Rawhide Trail - White Ranch Park

Compared to the weather and temperatures over the past few weeks, today was ideal - temperature, 90 degrees; 9 mph winds; 20% chance of rain - for hiking.  Little time was wasted at the TH as the group of 13 High Country Hikers began a day on the Rawhide Trail.

Scene from Rawhide Trailhead.

Within White Ranch Park visitors can enjoy 20 miles of trail with a difficulty rating of moderate. 

Rawhide is a multi-use trail, and home to many avid mountain bikers, of whom we did see a number of today, and equestrians, off which there were none.

This loop hike was done counter-clockwise, trading a long steep climb for a long moderate climb at the end of the day.  Thanks Ed!

Hikers climb over rocks on the back side of Rawhide Trail.

The well-used trail bed was dry.  Few loose rocks and exposed roots and little erosion, making it an enjoyable and safe hike.  The group was all core members except one first-timer.

Beehive Cactus

It is a bit early for blooming wildflowers, however, a lone Beehive Cactus was spotted, and lots of Sticky and Pineywoods Geranium covered the sunny slopes of White Ranch.  Views of canyon buttes and red rock formations on the back side of the loop, plus a number of excellent views of the Denver skyline in the distance.

Trail meanders across grassy hillsides.

The park was a commercial Hereford cattle ranch until 1969, when the White family gifted the property to Jefferson County Open Space Foundation.  It is one of many gems in the web of trails offered to visitors.

The site for lunch was in a picnic area, dotted with Ponderosa Pine and fir trees, on the back side of the loop.

A "Pleasing Fungus Beetle" (Erotylidae), common in Colorado, checks out lunch.

Hikers were able to walk in small groups as trail led to a service road on the home stretch.  A stop in Golden for coffee and ice cream capped a wonderful day on trail.

Total miles = 4.8

Total elevation = 1,312'

Total calories burned = 832 (according to Kathy's IPOD App.)