Panorama Point: Mule Deer Lollipop

Take the scenic route to the beautiful lookout of Panorama Point.

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 8.1 km
Ascent: 323 m
Descent: 323 m
Duration: 2-3 hrs

Low Point: 2.7 km
High Point: 2.8 km
Gradient: 6˚

Panorama Point is one of the most beautiful overlooks in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Though it is accessible by car (making it a sometimes crowded spot), you can also choose to take the scenic route to the top via this lollipop loop route, accessed via the Mule Deer Trail.

Description

While the best views are found from the upper lookout, you'll enjoy glimpses of spectacular Rocky Mountain views all throughout this hike. Even when you're in the forest, the mountain beauty is on display—the aspen groves turn a beautiful golden color in the fall.

The hike itself is generally considered a pretty easy Front Range outing, with just 1,000 feet of climbing along its 5-mile round-trip distance.

Sources: https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/hiking-2013-golden-gate-canyon-state-park-panorama-point https://dayhikesneardenver.com/raccoon-loop-hike-in-golden-gate-canyon-state-park/ https://www.theoutbound.com/colorado/hiking/hike-racoon-trail-to-panorama-point