Some Colorado trails just for hikers ( sorry, mountain bikers)
There are so many fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado, but not everyone wants to share. It can be alarming to have a mountain biker or horseback rider suddenly interrupt your saunter on a trail.
While there are trails that are exclusively for hikers, there might be the occasional dog ( or adventure cat?) also out for some fresh air. Take a look at a few of the options on the Front Range for your summer hiking plans: Castlewood Canyon State Park
has 13 miles of trails that are all “foot only,” which means no people on wheels to zip by. Castlewood Canyon is about a 45- minute drive south of downtown Denver just outside of Franktown. The park preserves the remnants of the historic Castlewood Canyon Dam and the Inner Canyon/ Lake Gulch Loop includes a crossing over Cherry Creek. This 2- mile trail is direct, has a creek crossing on stones, and several stairs on the way out. The 1.2- mile Canyon View Natural Trail is a completed paved and is ADA accessible. Leashed pets are allowed on all but the East Canyon Preservation Trail. Centennial Cone Park in Jefferson County offers a calendar of shared use with hikers and equestrians on odd- numbered dates and bikers on even- numbered days. Note that this 12- mile trail is closed for elk calving season from Feb. 1 through mid- June. The trail is mostly exposed with views of Clear Creek Canyon and there is a chance you’ll see bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife.
In North Boulder, the Anne U. White Trail is for hikers and their leashed pets only. The 1.7mile trail follows — and crosses a few times — the Four Mile Canyon Creek. The parking lot is relatively small so go early in the day to get a spot, or have a backup plan.
After a significant fire at Heil Valley Ranch in October 2020, the landscape is starting to recover and seeded wildflowers make for a pleasant day out on the trails. Due to the post- fire conditions here, always check ahead to verify that trails are open as they can close for mud and other hazards. Try the 1.4- mile Grindstone
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Quarry Trail or the 1.3mile Lichen Loop here for a bike- free day out ( note that there are six other trails here that do allow bikes).
outside of Nederland has two trails — the 1.8- mile Blue Bird Loop and 1.2- mile Delonde Trail — that are hikers- only, with no dogs allowed. The fact that this trail is closed from April 1 through the end of June just makes it that much more special when you do get to hike here. There are historic buildings on parts of the trail and groves of aspen trees throughout.
just outside of Golden is a hiker- only trail system with incredible views of the Continental Divide and the Eastern Plains over 5.2 miles. There are some steep sections as you head to the top of the 7,260- foot peak; be on the lookout for rattlesnakes here.
has many trails to choose from, including
many that are for hikers only that range from easy to difficult. Try Horseshoe Trail for a moderate hike where you might see wildflowers near the
stream as you walk 1.8 miles one way. For more of a challenge, hike the 4.1mile loop of Burro Trail, where you have the option of climbing to Windy Peak
and taking in 360- degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Other hiker- only trails in this state park are Beaver Trail, Black Bear Trail, and Coyote Trail.
is a bit north and west of Fort Collins, with a wonderful 1.7- mile hike to Arthur’s Rock. Once you clamber up on top of Arthur’s Rock, you get a view of Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins below.
Tips
• Before you head out on any trail, make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Always pack water, sunscreen and a hat, along with a basic first- aid kit.
• If a trailhead’s parking lot is full, go to your second choice and do not park on the nearby road where you might be ticketed.
• Always practice Leave No Trace principles when out enjoying wilderness areas so that everyone can continue to experience them as pristine.
Mindy Sink is a Colorado freelance writer specializing in