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Top Hiking areas in Golden, United States
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Awesome place to visit. We went to both buildings after walking the trails. The trails were amazing. Great way to spend time with your family.
I didn’t go to the dinosaur ridge discover center but I went to the main dinosaur ridge across the street which is affiliated and they have lots of cute fake dinosaur statues outside as well as real life dinosaur tracks on the hike, I recommend checking them both out
this trail was wonderful. nice intermediate hike for someone wanting to hike up a small mountain. beautiful views of red rocks and valleys. took my dog and he loved it. was exhausted after this walk though. bring plenty of water. no public bathrooms. tough at points but the view is incredibly worth it to me
It's amazing seeing dinosaur fossils still in the rock! A must visit
This location isn't the official headquarters but more than likely your GPS will bring you here. There is a small geocache on site with a short path to walk on and enjoy a picnic. If you plan to walk up the ridge, this is a great place to park. There are roughly 20 parking spots here and some off a bit of shade on those hot afternoons.
The trail, it was stroller friendly and a hike that could be done with a 4 year old on foot. The markers were interesting and the discovery center staff was friendly. The area is beautiful and great for hiking.
Elevation change primarily at the start and between the peaks. There is less across the ridge. Pretty expansive views N/S/E/W
A few fairly impressive dinosaur tracks and a nice visitors center. The best part is the nice disposition of the staff.
Dakota Ridge Trail has a sign at the trailhead that rates it “most difficult” with a black diamond. I would not let this scare you away if you are willing to take your time and can deal with the rollercoaster elevation ups and downs.
While much of the trail can be exposed to direct sun and hot, an earlier morning start will offer shade in many areas while the sun is in the east. The trailhead is immediately to your right as you enter the Stegosaurus parking lot. You quickly gain about 200 feet of elevation on a gravel trail before getting to the rocky parts. Then it is up and down.
While looking west across the valley and Rt 93 toward the Village Walk trailhead I noticed some deer on the hill in the middle of Village Walk and Village Ride trails. It made me hope that I might see some on my hike along Dakota Ridge. I was not disappointed. On my way back to the parking lot I came across a group of six including two young bucks in velvet. I was amazed by their calm and curiosity as well as their patience while I took a few pictures.
Dakota Ridge is a bit noisy since you are flanked by highways on either side but that does not distract from the great views and history of the area - both human and geological.
While much of the trail can be exposed to direct sun and hot, an earlier morning start will offer shade in many areas while the sun is in the east. The trailhead is immediately to your right as you enter the Stegosaurus parking lot. You quickly gain about 200 feet of elevation on a gravel trail before getting to the rocky parts. Then it is up and down.
While looking west across the valley and Rt 93 toward the Village Walk trailhead I noticed some deer on the hill in the middle of Village Walk and Village Ride trails. It made me hope that I might see some on my hike along Dakota Ridge. I was not disappointed. On my way back to the parking lot I came across a group of six including two young bucks in velvet. I was amazed by their calm and curiosity as well as their patience while I took a few pictures.
Dakota Ridge is a bit noisy since you are flanked by highways on either side but that does not distract from the great views and history of the area - both human and geological.
What a great hike! It’s a black Diamond trail which is the most difficult. It took my kids and I 2.5 hours with a few water breaks. Very rocky. Breathtaking views. Saw a hawk and a hummingbird.
You and your family will enjoy this interesting place. To see the fossils that were found in that area of Colorado. It is displayed well and packed with much information. The staff was friendly and helpful and showed us were to go to see the trail and the stomping ground of the many Dinosaurs 🦕.
AMAZING HIKE & really cool giftshop. Totally recommend a half day hike here. Bought loads of fossils really affordably (as in 5$ for large & incredible quality) and the best poster explaining the history of the planet. Great for kids, families, dates. Loads of dino tracks on the hike, so incredible. All paved and very accessible to handicap and strollers. Recommend the audio tour as you go, but signage is great too. Awesome viewpoint of red rocks amphitheater from the top, but this continued trail is unpaved and steep.
Absolutely beautiful!! It was actually and easier trail than I expected. I highly recommend trying. The views are stunning.
Great hike close to the city. Nice views of the Front Range as well as Green Mountain and beyond towards Denver. Some narrow and rocky parts and when adding lots of hikers and bikers can be bit tight and difficult. Some incline/declines but overall a good hike.
Nice trail for hiking and sightseeing, the grade of the trail leading up is mild and should be achievable for most. Interesting views of the area are abundant with good areas to see the surrounding hills and mountains.
It was a great hike. The trail head is on the west side, were you enter. The path is extremely rocky. A lot of care is needed. It has gorgeous views. There are quite a few bikers too, but they had to dismount several times. There is about 600 feet of elevation gain, but it is all at the beginning. Everything else isn't that bad.