Colorado is the perfect destination for both glamping and backpacking, however, it is also a place with natural spots that can be rediscovered over and over again.
In the beautiful landscape of this country, you will find the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just an hour away from Denver and Boulder.
The Golden Gate Canyon is one of the most appealing and easy-to-reach state parks where locals and tourists enjoy hiking on a variety of trails.
Check out our list of mountain trails in the Golden Gate Canyon State Park!
Contents
Mountain Lion Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.9 miles
This trail is the top choice of many hikers as it is not very difficult and yet full of adventures.
The tall trees provide cozy shadows during hot days and just after one point of the trail you can end up by Deer Creek.
Snowshoe Hare Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.8 miles
Snowshoe Hare Trail offers a moderate hike that includes both ascending and descending parts, starting from the Aspen Meadows Campground.
One of the best things about this trail is that it leads to the Dude’s Fishing Hole, so think about bringing your fishing rod if you’re ready to catch your dinner.
Racoon Trail
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
The Racoon Trail starts at the Panorama Point parking and it is highlighted as a great option for hiking rookies or family strolls.
Mountain bikers also enjoy this trail often as it is one of the central and most accessible places in the Campground of Reverend’s Ridge.
Horseshoe Trail
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Distance: 1.8 miles
This is an extra easy-moderate trail in this selection.
The Horseshoe Trail can be either taken into a loop or it can serve as a conjunction trail.
We recommend you to follow the streams that will accompany you down the path and spend at least a night of backcountry camping in the lush flowery fields around you.
Mule Deer Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.9 miles
The Mule Deer Trail is the most popular trail in Golden Gate Canyon as it offers everything that a hiker can dream of- breathtaking alpine scenery, panoramic views, gracious pine forests…
It is worth mentioning that this one is also a high trail, at 9.500 feet above sea level, so you might need a bit of extra stamina to complete it, though the views are definitely an award for the effort!
Black Bear Trail
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Distance: 2.5 miles
Don’t let the miles fool you, as the Black Bear Trail is a challenging one.
The greatest part of the trail is composed of a steep incline that leads to rocky terrains.
This trail can be hiked separately or to connect you to Mule Deer Trail that intersects with its end.
Burro Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.1 miles
This is a much-favored track that passes through a great number of fields nestled between rock formations.
If you go here in spring or summer you will encounter magical scenery full of wildflowers, while the autumn offers golden shades of yellow.
If you take the divergent path in the middle of the track, you will end up at Windy Peak where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
Coyote Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.1 miles
The Coyote Trail takes hikers on a walk through an aspen grove, though it sets a challenge at the beginning- you may need to sweat a bit while passing through rocks, however, it is really worth it!
On another note, you may get and connect to the Coyote Trail through the Mule Deer Trail.
Colorado Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Colorado Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Thanks for this guide! I’ve been meaning to explore Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and now I feel much more prepared with these trail insights.
The photos you included are breathtaking! I can’t wait to experience those views in person.
This guide is so thorough and well-written. It’s obvious you put a lot of effort into it. Thanks for sharing your expertise!