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A nice, mellow hike with good views of the Front Range.


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Map Key

6.0

Miles

9.6

KM

Lollipop

5,851' 1,783 m

High

5,521' 1,683 m

Low

597' 182 m

Up

591' 180 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is an easy and accessible hike with good views. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring/summer and there are some pretty autumn colors in the fall.

Need to Know

Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months. Mountain lions and bears have also been reported in the area, and while you likely won't see them, be smart about hiking around dawn/dusk.

Description

From the parking lot, hop on the Eagle Wind Trail to start your climb up Rabbit Mountain. The grade is more gradual as opposed to the start of Indian Mesa Trail as the singletrack countours along the side of the slope versus heading straight up the hill. You'll be hiking through a mostly open meadow that has beautiful wildflowers in the spring and early summer.

About half a mile in, you'll come to a three-way intersection with the Little Thompson Overlook take a right to continue on the Eagle Wind Trail. This section of the trail runs along the flatter "top" of Rabbit Mountain which is really more like a small mesa on this side. The trail rolls in and out of some small stands of ponderosa and juniper with some great views of the Front Range with the snow-capped mountains in the background.

The Eagle Wind Trail will curve back around to form a loop, with views to the northwest from the other side of Rabbit Mountain. Continue back the way you came to the intersection, but this time head out for a short out and back on the Little Thompson Overlook. This trail contours north along a steep faced hogback. The terrain is quite rocky as it ascends to an overlook, which reveals views off to the north and the plains to the east as well as the Little Thompson River in the valley below you. There are two benches placed strategically to capture the best views from this trail and the hillside meadows are full of wildflowers here in early summer.

After you have enjoyed the scenery at the overlook at the end of the trail, retrace your steps to Eagle Wind Trail and follow it back down to the trailhead to complete your hike.

Flora & Fauna

Mule deer and coyotes. Birds such as magpies, meadowlarks, robins, bluebirds, sparrows, wrens, and hawks. Rattlesnakes in the summer.

A great variety of plants with the highlights being prickly poppies, locoweed, asters, larkspur, coral bells, and sage. Some ponderosa pine and juniper up on the hillside.

History & Background

This area used to be known by locals as Rattlesnake Mountain - although the name change to the much friendlier (and fluffier) Rabbit Mountain may make it seem more friendly, I haven't seen either rattlesnakes or rabbits in my travels in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 23 votes

#686

Overall
  4.2 from 23 votes
5 Star
39%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#136

in Colorado

#686

Overall
60 Views Last Month
16,054 Since Jul 2, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Take a rest on the bench here and enjoy the stunning views!  Or, just run on past, because right after this is probably the most fun part of the Eagle Wind trail (heading clockwise).
Mar 10, 2015 near Lyons, CO
Rabbit Mountain Open Space
Mar 9, 2015 near Lyons, CO
Flower-filled meadows thrive along the wetter parts of the trail.
Jun 3, 2016 near Lyons, CO
Abundant wildflowers along the trail in early summer.
Jun 3, 2016 near Lyons, CO
Typical trail surface and wildflower ornamentation.
Jun 3, 2016 near Lyons, CO
Looking across the mining operation to Dowe Flats.
Jun 3, 2016 near Lyons, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 23 days ago
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