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CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH FULL SCREEN MAP

Denver, CO: Dakota Ridge via Red Rocks Trail

co

Star Star Star Star Star

Distance: 6.0 miles


Hike rolling grassland punctuated by towering redrock formations to a ridge overlooking the Front Range on this 6-mile loop just minutes from the city.
  • Red Rock Slabs
  • Bridge Crossing
  • Views from the Village Walk Trail
  • Spur Trail
  • Gravesite
  • Slanted Rock Slabs
  • Redrock Monolith
  • Redrock views from the Hogback
  • The Hogback
  • Zorro Trail Junction
  • Clouds rising over Dinosaur Park

Swap city skylines for redrock vistas in 20 minutes on this 6-mile loop just south of Golden. From the trailhead in Matthews/Winters Park, hike southwest on Village Walk Trail past a shaded picnic area. Cross a wooden bridge, then bear right at the trail fork, heading south through rolling grassland.

After a mile, the trail narrows to rocky singletrack and descends switchbacks to a dry creekbed. Less than a mile later, you’ll encounter dramatic views of massive red sandstone slabs rising up from ground. Near the halfway point, the route crosses CR 93 and begins a switchback ascent of the Hogback.

At the top of the ridge, follow the crest north, passing bird’s-eye views of Red Rocks Amphitheater and the surrounding mountains. Descend the ridge on singletrack at mile 5.3, and carefully cross CO 26 to return to the parking lot.

-Mapped by Kim Phillips and Jennie Perletz


PLAN IT

MAP:
>> Download a park map at the Matthews/Winters Park website.
>> Order the USGS topo quads listed above at store.usgs.gov.
>> Order a custom map of this route by selecting the "Print MyTopo" option in the left-hand menu bar.

CONDITIONS: Check weather at Morrison, CO (80465) Weather

INFO: For more information, go to the Matthews/Winters Park website.

CONTACT: Open Space, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401; (303) 271-5925


OTHER RESOURCES

GEAR
REI
1416 Platte St.
Denver, CO
(303) 756-310
rei.com

RESTAURANTS
Red Rocks Grill
415 Bear Creek Ave.
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-9290 ‎
redrocksgrill.com

Beso De Arte
102 Market St.
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-3377 ‎
besodearte.com

Mill Street Deli
401 Bear Creek Ave.
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-1700


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