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Mount Galbraith Park Loop

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Highlights:

Short loop, view down onto Golden, Colorado
Near:Golden, CO
Scenery:
Distance:4.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1100 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop



Summary:  Leave the parking area on the Cedar Gulch Trail., cross a small stream and parallel the stream bed for a few hundred feet. Once you hit the switchback, your climb begins, ending 1.3 miles later and 728' above you at the intersection of the Cedar Gulch Trail and the Mount Galbraith Loop Trail. The Cedar Gulch Trail is a steady climb which traverses the side of the hills of Golden Gate Canyon. At the upper end of the trail views of Golden and Denver develop as you near the intersection with the loop trail.
At the junction of the two trails, you have the choice of going left or right on the loop trail. Going to the right leaves the best views of Denver, Golden and Clear Creek canyon for the end of the hike. The loop trail has some nice rock ledges and rock stairways. At the point where the loop turns back, there is an inviting peak in front of you, but don't climb it! The area is closed to protect some rare species of plants!

Trailhead: From the intersection of Colorado 93 and U.S. 6 go north 1 1/4 miles. Turn left at the stoplight at Golden Gate Canyon Road and go west 1 1/4 miles. Parking lot and trailhead is on the south side of the road. (Lat:39.46 Lon:-105.15)
Trail Guides for Mount Galbraith Park Loop:
Snowshoeing Colorado
by Claire Walter  ()

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Jefferson County Open Space Parks 303-271-5925
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Keith Robinson, who has posted  5 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Bk on 3/16/2010
Great day today on Mt. Galbraith Loop! The three of us were in heaven with the sun, sky, and great views. Will plan to go again soon!

Reviewed by EJ on 5/22/2009
Great way to spend a couple of hours. The first part of the trail is a bit challenging if you are a beginner but it is well worth the effort. The loop around is peaceful and relaxing. The views are decent. Weekends can be a bit crowded. During midday, the sun can be hot and there is not a lot of shade. Make sure to use sunblock or carry a cap. I sighted a snake on the trail last weekend so beware they are out there. Enjoy.

Reviewed by Nathalie on 11/19/2008
Nice hike with great views but very crowded. Had to stop often to let people go through.

Reviewed by RMS on 6/18/2007
good views for a good portion of the hike. wildflowers were around. Good forest smell. I would visit again.

Reviewed by pj on 6/17/2007
The ascent to the MT loop trail is busy and too narrow to easily allow other hikers to pass. ¾ of the trail offers no shade. This tail would be best hiked on a weekday, and in the spring or fall. If you do go in the summer go EARLY to avoid crowds and heat. There are many other hiking choices in the area that are more rewarding to me.

Reviewed by John on 6/29/2006
Note, GG Canyon Road is off of 93, not 6. Great hike, took 1.5 hr. Nice mix of easy flatish trail and steep. Woods at top was a nice break. Visiting from Oregon -- would do this again.

Reviewed by Samik on 6/4/2006
Nice short hike. Would have liked more green.

Reviewed by ksb on 2/14/2006
Fun, simple trail run just outside of Golden. I wouldn't hike it often, but would definitely put it on a regular list of accessible trails to run on.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Jefferson County Hiking, Jefferson County Trails, Jefferson County Hikes

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