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A beautiful and rocky ridge trail.


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Map Key

2.4

Miles

3.8

KM

Point to Point

6,629' 2,020 m

High

6,148' 1,874 m

Low

347' 106 m

Up

541' 165 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Description

Hiking along the ridge between Red Rocks Amphitheater and Green Mountain, this varied and wild trail can be used in either direction.

The western access point is at Hogback Road and I-70, while eastern access is from Hogback Road across from the entrance to Red Rocks park. Climbing steeply from the Hogback Road, this doubletrack turns left and changes to singletrack near the top of the ascent.

The singletrack then contours its way up to the ridge with incredible views of the red sandstone formations along the Front Range. Once the trail reaches the ridge, it becomes more rugged. The route is entirely rock, jutting out of the ground at various angles. Oftentimes, the surface is covered in a light dusting of sand.

As you traverse the ridge to the south, the trail begins to descend. This portion of trail has many water bars which make for nice steps as you descend.

Along the trail there are a few spots where you can find dinosaur fossils if you know where to look. If you hike the road at the end of the trail there are several well-marked spots with fossils showing in the rocks of the Hogsback.

Contacts

Shared By:

Scott Hosie

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 15 votes

#7377

Overall
  4.1 from 15 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
73%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#544

in Colorado

#7,377

Overall
36 Views Last Month
7,920 Since Apr 28, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

5%
0%
21%
11%
53%
11%

Photos

The terrain of the ridge can be a little rocky.
May 22, 2015 near Morrison, CO
View from the ridge with Bandimere Speedway in the background.
May 22, 2015 near Morrison, CO
View from the ridge overlooking Red Rocks Amphitheater
May 22, 2015 near Morrison, CO
At the top of the ridge, overlooking the Zorro Trail.
May 21, 2015 near Morrison, CO
Dakota Ridge Trail Looking West to Red Rocks
Feb 5, 2018 near Morrison, CO
Spring wildflowers on top of the ridge.
May 21, 2015 near Morrison, CO

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 20, 2021
Matt Culpepper
Second leg of Dinosaur Ridge Loop-East. Great ridge hike. 2.5mi
Aug 8, 2020
Eric K
2mi — 1h 00m
Mar 16, 2020
Matt Kohn
May 26, 2019
Amy Calliham
Apr 28, 2019
Kevin Oconnell
Apr 18, 2019
Ryan William
Mar 27, 2019
Daylene York
4.8mi
Mar 16, 2019
Austin S
Beautiful Views, very nice hike
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