Roxborough to Ringtail to Indian Creek Loop Hike 15+ Miles
Details
Let’s do a long loop hike starting out of Roxborough State Park! Some of this trail I’ve done before…and other portions are new for me.
We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5 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 lunch break at an appropriate spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.
Difficulty: about 15+ miles with about 2,500 feet elevation gain. This is a self-created trail so mileage and elevation are estimated.
FEE: THERE IS A $10 FEE FOR A DAY PASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS. Note that the entrance station will not be manned and you will need to pull over at the entrance and pay at the self-pay kiosk.
**HIKE DESCRIPTION: On this loop hike, we will start off in Roxborough with its spectacular red rock formations and hike into Nelson Ranch Open Space to connect up with the Ringtail Trail. We will hike the entire Ringtail Trail over to the Indian Creek Trail…then follow the Indian Creek Trail back into Roxborough. Here is a link to my self-created alltrails, but note that instead of taking the Elk Valley Trail back at the end of our hike, we will take the Bear Canyon Trail…as part of it is new and I’ve not done it. In photos, I will attach a photo of the COTREX map that shows us taking Bear Canyon Trail back. The entire Bear Canyon Trail is not yet in alltrails so I couldn’t include it on my alltrails map. See alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/map-march-15-2026-9efaee5?u=i&sh=ittjkn**
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN ROXBOROUGH STATE 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.
**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=-105.095&lat=39.404**
**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.