Raccoon trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park
When looking for a different place to hike with your furry friend, consider Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Located near Rollinsville, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s highest mountain parks with an elevation range of 7,600 to 10,400 feet.
With nearly 35 miles of hiking trails — all open to dogs on a leash — this state park has a wide variety of snow-packed trails to enjoy for a winter hike.
The Raccoon Trail is in the northwest corner of the park.
This 3.4-mile moderately challenging trail loops through thick pine forest and aspen groves, and starts at Panorama Point, the highest point on the trail at 9,297 feet. An overlook here includes views to the west of the snowy peaks of the Front Range — from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak.
After taking in the breathtaking mountain views, start on the trail down to the left. The trail descends a couple of hundred feet down the side of the mountain for a mile before crossing a frozen creek.
After the creek, the trail begins to climb, and after another 0.4 miles, intersects with the trail to the left to Reverend’s Ridge Campground.
Reverend’s Ridge Campground is another starting point for the Raccoon Trail.
After the junction, the trail descends slightly before beginning a climb over the next 1.4 miles back to Panorama Point.
The Raccoon Ridge Trail hike should take about two hours to complete.
The entire length of the trail is snow-packed and will require foot traction, like micro spikes or snowshoes. Hiking sticks are also helpful for balancing between the packed trail and softer snow along the edge of the trail. Remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your face from the sun.
Moose reside within Golden Gate Canyon State Park and may be spotted along the trails so be cautious with dogs for their safety.
This park has winter camping, cabins and yurts if you want to make the hike a weekend getaway or overnight escape. There is no cell phone coverage within the park and any reservation needs to be made in advance of arrival.
To access the Panorama Point parking lot for the Raccoon Trail trailhead from Boulder, take Colo. 119 south to Nederland. Follow this highway south from Nederland for 10 miles and turn left onto Gap Road. Follow Gap Road for 2 miles to the parking lot for Panorama Point.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park has a daily vehicle pass fee of $10.
For more information about the park, winter accommodations or trail information, visithttps:// cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/goldengatecanyon/ Pages/default.aspx.