eldorado canyon state park

Bradbhandy

Visited as the leaves were changing and had this nice spot pretty much all to ourselves (ain't retirement wonderful?). We hiked the the park on one side and returned on the other. Can be slightly challenging in a few spots, otherwise just a fun walk in a very pretty environment. If you're a flat lander, pace yourself to avoid oxygen deprivation. Good picnic facilities. Keep an eye on young (pre-teen) climbers. Lots of rocks, fallen trees, etc., which could be dangerous. We enjoyed our visit here.

wvlivingston

This is by far one of the best state parks I've visited. It has a lot of space and numerous trails with great views of the distant snow covered mountains and of the canyon. The gentleman at the visitor desk (not sure if staff or volunteer) was excellent in recommending trails based on ones interest and hiking capability. If up to a 7 mile hike with 2 1000 ft. ascents, I recommend the Eldorado Canyon Trail. It is fairly varied with several spots with views of the distant snow capped mountains and down into the canyon, and ends at the stream running through the canyon. Also, the Fowler Trail which is only .7 mile one way is well worth the extra time as it has the best views into the canyon and of the rock formations, and, if you're lucky, siting birds of prey. There's almost no elevation change and much of it is handicap accessible. It is an interesting drive in as the last couple miles of road are gravel and go through the center of the very small town of Eldorado Canyon. Note and honor the "slow" signs posted by the residents.

kmack57

Great place to hike, there are a number of different trails, from very east to very difficult. Anyone can find a nice hike here. Scenery is fantastic, it's an awesome place! Also plenty of climbers that are fun to watch.

michelled614

We took the hike up to the hotel ruins and the contential divide. It was all uphill so not for people looking for an easy hike, but it is worth the exercise to get to the top. Such a gorgeous view and can see for miles once you are at the top.

cheekydd

We visited here in August 2014 with children & had a great experience! The scenery was beautiful and the hike was very easy for kids to keep up. If we get out to Denver again, we will be sure to visit!

Sanibelian2

Not being an outdoors person, it took some encouragement from my family to get me up the mountain side to the summit. When I got there, it was as they had promised, absolutely STUNNING!!! This was definitely worth the climb. The Park has done an excellent job of maintaining the trails and the park so that for those of us who need a little more assistance, it is doable. Enjoy!

rickbrunwin

We spent such a fantastic morning here as the sights from the trails were fantastic. Moreover, the trail was really accessible and well laid out, suitable for kids (under close supervision!) and, despite some pretty rough terrain, wheelchair users. The canyon is spectacular and it's good fun spotting the specks that are crazy people climbing the sheer canyon sides. It has limited space and parking, and the picnic areas are being reorganised to cope with large numbers which it clearly gets at times.By the way, it warns you about rattlesnakes, though suggests you'll not see one. Well, we nearly stumbled right into one, but to be fair, it was on the path after the trail officially ends. We have the picture to prove it!

StacieA915

I wanted to see some beautiful scenery up close and personal so my daughter and I stopped at this State Park. WOW!!! I could not believe how amazingly beautiful this is. We took the trails which were not bad for someone my age and health (48). I just absolutely loved it. I'm not a mountain climber but my daughter says that it is a really popular place for them to go. They have done some work where there was damage from the flood but it's getting there and is truly an amazing place to see. I highly recommend it.

Nopdblue

Honestly, I didn't expect that much for a State Park that can be so easily accessed but this really turning out to be some stunning landscape views and great trailsPlus awesome cool creek you can picnic by it. Magnificent rocks that make this a great paradise for rock climbers where you can enjoy watching them. We stopped by the visitor Center and hike a little bit along the Eldorado Canyon Trail. The view was great and we'll absolutely come back next time to complete the hike next time.

clhospodar

We came to Colorado for the second time to Visit family and this was my favorite place that went to. I plan coming back in Nov. To hike more trails. The water the rocks, the hiking all A+

cull_family

This park was affected by the floods last fall, so they were in the process of doing some road repair and the picnic area was temporarily closed. We watching people doing rock climbing here. Park a little further into the park, where the accessible trail-head begins. Walk the trail up the hill, but be forewarned that you probably don't want to have small children or people afraid of heights with you because there are no railings to keep people from falling off a cliff.

lorraines369

This was a nice day trip from Denver, only around 30 miles. The road getting to the park entrance was a little bumpy, but totally worth it. We hiked the Streamside Trail and the Fowler Trail, the were both great! On the Fowler Trail there are benches and mounted scopes dotted along the trail to view the rock climbers along the canyon walls.

sruthp

I did not go hiking here but we did have a BBQ which was very nice. There are some good views of the mountains.

Terminator1138

You can hike as much on the trail as you like or take the bigger trails for a longer experience. Much of the first part of the trails will get you the best views of the canyon and rock climbers, but the other parts of the trail is more open or around the side of the canyon and into more brush like areas. The cost is average for a state park fee for access. Parking is limited so you may have to walk a bit more depending on the trail you wish to hike. Many spots for a great hang out or just to relax near the stream with smaller water falls. Make sure you have some cool water to hike with if you are hiking the larger trails.

j0nes81

If you don't have time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, try Eldorado Canyon State Park. To the locals this is the foothills, but it is rugged and beautiful. The road into the park is not well marked and the parking is limited, but it is worth it once you get there. A stream runs through the canyon. Along the stream are the steep rock formations for climbers. Hiking trails range from easy to difficult. A great place to spend a few hours enjoying nature.