Hiked the Rattlesnake Gulch hike. Great hike less than 10 miles from Boulder. Hike has moderate elevation gain. Nice and forested, Went all the way to top for great views of the Continental Divide. Kind of neat to see the train pass through the canyon and off into the tunnel. Crag's Hotel site is also interesting. Makes you think of the way things used to be in the mountains. Try to go early or a week day. We went around 9am on a cloudy day and practically had trail to ourselves until on the way down.
You can watch the folks climb the mountains....very brave people. Several paths to see incredible views. We have hiked several of them and they are all breathtaking views. Rattlesnake hike is one of our favorites. Get a map at the entrance to the Canyon from the Ranger. They are always friendly and happy to answer questions. Don't forget drinking water when you hike. If you are not use to the altitude go slowly slowly and not feeling well, go back down.
Every part of the canyon is a sight to behold. We took Rattlesnake Trail and saw the Continental Divide. Only 15 minutes from town.
The Eldorado Canyon. Our first stop was the National Park booth where one pays $8.00 to park with the canyon. The park ranger was full of personality and we could not help but enjoy his sense of humor. He suggested the Fowler Trail and that was a very easy scenic trail. We did leave trail and got lost. Proof of founding our way back is this review. The Streamside trail is also easy hiking. Watching the waterfall was very relaxing. Scenic view in each direction. We also walked where you could view the mountain climbers.
My wife and I recently moved to the Boulder, CO area from the east coast. After unpacking, we jumped at the opportunity to explore some nearby trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park this past weekend.
After paying $8 to park, my wife, daughter and I ventured onto the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, an approximately 3 mile roundtrip hike that brings you past the ruins of Crags Hotel and a beautiful overlook of the canyon.
While a lot of people seemed to be in the park that day, we only bumped into a handful of people on the trail.
We're looking forward to exploring other hikes in the park and will return to enjoy the beautiful vistas again soon!
