Although my memories are a little fuzzy, I remember this being one of my favorite hikes of the year. It will give you a good workout (you should definitely break a sweat) but won't leave you absolutely exhausted and wanting your bed. A good mix of shady forest in the beginning of the hike, followed by exposed rocky outcroppings later on. Make sure to bring plenty of water in the summer- you'll definitely need it.
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| Map at the trailhead |
We followed the Beaver Brook trail, which will take you all the way to Windy Saddle Park in Golden (that would be quite a hike!). There is nice elevation gain on this trail, with some sweet overlooks a few miles in. You pretty much go as far as you want to go before turning around (there isn't a loop from what I remember). This picture was taken probably about 2 or 3 miles up the trail. Our friend said that there was an even better overlook about another half an out up the trail, but we didn't make it that far.
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| Photo credit to Miss Laura |
Directions from Denver: Take I-70 to Exit 253 (Chief Hosa exit). Turn right off of the exit and take the first right onto Stapleton Drive, which turns into a gravel road. Follow this road for a mile or two until you see the parking lot for the trailhead on the left. There is a kiosk with a trail map (and I think a bathroom) at the trailhead. Start on the Braille Nature Center trail which will take you to the Beaver Book Trail shortly. Enjoy!
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| Kitana is a daring dog (or maybe just stupid?) |
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