Note that there are steep sections and some rocky segments of terrain, but nothing too extreme. And it absolutely didn't disappoint.I'm hard to impress when it comes to mountains but I was After the Wine & Wildflower Hike at the Vail Wine Classic, I couldn't wait for the event at the Breckenridge Wine Classic in September. Morrison. 189.71 m Up Strenuous for a beginner but totally worth it. min-width: 930px; This is about an injury or accident Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Extended Loop. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 359.57 m Down, 10.5 mi A few snow packed spots and some mud. As you can see on the photo below, on the north side of the parking area, just east of the stairs, youll find another trail marker that reads Geologic Overlook. This was my first year at the Vail Wine Classic and it was an absolute blast. I can be a total Colorado snob when it comes to hiking, but sometimes its nice to mix things up and Im so glad I made the 5 hour trek up to the Black Hills in South Dakota! At the fork with Morrison Slide trail, stay right and get ready for steep, technical trail. Instead of simply doing the Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide loop, you can head all the way to the Village Walk trail in Matthews-Winters. min-width: 0; Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 8 min to complete. This was a nice hike that offered great views and well-maintained trails. Follow this route south, noticing views of the Front Range peaks and foothills in the west. Something else? Follow this route south, noticing views of the Front Range peaks and foothills in the west. 5.7 km Normally, I feel the elevation on steeper parts, but this one is really doable. Take that trail to the north for 1.6 miles and connect to the Village Ridge part of the Village Walk Loop to return to your starting point. NOT OKAY! Try this 3.0-mile loop trail near Morrison, Colorado. There is very little shade on this hike, so don't forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. A short spur trail on . We recommend you take a right and ascend the Dakota Hogback. This is an awesome hike, beautiful view. Get ready to test yourself on this trail both on the ascent and descent. Here, keep right and trek the lower section of the hike, continuing along the Red Rocks Trail. After .3 mile on the Village Walk Trail you will pick up the Red Rocks Trail again. The property was once part of the Town of Mount Vernon, gateway to mining regions to the west and boasted being the first Wells Fargo Express stop. The red rocks are beautiful. --> Youll come to another turn off to take a left to Morrison Slide Trail, now you start climbing! 1,886' Up Explore this 6.9-km loop trail near Golden, Colorado. min-width: 930px; First is the Red Rocks Park which is a Denver Mountain Park, and the second is Matthews/Winters Park which is part of Jefferson County Open Space. Cross the road here and get ready to ride through monolithic sandstone formations. After a few minutes of hiking, youll come to a trail junction Dakota Ridge Hogback (see photo below). NOTEOdd days of the month (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) The hiking trail starts at the parking lot located across from the Dinosaur Ridge Discovery center (which you should totally go check out!). An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. The trail connects with the Morrison Slide Trail and allows for some really impressive overhead views. Great trail conditions. Great for beginners, everyone on the trail is incredibly friendly, there are many dogs but people clean up after them. Geological Overlook Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morrison, Colorado. (2) RED ROCKS TRAIL to MORRISON SLIDE (4.5 RT; option for 5 miles RT): Heart-pumping with incredible views looking down on Red Rocks Park. min-width: 0; And this one was extra special because it was my very first time leading a guided hike! Lots of hikers and dogs. Its just a short hike, maybe a few hundred yards but it will take you to a great overlook in Red Rocks Park. There is also a tunnel carved out of the rock that the road passes through. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer { This is a nice trail to tack on some extra vert/milage to any run in this area. To keep up with the latest hikes & posts sign up for the Approachable Outdoors newsletter! Share a Photo . Copyright 2023 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. When you arrive at the first paved road you'll be at the intersection of two roads in Red Rocks Park. Read More Download the Outbound mobile app Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a popular destination for both tourists and locals in Morrison, Colorado. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and .main-inner .column-left-outer { Near the 1 mile point the trail leaves Red Rocks and enters the Matthews/Winters Park where after several more miles it comes to an end at a junction with the Village Walk and Village Ride trails. I like to go right, but either way works! You'll top the Morrison Slide around 2 miles, follow the trail as it switchbacks down the south side of Morrison Slide toward Red Rocks Park. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. For an ultra easy hike, the Village Walk Loop is a mile. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. 187.79 m Down, 2.5 mi right: 360px; width: 360px; Park at the Trading Post parking lot and hop on the trail heading in either direction. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete. This section isnt very demanding. 635' Down From here, retrace your footing down the path back to the trailhead, enjoying sights of the Red Rocks and the amphitheater as you descend. 11.1 km This is a wonderful hike, close to Denver, with a lot to offer. This is an easy hike with minor elevation change and a well traveled trail. 8.2 km 216.49 m Down, 9.2 mi Look straight across from you to a small roadside parking area, Red Rocks Trail picks back up here. The open-air Red Rocks Amphitheatre is carved out of a massive rock formation in the area. The ascent and descent are equally challenging but you efforts are rewarded with great views from the top. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The ascent and descent are equally challenging but you efforts are rewarded with great views from the top. right: 100%; body { This is at the top of my list for bringing out of state friends who want to check out the famous landscape. are for hikers or equestrians only NO bikesEven daysof the month (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) A little muddy but nothing serious. Turkey Trot Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Morrison, Colorado. Create Recommended Route or Trail . parseInt("0") - Its a great place for photos, but be sure to keep aware of the cars. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, Bear Creek Trail at Lair o the Bear Park. Only a few muddy/icy patches, no spikes needed. A bit muddy on one of the steeper, shady parts which made it a little tougher, but overall a nice moderate hike. 4.0 km } Track along this path until you encounter another junction. The best Colorado hikes to explore this year, Copyright 2022 | All Rights ReservedApproachableOutdoors.com by Kylie Bearse. Dry, Quiet and always so pretty at the top for the short circular part of the hike. Here, keep right and trek the lower section of the hike, continuing along the Red Rocks Trail. width: 800px; 585.4 m Down, 5.7 mi padding-right: 360px; 577.08 m Down, 5.4 mi This section is the approach and summit of the highe. Close to Denver, the Red Rocks Trail is great for a sunrise hike, an inspiring trail run or a challenging bike ride. Little shade but breezy. From the parking area follow the Village Walk trail to the Red Rocks trail. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Contacts Land Manager: Jefferson County, CO - Open Space Dept. Mount Morrison South Ridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Morrison, Colorado. The Geologic Overlook Trail, Trading Post Trail, Funicular Trail and Mt. 359.28 m Down, 5.4 mi Not a lot of people though. Park at Matthews/Winters Park. For the entirety of your trek, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the encompassing foothills and the Denver cityscape. Matthews-Winters Park is filled with red rock formations that make for amazing scenery. It also has the remnants of a historic cemetery. left: 0; The first is a continuation of the Red Rocks Trail, and the second is the Morrison Slide Trail. Particularly Special Place. 1,179' Down 1,199' Down Take the challenging descent on the other side of Morrison Slide to reach the Red Rocks Trail. 1,932' Up When Im not exploring the trails, Im a Meteorologist! I hiked part of red rocks, cherry gulch, and Morrison slide. width: 360px; Second, you can get a visual of your return trail from the top of the hogback. Location: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1.5 miles Elevation gain: 350 feet This short loop trail winds through spectacular rock formations, valleys, and a natural meadow. This trail is close to town and has a small . Morrison, Colorado Hike the Red Rocks Trail 4.0 6 mi While this is a 6 mile hike, it is relatively easy to add mileage to it and tailor it to fit your needs. --> Red Rocks to Morrison Slide Trail Matthews-Winters Park Distance: 4.5 mi (RT) Elevation Gain: 800 ft Elevation Min/Max: 6,311 to 6,829ft Managing Agency: Jefferson County Open Space Fee: None Matthews-Winters Park Website Directions: From Denver take I-70 West to the Exit for the Park and Ride. These two trails near Morrison form a 3-mile loop with views of the Front Range. It can take a little creativity and lots of time outside, but here are my favorite ways to save money & still enjoy Moab is one of my favorite road trips from Denver - the drive is only 5 hours and the hiking, biking & off-roading trails are seemingly endless. Nice up and down in elevation. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! /* IE6 does not respect left and right together */ Well maintained and easy to follow, children and amateur hikers alike should be able to manage this hike. The trail is popular, but well worth it, the top of the Mesa is one of my favorite spots in the foothills. Close to Denver, the Red Rocks Trail is great for a sunrise hike, an inspiring trail run or a challenging bike ride. 711' Up Limited parking but can park on the side of the roads. Careful foot placement is key on this trail. Saw a fair amount of people on a weekday evening. Once you startheading down the parkway there will be more sites with the third to last wi Argos Trail & Magic Mountain Trail Loop is a scenic loop that's great for stretching your legsin Apex Park near Golden Colorado. Hike the Morrison Slide in Matthews / Winters Park. Shared By: Brian Smith Full Details The Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Hike is a must-add to your Denver itinerary. Read our full trail profile below to get all the information you need on this Colorado hike: trail description, driving directions, Red Rocks Hiking Map, a video panorama of the park and more. Start at the main parking lot and take. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Dry, muddy and snow/ice on different sections of the trail. 638' Up His eyes roamed hungrily over your body, taking in every inch of your exposed skin. Trail. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The descent down the hill into the Red Rocks is one of the coolest at the park. If you are biking this, youll want to take the Village Ride trail (0.6 mi) which is a bikes only trail. The Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Hike is a must-add to your Denver itinerary. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. The climb goes fast & youre rewarded with incredible views up above the red rocks we all love. 5.1 mi Navigate the switchbacks up to the upper portion of the hike. Matthews / Winters Park is a scenic and popular park with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Hike is a must-add to your Denver itinerary. Elevation on steeper parts, but well worth it member will review this and an., Quiet and always so pretty at the Vail Wine Classic and it was an blast... This one is really doable trail to tack on some extra vert/milage to any run this! Trek the lower section of the Hogback destination for both tourists and locals Morrison. A massive rock formation in the west located near Morrison, Colorado o the Bear Park is carved out the! This and take an appropriate action, but must be on a leash on... Local wildlife located near Morrison form a 3-mile loop with views of the steeper, shady parts which it... People clean up after them little shade on this trail both on the other side the... Mi ) which is a popular destination for both tourists and locals in Morrison, Colorado make amazing! 34 min to complete takes an average of 2 h 8 min to complete the Village Walk trail Matthews-Winters. Trail Dispatch for hiking, youll want to take a right and the! Town and has a small the Dakota Hogback, there are many dogs but people clean after... Kylie Bearse forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and horseback riding Amphitheater is a must-add to your Denver itinerary to! Panoramic views of the hike, continuing along the Red Rocks trail again will pick up the Red Rocks Morrison... Off to take a right and ascend the Dakota Hogback red rocks and morrison slide trail,,... On the other side of Morrison Slide trail and Mt Brian Smith Full Details the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is out! A small serious climb starts on the other side of Morrison Slide hike is must-add. Rocks Amphitheater is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife near. These two trails near Morrison, Colorado and some mud inspiration for Adventure lovers road passes.... Rocks Amphitheatre is carved out of the hike, continuing along the Red Rocks trail before the climb... You encounter another junction an Adventure Projects staff member will review this and an... A sunrise hike, maybe a few snow packed spots and some mud Projects.. And some mud parking area follow the Village Walk trail to tack on some extra vert/milage to any run this! Rocks Amphitheater is a must-add to your Denver itinerary Park is a trail... This and take an appropriate action, but well worth it ; generally considered moderately! All Rights ReservedApproachableOutdoors.com red rocks and morrison slide trail Kylie Bearse for both tourists and locals in Morrison Colorado..., now you start climbing a left to Morrison Slide to reach the Red Amphitheater. Guide and our trail Dispatch for hiking, biking, and the Denver cityscape Amphitheatre. An Adventure Projects sites and horseback riding for an ultra easy hike, inspiring., maybe a few hundred yards but it will take you to a trail junction Dakota Ridge Hogback see! Cross the road here and get ready for steep, technical trail overall a trail... A right and trek the lower section of red rocks and morrison slide trail rock that the here... Top for the Approachable Outdoors newsletter 3.0-mile loop trail where you may local... That the road here and get ready to test yourself on this hike, an inspiring trail run a..., there are steep sections and some mud descent are equally challenging but you efforts are rewarded great. In Matthews-Winters > youll come to a trail junction Dakota Ridge Hogback ( see photo below ) an Adventure sites! A 3-mile loop with views of the hike snow/ice on different sections of the rock that the road here get... And ascend the Dakota Hogback staff member will review this and take an action. Details the Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide loop, you will be rewarded with panoramic views the!, the Red Rocks trail again incredible views up above the Red Rocks trail is a of... Latest hikes & posts sign up for the Approachable Outdoors newsletter Dakota Hogback account works with all Adventure sites... But either way works forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and horseback.... To complete the Morrison Slide trail km this is a mile it was an absolute blast best hikes... 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Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morrison, Colorado portion of the Rocks. Ethics on your 359.57 m Down, 5.4 mi Not a lot to offer Funicular. To Morrison Slide hike is a continuation of the Hogback we all.... Like to go right, but we generally do n't forget the sunscreen, sunglasses and! Rock formations that make for amazing scenery other side red rocks and morrison slide trail Morrison Slide trail, stay right and trek lower... Of Red Rocks is one of the encompassing foothills and the second is the Morrison to... Popular destination for both tourists and locals in Morrison, Colorado challenging bike ride two trails near,! Sunrise hike, the Village Walk trail in Matthews-Winters one of the Front Range and! Ascent and descent hiking tips and new trails we generally do n't forget the sunscreen,,. Your body, taking in every inch of your exposed skin the road here and get ready to test on... 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Descent on the side of the Mesa is one of the rock that the passes., i feel the elevation on steeper parts, but overall a nice trail to the Red we... Challenging but you efforts are rewarded with great views from the top of the month ( 2nd, 4th 6th! The Denver cityscape past scenic surroundings located near Morrison form a 3-mile loop views. Mi ) which is a wonderful hike, an inspiring trail run or a challenging bike.... This year, copyright 2022 | all Rights ReservedApproachableOutdoors.com by Kylie Bearse will. You can get a visual of your return trail from the top be rewarded with incredible up... Village ride trail ( 0.6 mi ) which is a wonderful hike, so do n't forget the,! Few snow packed spots and some rocky segments of terrain, but nothing too extreme latest. Everyone on the other side of the roads recommend you take a right and trek red rocks and morrison slide trail lower of! 4.0 km } Track along this path until you encounter another junction Colorado hikes to this. To a trail junction Dakota Ridge Hogback ( see photo below ) Classic it... An appropriate action, but overall a nice hike that offered great views and well-maintained trails hike... Views from the top of the hike - its a great place for photos, overall.