Eldorado Canyon Hike

This place is a unique gem for many reasons.  It's a mecca for rock climbers.  It caters to those who enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.  South Boulder Creek thunders down between canyon walls.  Bring a picnic lunch or stop by the visitors center for a souvenir.   


View from atop the canyon.

Within a mile from the visitors center, the cliffs of Eldorado Canyon reveal a 1.7 billion year panorama of geologic history.  Landscapes include exceptional views of south boulder creek, to slopes of various wildflowers, to the snow-capped Indian Peaks Wilderness to the west.  All of it only an hours' drive from home.  It is my favorite place to hike.

Switchbacks lead a mile (1,000' el.gn.) from the Visitor Center.

I met my buddy Ed, Thursday morning, as the sun was still low in the sky.  A pit stop in Louisville provided a few minutes to refresh before heading  to Eldorado Springs and Eldorado State Park.

On trail, the first mile of long and lazy switchbacks take hikers 1000' up to the top of the canyon.  On the way, there are many opportunities to capture images of towering rock formations, wildflowers, and the ever-changing views of the canyon.

Sand Lily...spring is here.

From a number of points on the Eldorado Canyon Trail, one can clearly see the city of Denver through the open mouth of the canyon to the east.

Wildlife is scares in the park, although Ed did spot two deer in a gulch late in the morning.

On trail high above the canyon floor.

The Canyon trail stretches 3.5 miles before meeting with the Walker Ranch Loop trail just before it straddles the rushing waters of south boulder creek.


Water in South Boulder Creek rushes through the park.

Other hikers on trail included two guys, a young couple, and a woman who passed us in a form of power walking.  When she didn't respond after we acknowledged her, Ed realized she was wearing ear buds.  She would pass us again late in the day, this time she smiled while dislodging one ear bud.  Ed asked her if she had heard us. "No," she said curtly, then added, "This is my therapy."

To us choosing music, or an audio book, or whatever she was listening to, is no substitute to the sounds of nature.  We would spend the remainder of the day fully enjoying those sounds. 

Total Miles completed:  7.2

NOTE: Next ACAA scheduled hike is at Hidden Mesa, on Tuesday, April 29th.  If you have not registered, call the front desk today at (303) 739-7950 to reserve a seat.  If all seats are taken, sign up for a hike or two later.  Hikes are scheduled through October.   The bus leaves the Aurora Center for Active Adults at 7:30 a.m. sharp.  This hike is a 5.6 mile outing.  The difficulty rating is "easy" and the distance "moderate."  See you on trail.