Trail Running Shoes Denver CO

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Gunnison National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 9600 feet
Maximum Elevation: 12100 feet
Elevation Change: 2450 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Usage: Lighth

Description: The Cataract Lake Trail (# 475) is a direct path to Cataract Lake. The trail begins at the Cataract Gulch Trailhead, which is about 0.5 miles west of the Sherman townsite on County Road 18X. You should expect to wade through Cottonwood Creek to begin this hike. After this creek crossing, the trail climbs into Cataract Gulch. The trails switchbacks climb the gulch quickly. After Hiking for about one mile, hikers will now be following the comparatively gentle grade following Cataract Creek. The Cataract Lake Trail follows and crosses Cataract Creek for the next two miles. During this portion of the hike, the trail ascends moderately to 12,000 feet. The trail enters Cataract Basin, an area of high alpine tundra below the Continental Divide. There are three lakes in this basin with the largest sitting under the highest point on the ridge. The Cataract Lake Trail is popular with motorcyclist and horseback riders. This area also provides good opportunities for dispersed camping.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Denver
Length: Round Trip: 3.2 miles
Trail type: Loop
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Coyote Song Trail is a nice easy out and back hike close to Ken Caryl in southwest Denver. This a great easy trail to get your kids started out Hiking. The uphill sections are steep enough to get the heart pumping, but still short enough to keep to kiddies happy. It’s an awesome place to enjoy Colorado’s great outdoors. Starting at the parking area, go north onto the Coyote Song Trail. The Coyote Song Trail has many short ups and downs over the next 1.6 miles before you reach South Valley Road. Head back the way you can for a short 3.2 mile round trip hike. There are several loops that can be created if you are up for a longer hike. One option is turn right onto Lyons Back Trail and climb the section called “the stairs,” which takes you to a ridge summit about mile from the trailhead. These trails are heavily used by mountain bikers so keep a close eye on the kids.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length: One-Way: 6 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 8000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 8300 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Ceran St. Vrain Trail is a beautiful trail through lodgepole pines that follows the St. Vrain Creek. This trail makes for an excellent family hike with good campsites. The trail is also popular with mountain bikers. The singletrack of the Ceran St. Vrain Trail is generally moderate. The trail follows the creek and is not too steep, but it can be narrow with a steep drop to the creek. There are a few rocky spots that may require dismounting if you are mountain biking. You should also remember that the Ceran St. Vrain Trail is uphill on the way back! The climb out of the creek is steep and rocky. The west fork at the four-wheel drive road junction leads up a steep road with loose rocks to Miller Rock which can be reached by a scramble up to an excellent view. The descent into Raymond is difficult. There is no through road access to Riverside. During winter, the Ceran St. Vrain Trail becomes the domain of snowshoers.

Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Length: One-Way: 0.9 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 8200 feet
Maximum Elevation: 8400 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Hard Rock Trail is approximately 0.9 miles. It is a self-guided nature trail that explores the diverse life in the Montane life zone. Adjoining the trail is a side trip that can be taken called the Overlook Side Trail. It is 0.6 miles round trip and overlooks Elevenmile Canyon. Elevenmile Canyon is the primary attraction in the area. The Middle Fork of the South Platte River runs through Elevenmile Canyon. The river is popular for fishing. Inner tubing can also be enjoyed in some areas of the canyon. There are 5 campgrounds and 4 picnic areas for recreational enjoyment.

Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: Colorado
Location: Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Length: One-Way: 3.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 9070 feet
Maximum Elevation: 10720 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Meridian Trail is a pleasant hike leading to a saddle, which marks the boundary between Pike and Arapahoe National Forests, as well as the boundary of the Mount Evans Wilderness. The trail remains below treeline the entire distance and it is well maintained and easy to follow. There are possible sites for overnight camping at the saddle, however water is not available in the immediate area so campers will need to supply their own. Southerly exposure makes this a good early or late season hike and fall colors can be beautiful along this trail. The trail is almost entirely outside of the Mount Evans Wilderness, but does enter the Wilderness at the top and Wilderness regulations apply. The Meridian Trail leads north as it rises out of the Elk Creek drainage, then begins to bear in a northeasterly direction. This portion of the trail passes through several aspen groves and offers some interesting vistas looking east and south. The saddle is marked by Wilderness boundary signs. Just beyond the saddle, the trail ends at its intersection with the Cub Creek Trail.