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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 13 votes

#7964

Overall
  4.1 from 13 votes
5 Star
23%
4 Star
69%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#605

in Colorado

#7,964

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

6%
0%
24%
6%
53%
12%

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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