There are so many fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado, but it’s not always easy to share. It can be alarming to have a mountain biker or horseback rider suddenly interrupt your saunter on a trail (and vice versa).
So here’s a small list of Front Range trails that are exclusively for hikers (not counting the occasional dog or adventure cat). Enjoy.
Trails at Heil Valley Ranch are open and wildflowers will be blooming in summer. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
Castlewood Canyon State Park
This Douglas County park has 13 miles of “foot only” trails, which means no wheels. Castlewood Canyon is about a 45-minute drive south of downtown Denver just outside of Franktown. The park preserves the remnants of the historic Castlewood Canyon Dam and the Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Loop includes a crossing over Cherry Creek. This 2-mile trail is direct, has a creek crossing on stones, and several stairs on the way out. The 1.2-mile Canyon View Natural Trail is a completed paved and is ADA accessible. Leashed pets are allowed on all but the East Canyon Preservation Trail.
2989 CO-83, Franktown
Centennial Cone Park
Jefferson County’s novel approach offers a calendar of shared use with hikers and equestrians on odd-numbered dates and bikers on even-numbered days. Note that this 12-mile trail is closed for elk calving season from Feb. 1 through mid-June. The trail is mostly exposed with views of Clear Creek Canyon and there is a chance you’ll see bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife.
2224 Douglas Mountain Drive, Golden
Anne U. White Trail
Located in north Boulder, the Anne U. White Trail is for hikers and their leashed pets only. The 1.7-mile trail follows — and crosses a few times — the Four Mile Canyon Creek. The parking lot is relatively small so go early in the day to get a spot, or have a backup plan.
Near Wagonwheel Gap Road and Pinto Drive, Boulder County
Heil Valley Ranch
After a significant fire in October 2020, the landscape here is starting to recover, and seeded wildflowers make for a pleasant day out on the trails. Due to the post-fire conditions here, always check ahead to verify that trails are open as they can close for mud and other hazards. Try the 1.4-mile Grindstone Quarry Trail or the 1.3-mile Lichen Loop here for a bike-free day out (note that there are six other trails here that do allow bikes).
Geer Canyon Drive, Boulder
And here are a few more…
Explore some of the “foot only” trails at Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
Caribou Ranch outside of Nederland has two trails — the 1.8-mile Blue Bird Loop and the 1.2-mile DeLonde Trail — that are hikers-only, with no dogs allowed. The fact that this trail is closed from April 1 through the end of June just makes it that much more special when you do get to hike here. There are historic buildings on parts of the trail and groves of aspen trees throughout.
Mount Galbraith Park just outside of Golden is a hiker-only trail system with incredible views of the Continental Divide and the Eastern Plains over 5.2 miles. There are some steep sections as you head to the top of the 7,260-foot peak; be on the lookout for rattlesnakes here.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park has many trails to choose from, including many that are for hikers, and range from easy to difficult. Try Horseshoe Trail for a moderate hike where you might see wildflowers near the stream as you walk 1.8 miles one way. For more of a challenge, hike the 4.1-mile loop of Burro Trail, where you have the option of climbing to Windy Peak and taking in 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Other hiker-only trails in this state park are Beaver Trail, Black Bear Trail, and Coyote Trail.
Lory State Park is a bit north and west of Fort Collins, with a wonderful 1.7-mile hike to Arthur’s Rock. Once you clamber up on top of Arthur’s Rock, you get a view of Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins below.
Tips
Before you head out on any trail, make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Always pack water, sunscreen and a hat, along with a basic first-aid kit.
If a trailhead’s parking lot is full, go to your second choice and do not park on the nearby road where you might be ticketed.
Always practice Leave No Trace principles when out enjoying wilderness areas so that everyone can continue to experience them as pristine.
Mindy Sink is a Colorado freelance writer specializing in travel and the outdoors.