Elk Falls in Colorado’s new Staunton State Park will open to the public May 18th 2013. We are still in the process of creating a detailed trail profile,in the meantime, use these Google Directions to drive to the park.

If you are a fan of waterfall hikes and you live near Denver, you’ll know that it’s kind of slim pickings; most of the best waterfalls in Colorado require driving beyond the Front Range, or into Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Falls, near Pine and Conifer, Colorado is just 1 hour from Denver. The 3700 acre Staunton State Park offers incredible hiking, rock climbing, and beautiful rock formations – all making for some great Colorado day hikes.

Opening Weekend Information

The Grand Opening will take place on Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th, 2013. The Park hours will be limited and parking will be limited as well. The hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See this Staunton Park page for details on the additional parking and shuttles.

Elk Falls Overlook Hike

Elk Falls are stunning. Check out the video below to see footage of the falls which starts around 3 minutes in. The rest of the video will describe the distinct zones of Staunton State Park.

We’ve been in contact with the Park and it looks like the trail to the Elk Falls Overlook trail will be open, but the Elk Falls trail, that would take you right to the base of the waterfall is still being developed. Still, overlook should provide an amazing view of the waterfall. The hike to get to the Elk Falls overlook will take some work; it’s a 3.6 mile hike one-way (7.2 miles round trip).

Here’s a link to the new Staunton Park Trail Map to help you plan your trip.

Looking at the topography. I’d recommend taking the Scout Line Trail (1.5 mile) to the Bugling Elk Trail (1.1 mile), then take the Lion’s Back Trail (1 mile) to the overlook. The last mile looks like it will give your legs a workout. For a full list of the Staunton State Park trails, check out this link.

Hats off to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the donors who made this happen.

Fees: Because this is a Colorado State Park, there is an entrance fee. See the fees page for details.

More Hikes Near Conifer, Colorado:

• Maxwell Falls Near Conifer, Colorado
• Meyer Ranch Open Space Near Evergreen, Colorado
• Echo Lake Near Mount Evans

Links

• Check out these additional photos of Elk Falls
• Review the several zones of Staunton State Park

Mt. Sanitas offers three different hike options, ranging from the more difficult climb up the mountain, to an easy walk through a peaceful valley. Sanitas is Latin for “health”, and this hike may either get you in better shape (the 3.1 mile loop), or restore your sanity (the easier options). If you are visiting Boulder, this is a great Colorado hike.

3 Hike Options at Mt. Sanitas in Boulder, Colorado

1 – The Mt. Sanitas Loop – 3.1 Mile Loop – Medium+

This is the classic hike at Boulder’s Mt. Sanitas, and it’s the most difficult of the three hike options because it involves a series of log and rock steps that will leave your quads and knees either thanking your for the workout or aching for a couple days afterwards. Because of this, we would give it a Medium+ difficulty rating. The prize of this Front Range Hike are the views at the top. You’ll be able to look down into Boulder and get some great views of Colorado’s Front Range.

2 – Mt. Sanitas Valley Hike – 2 Mile Out-and-Back – Easy

Here’s the easiest option; 1 mile straight up the valley and back. The two words that best describe the Sanitas Valley trail: idyllic and busy. Dogs run about and jump in the creek that runs along the beginning of the path, runners fly by, and families talk and stroll together. The trail rises gently at first, then goes into more of an incline. We took our stroller; it worked fine, but was tough pushing the kids up the last 1/4 mile uphill. We turned around just after the Dakota Ridge Trail junction, making it a 2 mile out-and-back hike.

3 – Dakota Ridge Trail at Mt. Sanitas – 2 Mile Loop – Easy to Medium

You’ll find side trails running East/West off of the Sanitas Valley trail which will take you up onto the Dakota ridge, a hogback that boxes in the Sanitas Valley. You can make this an out-and-back hike, or turn it into a loop by hiking back through the valley (see photo above and the Mt. Sanitas Trail Map for the route).

Tips:

• This is kind of a no-brainer, but get to the trailhead early. I think we arrived around 8am on a Saturday and grabbed the last parking spot. However, we noticed that many people were walking to the trailhead from town, so there are other parking options.
• Bring your sunscreen; the trail is mostly exposed.
• If you are looking for solitude, I’d recommend trying another hike. The Mt. Sanitas trail is essentially in Boulder, and its great location means that it’s quite busy.

Related Hikes:

• Nearby: Boulder Falls
• Nearby: Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall & Gross Reservoir
• Peaceful Valley Hike along Hidden Red Rock

The shade of a wooded canyon, combined with a waterfall, ending at a blue lake, make this hike near Boulder Colorado worthwhile. Though it’s probably 25′ high, the waterfall is not what I’d call spectacular. So, if you are going for this waterfall, I’d recommend going early in the season when the snowmelt is at its peak in May and early June.

The trail winds gently downhill through a canyon, beside a creek, sheltered beneath fir and spruce. In fact, of the hikes we have profiled, this trail may provide more shade than any trail near Denver. You’ll come upon the falls about 1 mile into the hike and the reservoir is just 200 yards further down the trail. In fact, reaching the clear blue water was the highlight for our kids.

We skipped rocks and hiked along the sandy and rock rim so that we could explore more of the lake. With the water levels being so low, and a large tree blocking the shot, I couldn’t get a good photo of the falls. Boulder Resident, Harold Sears, has a couple of the best photos on his site, and a nice trail profile as well.

One important note. The trail is a bit difficult to find just above the waterfall, in fact, if you take the wrong route, it appears to lead you down a rock face – which is not a good idea, especially with kids. The correct route bears to the left of a cedar tree, will lead you up further above and away from the falls, then back down into the canyon floor. I’ve posted a photo below showing the juncture. Even in the photo, it’s hard to see the trail.

Tips:

• If you are coming from Denver, it’s quite a drive. The payoff is that the parking lot was almost empty on memorial day weekend. We recommend making a day of it and spending some time in Boulder before or after the hike.
• The Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee Salmon, and this stretch of it is where they supposedly like to hang out. So, bring your fishing gear. Here is a link to a Dept. of Wildlife PDF with information on the stock on the lake and some links to the fishing regulations for Gross Reservoir.
• The Google Map & Directionss: The trailhead parking lot is new, and really nice (with a restroom), but the parking lot doesn’t show up on the current google satellite map. However, the map should be accurate. One helpful tip is that once you turn off of Magnolia and onto 68, the parking lot is approx. 2 miles down and on your right.

Related Hikes:

• Spruce Moutain: Bluff top Hike in Shade
• Boulder Falls: On the Way to Forsythe Canyon

Spruce Mountain offers breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, Eagle Mountain, and the rolling hills of Greenland and Larkspur. Most trails close to Denver are pretty exposed to the sun, so we were pleasantly surprised with how much shade the trees provided along the trails. Still, bring sunscreen because the South side is a bit more exposed.

We rated this as medium in difficulty because of the first segment, which climbs about 400′ in the first mile. After that, it’s relatively level. So, we’d put this on the easy side of medium. Because of that, this makes a great family hike close to Denver. But we’d highly recommend getting on the trail by 9am on the weekends (see the tips below).

Two Options:

1 – 1.5+ Mile Hike to the Greenland Overlook - (out and back) Take a left where the trail forks and head up to the overlook (about 3/4 mile). This is a great first option if you have children with you. The views of Pikes Peak may be the best in Douglas County, and you can see how the family is doing and decide whether or not you want to continue on the loop hike.

2 – 4+ Mile Spruce Mountain Loop Trail – Continue west on the trail making a loop around the top of Spruce Mountain. You’ll encounter fantastic views of Eagle Mountain, and the Windy Point overlook. Just a quick note that the service road may look like a shortcut back to the trailhead, but it’s not. It is an option though if you would like to hike the open meadows between Eagle and Spruce mountains.

Tips:

(or 3 reasons to go early)

• Speed Trap? – We haven’t seen the lurking cop car, but their are all the makings of a good old speed trap in Larkspur. So, take it easy. Our guess is that when the Renaissance festival is in full swing that traffic will really back up. The first reason to go early, and to probably allow more than 45 minutes for the drive.
• Trailhead Parking Fills Fast – There is a lot of parking, but the lot was full by 11am on a Saturday. Second reason to go early
• Great For Fido – There were more dogs on this trail than we’ve seen on any other, probably because most of the hike is pretty level and shaded. However, it makes for a bit of a traffic jam at times. Third reason to go early.
• Great Hike For Visiting Friends and Family – This hike has a lot of bang for the buck, and once you are up the first mile it’s smooth sailing. It would be a great place to take out of towners who may be looking for a less demanding hike.

Related Hikes:

• More Medium Difficulty Colorado Hikes
• Great Colorado Trails for Visiting Friends and Family
• The Bluffs Regional Park – Hike with Panoramic Views of the Front Range and Denver

Eagle County Sheriff’s Office may have located the human remains of James Nelson at a remote campsite near Holy Cross City, an old mining community ghost town.

Nelson’s journal indicates that he may have been experiencing altitude sickness, something that can be unpredictable, affecting even very experienced mountaineers. However, folks coming to Colorado from lower elevations are more more susceptible.

You may read in other articles that some of his gear is missing, including his gps, camp stove, and his camera. Some comments I’ve read at other sites draw the conclusion that there must be more to the story, and insinuate foul play. However there are a couple more likely scenarios. Two winters of snowpack building and melting over the site will move gear all over the place (see photo below). My guess, and hope, is that some of these items might be found. Another likely scenario is that some hiker saw an abandoned campsite, didn’t know that a hiker went missing in the area, and pocketed the more valuable items.

Our condolences go out to the Nelson family and James’ fiancé. Everything I’ve read about James is that he was an honorable and loving man who had a passion for the wilderness.

James Nelson's Campsite - Eagle County Sheriff's Office

ORIGINAL POST – Why Can’t They Find Missing Hiker James Nelson? – Oct. 23rd 2010

Search and Rescue had spent over 1000 man hours in four days scouring the Holy Cross Wilderness before they called off the search for missing hiker, James Nelson. As I write this, it has been twenty-one days since Nelson struck out on the trail on Oct. 3rd. A few volunteers have been looking for him still, but no one has found a trace of him. Why? Why can’t they find James Nelson?

Some Possible Reasons Why:

A Bermuda Triangle in Colorado? -

The Holy Cross Wilderness has its host of strange and mysterious stories about people vanishing within its nearly 200 square miles of rugged landscape. It has even been termed the “Holy Cross Triangle.” The most perplexing account is that of Michelle Vanek, a 35 year old triathelete and mother of 4 who decided to climb Mt. of the Holy Cross in September of 2005. Just 400 feet below the summit, Vanek became exhausted and sat down. She and her hiking partner made plans to meet back at the main trail for the hike down, then her partner pushed on to the summit. After summiting, he hiked back down to their rendezvous point, but Vanek never showed. That began the largest search and rescue operation in Colorado history. Over 700 volunteers assisted in the effort. They combed the mountain and wilderness area for days, but found no sign of her.

If James Nelson decided to summit Mount of the Holy Cross, he may have accidentally descended into the Cross Creek area. On 14ers.com, the mountain is noted as being notorious for funneling people into Cross Creek drainage when they lose the trail. However, Nelson’s name was not on the register at the summit, and no one spotted him on the mountain. Additionally, his plans to attempt Holy Cross were not definite. My guess is that Search & Rescue poured a lot of energy into searching the mountain because, if that indeed was where Nelson was lost, altitude and exposure would make his window for a rescue much smaller. Hopefully, Nelson decided against the ascent, however he did have plans to go off trail.

Photo by Chicago Transplant as Posted on 14ers.com

Bushwacking Off-Trail -

Though one friend commented that James was a “stickler for staying on the trail”, he may have gone off trail for several miles, essentially cutting across to another trail. A map posted by Nelson’s sister on 14ers.com shows his plans to bushwack on day 4 of his itinerary. From the Cross Creek Trail north of Mt. of the Holy Cross, Nelson would cut his own trail east, until he eventually could descend onto half-moon trail. It’s a burly hike, and it would be very easy for an experienced hiker to get turned around.

This map was posted by Nelson's sister on 14ers.com showing the general route that her brother intended to bushwack from Cross Creek to Half-Moon Trail.

Off-Trail Unintentionally -

This is a very typical scenario: A hiker sets up camp as the sun sets. It’s dark, but he knows that he needs water. He grabs his water filter and headlamp, then heads off into the night toward the sound of a nearby creek. All the while, he assumes he knows the way back. When he gets to where he remembers setting up camp, it’s gone. This happened to a good friend of mine in Rocky Mountain National park. He wandered around in the night, almost fell off a cliff, then somehow made it to an utility station, found an unlocked Jeep Cherokee where he stayed the night. This also seems to be what happened to Denver native, Jesse Capen, who in November went searching for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains.

Nelson is a photographer and a similar scenario could have occurred if he downed his pack and attempted a short hike for the purpose of getting a particular photograph.

Cliff Bands -

The area around Mt. of the Holy Cross is riddled with 5 square miles of cliff bands. Many of these have to be negotiated technically, with ropes. Some of these areas just cannot be searched without putting searchers in harm’s way, especially as the weather turns in October. Cliff bands can easily get a person trapped. You climb down a small section of rock, then you realize that you can’t get back up. It’s easy to panic once you are stuck, then to make poor decisions. Many people fall in an attempt to down-climb. Hopefully, Nelson didn’t wander into this kind of situation.

Animal Attack? -

Mountain Lions and Black Bear are the two animals big enough to really harm a person in this part of Colorado. However, attacks are pretty rare. In this case it’s important to know that animals are not neat and tidy when they attack. It can’t be ruled out, but an animal attack of this nature would have most likely scattered a lot of evidence in the woods that would have been found by now: pieces of fabric and scattered equipment, etc.

Foul Play -

No evidence points in this direction. In Michelle Vanek’s 2005 disappearance, there was some blood found and a couple run-ins with suspicious individuals camped or squatting in the area. In Nelson’s case, there have not been any persons of interest or evidence of foul play.

Massive Boulder Fields -

These create small caves and coves in this area. If Nelson took cover for the night or to get out of the weather, ground searchers and even those searching for him by helicopter might not be able to see him.

October -

In the fall, the weather turns in the Mountains. October is when you can really see and feel the shift. If the worse happened to Nelson, then snow can make finding a person extremely difficult. Also, it buries the important clues that could help the effort to find him. The good news is that the weather has not yet come in full-force (but it will soon), and that snow also has some benefits. It makes colored objects stand out and footprints more visible.

Leave No Trace -

James Nelson is an Eagle Scout and respects the wilderness. He practices Leave No Trace principles, meaning he is not going to leave trash around and his campsites would show minimal impact. This makes him harder to track.

Mines and Mining Areas -

Holy Cross City, an old mining site and Colorado Ghost town, has been searched after hearing that James was interested in old mining relics. Abandoned mine shafts and adits can be incredibly dangerous. There are usually signs posted outside of them with a list of several ways you could die inside: old explosives, Carbon-Monoxide and other gases, and collapse of the mine. The encouraging thing is that Nelson’s friends and family describe him as “focused and intelligent”, highly doubting that he would attempt to enter these areas.

Reasons for Hope:

His Gear -

From the photo at the trailhead, he appears well-prepared. He seems to be someone pretty obsessed with gear, so I’m assuming he has some good stuff on him. He has a GPS, trekking poles, tent, down sleeping bag, among other things.

Picture Taken Of James Nelson at the Fall Creek Trailhead

His Character -

From reading 20+ pages of forum posts on 14ers.com, and every article that pops up on my google reader, I’ve really come to respect this man. He is adventurous. At the same time, he is really sharp, even wise. Some have put him down for hiking solo and not carrying a cell phone, but these aren’t necessarily stupid decisions. Cell phones have very limited use in a place like this, usually only on the higher ridges. I’ve carried Satellite phones on trips I’ve guided and couldn’t get a connection all day. Hiking solo should definitely be a calculated decision in an area like this, but it doesn’t appear that Nelson made the decision willy-nilly. And he did the most important thing he could do: He left an itinerary.

Search & Rescue Still Out -

Though the official search ended on Tuesday, Oct 12th, Search & Rescue volunteers were back on the trail and with dogs on the weekend of Oct. 18th. The dogs even picked up his scent along Lake Constantine. Search & Rescue in this area is known to be one of the best in the state, and the Nelson family has expressed their gratitude and confidence in their efforts.

Community of Volunteers Looking for Him -

I spent a couple hours on 14ers.com reading the posts by the community there. Several of these men and women have hit the trail together looking for Nelson. I will make a quick aside and say that if you are making plans to go look for Jim, it’s a rough time to do it. You should be highly experienced, with someone, and contact search and rescue first. Two members of the community just finished retracing Nelson’s intended bushwack as well as scoured a few other areas. You can read their trip report here.

Hunting Season -

Hunters will be out in full-force. They travel cross-country and in areas that most hikers never visit. They may be the people most likely to find clues or even find James.

Stories on the Mountain -

There have been many amazing rescue stories from this area. Two of them give us good reason for hope. My one disclaimer is that weather is the big difference. Still, these are encouraging. In July of 1997, Kathleen Kinderfather, spent 5 days lost near Mt. of the Holy Cross before they found her. Here is the incredible part – she was 67 years old. The second story happens in 1968. A 16 year old boy got separated from his family in a hail storm. They found him alive 2 weeks later on the slopes of the mountain. These aren’t intended to give false hope. We know the statistics are grim, but as long as we don’t have any other story to tell, we may as well be telling stories of hope.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nelson family and James’ fiance during these days.

• Hike Distance: 6.6 Miles RT
• Denver Drive Time: 1hr 45min
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Duration: 4hr
• Activities: Horseback Riding, Hiking Trails
• Dogs: Not Allowed in Park
  

Bridal Veil Falls is a gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is about 1hr 45 minutes from the Denver area and features expansive meadows, wildflowers, forest, and a little bit of a rock scramble. Bridal Veil Falls launches from a rock slab at a diagonal, making it a beautiful site. Most visitors to the National Park go to the center of the park, so you may find yourself alone on the trail on a weekday. I wouldn’t expect that on the weekend though.

Like most areas in the park, the wildlife is abundant. We often joke, calling it the zoo. Elk and deer, as well as eagles and other raptors can be seen along Cow Creek trail. The trail to Bridal Veil Falls begins at the Cow Creek Trailhead. You’ll pass through meadows and see the cascades along Cow Creek. Eventually, you’ll hike up in the forest, getting a bit of a break from the sun. Before the waterfall, you’ll encounter some rocks to hike and scramble over, making this a more moderate hike.

Tips:

• A Great View: Cross the stream then work your way up the area just left of the falls to the stream above. It’s beautiful above the falls, just take care not to turn it into a rock climb. Remember that Water + Rock = Slippery.
• Parking is a Limited: It’s just a small area along the road near the ranch. You’ll need to parallel park. Also, get their early for a space.
• Not Much Shade: Bring the sunscreen. You’ll be in the sun a lot along Cow Creek Trail.

Related Hikes:

• Alberta Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Emerald Lake Hike In Rocky Mountain National Park

Meyer Ranch Open Space offers 3 great hiking options only 30 minutes from Denver. They range from easy to moderate in difficulty and 2.4 to 4.8 miles in length. Meyer Ranch has expansive meadows and patches of wildflowers, grazing deer & elk, and trails that take you to overlooks.

1. Lodgepole Loop: 2.4 miles – Easy - Take the Owls Perch Trail South and continue straight (left) down the trail, at the next junction go right and continue on the Lodgepole loop for 1.2 miles until you arrive back at the Owl’s Perch trail and take (left ) that back to the parking lot.

2. Sunny Aspen Trail Loop: 3 Miles – Moderate - Take the Owls Perch Trail South and continue straight (left) down the trail, at the next junction go right and continue on the Lodgepole loop, go .6 miles and take a right onto the Sunny Aspen Trail, continue on the Sunny Aspen Trail for .8 miles until it joins again with the Lodgepole Loop (go right), follow this back to the Owl’s Perch trail and back to the parking lot.

3. Old Ski Run Trail 4.8 Miles – Moderate – Take the Owls Perch Trail South and continue straight (left) down the trail, at the next junction go left again for .2 mile until you find your next junction, go left onto the Sunny Aspen Trail taking that for .5 mile until you reach the junction with the Old Ski Run Trail. The Ski Run trail is an out & back trail with a loop at the end. The Ski Run section is 2 miles out and back (including loop). Return the way you came via the Sunny Aspen Trail.

Related Hikes:

• Meadow Hikes Near Denver
• Nearby Hike: Maxwell Falls Waterfall Hike

Getting up into the mountains near Denver is a great way to cool off during the Fourth of July weekend. Wildflowers are in their glory and the mountain streams are still gushing with melt-water. But you probably don’t want to break the bank paying for fuel; and if you are like us, you’ve got some events to attend close to home. So, we’ve come up with 4 great hikes that are close to Denver, and hopefully (we can’t make promises) won’t be too crowed on the holiday weekend.

Click on the Maroon Links to get directions, trail maps, and hiking profiles.

#1 Panorama Point at Corwina Park

This is a 2.8 miles hike of medium difficulty, just 35 minutes from Denver. The trail begins along a small creek and winds around to Panorama Point, where as you would expect, there are some great views of Mount Evans and Bear Creek Canyon. Be sure to download the trail map from the Corwina Park Hike profile page.

#2 Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve Near Boulder

Betasso Preserve is situated in the foothills above Boulder, Colorado. This loop hike is great as a sunset or sunrise hike. If you are looking for a leisurely walk with your family or a friend, this is a great choice. It has some picnic areas just before the trailhead that are shaded by some beautiful Ponderosa pines. Because it’s just down the road, we would suggest taking in Boulder Falls as well, but expect a crowd. We’ve only hiked Betasso once, on a Saturday afternoon, but it was much quieter – just a few cars in the parking lot.

#3 Mt. Falcon Castle & Fire Tower Hike

Ruins, a firetower, and panoramic views – what more could you ask for? This 3.7 mile loop hike is just 40 minutes from Denver. Check out the trail profile for a trail map and directions on how to put together the loop.

#4 Maxwell Falls Near Evergreen

This is the hike our family chose for the 4th of July weekend. We did the Cliff Loop. It was a great blend of shade and sun. This is a 3 mile loop hike about 20 minutes outside of Evergreen, Colorado. It features cliffs, waterfalls (cascades), and Maxwell Creek. We’d suggest going earlier in the morning on this one. The lower lot was full around noon.

Trails to Avoid on the Fourth of July Weekend (if you want peace and quiet)

• Eldorado Canyon – This place packs out fast on most weekends, and for good reason – it’s beautiful and offers a lot of options.
• Pretty Much any of the State & National Parks – They are hitting their peak season. If you are looking for a great hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, that will take you away from the crowds then drop us an email via the contact button.
• Mt. Evans & Echo Lake will likely be crowded
• O’ Fallon Park - This park will hit capacity before noon on a Saturday. That doesn’t mean that the trails will be crowded, because most folks come to picnic and to play in Bear Creek. So, we recommend going very early, and probably not on a holiday weekend.

Related Hikes:

• 7 Best Picnic Areas Near Denver
• Best Hikes For Family Visiting the Denver Area
• 4 Hikes Close to Denver for Hiking with Strollers

What it lacks in challenge Mt. Evans makes up in breathtaking panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to view wildlife up close. It isn’t much of a hike, because you can summit this 14,265 foot peak in just a few minutes. Yet your trip to Mount Evans can include several stops at high mountains lakes, to view wildflowers, and to take in the expansive scenery (See our itinerary below). This is one of the best attractions near Denver for visiting friends and family, especially if you don’t have the luxury or equipment to take them into the Colorado backcountry. The views are stunning and there is a good chance that you’ll encounter wildlife that would usually require hours of hiking to see. Still, you are at fourteen thousand feet, so be aware of the effects of altitude, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on the weather.
Here is our suggested Itinerary

• Take The I-70 Route for a shorter Drive: Click for Directions
• Take the a bit more scenic route: Click for Directions
• First Stop, Echo Lake - We like to arrive here early in the morning when the water is like glass and before other visitors arrive. Check out our full profile on Echo Lake
• Second Stop, Mt. Goliath - After passing through the toll booth, you’ll begin a drive up the winding Mt. Evans Highway. After a few miles you’ll encounter a nature center Dos Chappell Nature Center at Mt. Goliath. Stop here for a short wildflower hike and to take in the views. Click for Google Map
• Third Stop, Summit Lake- Grey cliff bands drop to the base of Summit Lake. It’s breathtaking. Keep your eyes out for Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats as well. Click Here for Google Map
• Finally, the Summit of Mt. Evans.

Tips:

• A Better Itinerary? Because weather comes in during the early afternoon, we suggest that you start early, make a short stop at Echo Lake, then drive straight to the summit. On your way down, stop at Summit lake, then make your last stop at the nature center at Mt. Goliath.
• Do consider altitude. We avoid bringing friends who are not in good health. Be sure to have your guests drink plenty of water, and make sure they have had a day or two to get used to the altitude in the mile-high city.
• The Weather link below is for Idaho Springs. Weather at the altitude of Echo Lake may be very different, and Weather at the summit will definitely be different. Check this National Weather Service Link for more accurate forecasts.
• Looking for a more challenging Hike? Try the Chicago Lakes Hike. The trail begins at the Echo Lake Parking Lot.

Related Hikes:

• Echo Lake Near Mount Evans
• More Great Hikes for Visiting Family & Friends
• Chicago Lakes Trail from Echo Lake

Denver’s Highline Canal was designed as an irrigation stream, but it has become a 66 mile long hiking and biking trail running through the heart of Denver. This particular hiking trail section is in the Littleton & Highlands Ranch area. There are two parking lots from which you can start the hike: the Countyline Road Trailhead, or the Fly’n B Park lot. Round Trip, this segment is about 4 miles. From the Countyline Trailhead, cross over the first footbridge and head South (left). You’ll run into an intersection about 200 yards up. Take a right to continue following the Highline.

Water flows in the highland canal about 90 days a year. Because the canal only drops two feet per mile, the water, even when it is flowing fast, appears calm. This is part of what gives this trail such a pastoral feel, even though it is close to 470. Immense Cottonwood trees arch over the path, and all sorts of birds decorate the bushes and wetlands that have grown up wild along its edges.

The trail is great for a stroller hike and for wheelchairs. After about 2 miles of trail, you’ll walk through a tunnel that goes under 470. You’ll then emerge to find yourself at Fly’n B Park. It looks like it is an old ranch that has been converted into a great park near Highlands Ranch. It features a small pond with boat dock, and a fantastic shelter house. The pond looks like a perfect place to take kids fishing in Denver. We haven’t tried it out yet, so we would love your feedback if you have. The Highlands Ranch Metro District Parks has plans to renovate the home on the property. Outdoor restrooms and some parking is available. However, we recommend parking at the Countyline Road Trailhead for this hike.

Tips:

• A detailed guide to of the Highline Canal Trail can be ordered from Denver Water.
• Take some snacks and extra water. The Highline continues well beyond this section and you’re likely to want to explore more of it.
• From the Countyline Trailhead, you can also go North towards for views of McLellan Reservoir and the Front Range.

Related Hikes:

• Great Stroller Hikes Near Denver
• Clear Creek Trail in Golden, Colorado
• Nearby: South Valley Park Trails