: If you do not have an annual state parks pass, there is a $12 fee to enter the park. There is no main entrance like most state parks where you pay. The park map shows $ signs where the various pay stations are throughout the park. It looks like there is a pay station where we are meeting. But if you need a pass, it is up to you to confirm. Here is the website: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park
DIFFICULTY: about 8 to 8.5 miles with about 1,500-1,600 feet elevation gain. This is a self-made trail so mileage and elevation gain are estimated.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: Let’s do a hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. We will start off at Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, which offers views of 100 miles of snow-capped peaks along the Continental Divide. From there, we will do the Raccoon Trail which is always a favorite of mine. Then we will do a loop trail around Tremont Mountain on the Coyote & Mule Deer Trails. Then back to Raccoon and Panorama Point. This exact trail is not in alltrails, so here is a link to my self-made alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-march-20-2026-dcf15d4?u=i&sh=ittjkn
🚫 DOGS: No dogs allowed on this hike please.,
ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at Panorama Point in the park. Note that Mountain Base Road in the park is currently closed, so you need to pick a different route to Panorama Point. You will need to get there via Gap Road, either from Hwy. 119 from the West or Hwy 72 from the East. Here is a link to the park map which shows Panorama Point in the white section on the north side of the park: https://cpw.widen.net/s/tknfgshsmj/golden-gate-canyon-state-park-brochure
Mountain Base Road (which is closed) is the road on the west side of the park that goes to Ole Barn Knoll and Bootleg Bottom…that road is CLOSED for winter, so do not take it.
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=-105.43210502082641&lat=39.871567318765074#.Y8s7ci9lBvI
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.