A high-value loop in Golden Gate Canyon.

Statistics

2 - 3

hrs

489

m

489

m

9

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a haven for hikers and runners, protecting some of the most beautiful terrain on the Colorado Front Range.

The park is separated from the urban centers and metropolitan sprawl of the Denver area, but it's still only 14 miles up the road from the town of Golden. The Mountain Lion Trail Loop is separated from the most popular area of Golden Gate Canyon, providing a slightly less-crowded adventure but with comparably beautiful scenery! On this hike, you'll enjoy whispering aspen groves, towering pine forests, and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains from the occasional break in the trees. The loop consists of a mix of flowing singletrack, technical trails, and forest service roads.

Expect varied terrain and a mix of obstacles, ranging from narrow benchcut trails to technical rock gardens and some steep grades.