Description

This short loop on the Graneros and Greenhorn Trails is quite easy and non-technical, but it still provides beautiful views and scenery from the lower Hogbacks area while being accessible directly from downtown Canon City! The hike, as mapped, begins from the Greenhorn trailhead on the south end of the loop, but there are multiple trailheads located along the western edge of Canon City that provide easy access to this loop.

If you are living or staying close to one of these other trailheads, they make convenient access points.

However, if you're driving to this hike, the best parking lot is found at the trailhead noted here. The route begins on the Graneros Trail—a flowy, smooth, non-technical machine-built singletrack trail.

This trail climbs up low, mellow hills, providing scenic views off the tops of the rises before descending the opposite side and repeating several times along its length.

None of the hiking here is technical or arduous, yet the views of the desert and the city below are still quite rewarding! The return route follows a wide gravel path known as the Greenhorn Trail for a faster, easier return to the car.

If you'd prefer to stick to singletrack, you could retrace your steps on Graneros instead.

Or if you're looking for a much steeper and rockier challenge, consider the "Hogbacks" hike, mapped separately, which climbs all the way up to the spine of the ridge.