![]() ![]() Rainier for a longer period of time, hike it counter-clockwise. If you want to get the hard, uphill walk over with quickly, hike the loop in a clockwise direction. Once you start the downhill walk back to Paradise, Mt. If you hike the Skyline Trail in a counter-clockwise direction, it’s a longer but more gradual climb up to Pebble Creek Trail and Panorama Point. Rainier will be behind you, so you will have to keep turning around to see it. Once you reach Pebble Creek Trail (the trail that continues up to Camp Muir), it is a steady downhill walk and Mt. Rainier will be smack in front of you, so even though it is a tough climb, you get an amazing view for the first third of the hike. If you hike the Skyline Trail in a clockwise direction, you will have a short, steep climb up to Panorama Point (so you get a majority of the uphill work over with early in the hike). There are advantages and disadvantages to each direction. We hiked it both directions and based on our experience, it is equally awesome both ways. Pleasant nature loop with interpretive signs.Since the Skyline Trail is a loop, it can be done in either direction. Moderate Hiking Distance 5.3 km Ascent 248 m Descent 248 m Mountainside hike next to Red Rocks Park with wide-open views over the Amphitheater and downtown Denver. Severe Hiking Distance 5.2 km Ascent 596 m Descent 596 mħ.7 km away Castle Trail and Turkey Trot Loop Moderate Hiking Distance 3.9 km Ascent 121 m Descent 121 mħ.1 km away Trading Post Trail at Red RocksĮxplore more of the nature and geology that surrounds Red Rocks Amphitheater.Įasy Hiking Distance 2.4 km Ascent 111 m Descent 106 mĪ tough ascent to the highpoint over Red Rocks Amphitheater. ![]() Moderate Hiking Distance 2.7 km Ascent 62 m Descent 62 mĤ.8 km away Castle Trail West to Mount Falcon Tower Loopįind the views atop Mount Falcon and a historic "Castle" in the hills above Denver. They are more than 13,000 feet tall, and the tallest, Mount Evans, is more than 14,000 feet.Įnjoy mountain views, creekside shade, and peaceful picnic spots on this family-friendly stroll. The mountains on the horizon are on the Continental Divide, about 20 miles away. This is the final and toughest section, where the trail becomes rockier as it climbs to the viewpoint through ponderosa pine forest.įinally, you’ll reach Panorama Point, where a bouldery ledge and a gap in the trees grants the expansive view. Signs lead to the next section of Panorama Point Trail, which is hiker-only once again. The route joins Bear Creek Trail briefly, where you may encounter a mountain biker or two. Wildflowers are spectacular here in early summer, and the leaves brilliant in the fall. Near the head of this valley, the forest opens into green meadows and groves of aspen, and the terrain levels out somewhat. The hike begins in a forested valley beside a trickling stream, heading gradually upwards. It's open all year but is usually snowy from December through March. The trail is just the right steepness for a good workout without being too exhausting. It is a wide path, easy to follow and well-signed, but not super easy to hike because it’s all uphill. Unlike most trails in the area, mountain bikes are not allowed on this one, which makes it generally less crowded. The one called Panorama Point Trailhead is the best for hikers. Many trails intertwine between the different parks in this canyon, and you can reach Panorama Point from multiple trailheads. ![]()
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