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Matthews Winters Lollipop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.5 (41)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Morrison
  5. Matthews/Winters Park
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“A wonderful Matthews Winters link up. ”

Mr Singleton
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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

Loop

6,777' 2,066 m

High

6,266' 1,910 m

Low

711' 217 m

Up

710' 216 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

A shorter lollipop loop at Matthews Winters Park with some fun ups and downs and some nice views at the top. This shorter loop makes a great option for a short day hike or a quick after work outing. Although you won't leave the traffic noise entirely behind, the trails are still pleasant and the views on a clear day are worth the climbs.

Description

Start at the bridge just below the parking lot. Take the Village Walk Trail west for .5 miles before turning south on the the Red Rocks Trail. The Village Walk Trail is a wide, flat, and easy trail. The short section of the Red Rocks Trail that you use as a connection to hike the loop part of this route counterclockwise is also wide and relatively easy.


After 0.5 miles, turn west onto Cherry Gulch Trail and then turn south onto Morrison Slide Trail for 1.5 miles before turning east back onto the Red Rocks Trail. The Morrison Slide Trail is a steep, rocky trail littered with tight switchbacks. The ascent and descent are equally challenging but your efforts are rewarded with great views from the top.

After 0.7 miles turn east to continue on the Red Rocks Trail. Kick it into high gear and cruise back the way you came via the Red Rocks Trail and Village Walk Trail back to the bridge and the trailhead to finish out your hike.

Flora & Fauna

Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, coyotes, deer and mountain lions (near dawn/dusk).

Contacts

Land Manager: Jefferson County, CO - Open Space Dept.

Shared By:

Mr Singleton
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 41 votes

#2

in Matthews/Winters Park

#239

Overall
  4.5 from 41 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Matthews/Winters Park

#56

in Colorado

#239

Overall
47 Views Last Month
21,853 Since Apr 16, 2017
Intermediate
0%
2%
80%
7%
11%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Great viewing spot along the trail at the far end of the lollipop
Jan 7, 2019 near Morrison, CO
View looking southeast with various lakes in sight
Jan 7, 2019 near Morrison, CO
View from Morrison Slide Trail
Apr 28, 2015 near Morrison, CO
Super smooth trails at Matthews / Winters Park.
Apr 16, 2017 near Morrison, CO
Overlooking Red Rocks Park to the south from the Morrison Slide Trail.
Nov 24, 2015 near Morrison, CO
Herd of 20 mule deer
Jan 7, 2019 near Morrison, CO

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 7 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jan 1, 2023
Geoff Lusk
Beautiful, but we should have been wearing crampons.
Jul 11, 2021
Emily M
Mar 7, 2021
Angela Kwak
4.9mi — 1h 57m
Feb 6, 2021
Jeff S
Dec 6, 2020
Matt Culpepper
Including Village Ride on return loop. (5.5/700) 5.5mi — 3h 00m
Nov 8, 2020
Jacob Magdziarz
Chilly today, good hike. 5.1mi — 2h 03m
Oct 15, 2020
Rachel Pierstorff
4.8mi
Oct 8, 2020
Kylie Swanson
5.1mi

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