Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail

Difficulty: about 4.5 miles with about 950 feet elevation gain. I’ve got plans on Wednesday, so for me just a quick hike up Mount Galbraith. But if some of you want to add on the Nightbird Gulch Trail out and back, you can turn this into a longer hike…about 7.5-8 miles with about 1800 ft elev. gain.

**HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a hiker only trail that is a lollipop loop up Mount Galbraith. We will start out on the Cedar Gulch Trail which runs for 1.3 miles and then connects with the Mount Galbraith Loop which circles 1.6 miles around the top of the 7,260-foot peak, then back down. We will enjoy fantastic views of Denver, the nearby city of Golden, two winding canyons, and the Front Range. Recent alltrails photos indicate the wildflowers have started and we may see blooming cactus, sand lily, Pasque flower, etc. Note that this trail is quite rocky. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-galbraith-loop-via-cedar-gulch-trail**

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs are allowed. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dogs must be leashed. 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 Mount Galbraith Trailhead. The address is: 21992 Golden Gate Canyon Rd., Golden, CO 80403. Alternatively you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Mount Galbraith Park” to get directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Mount Galbraith Trailhead” 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.

**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=39.7647&lon=-105.2553#.ZB-dmi9MFvI**

**REQUIRED WAIVER: Note that 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.