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Nightbird Gulch/Galbraith Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (11)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Golden
  5. Mount Galbraith Park
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“This is a moderately trafficked hike that offers great views of the entire front range and the mountains! ”

Justin Pearson
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5.2

Miles

8.4

KM

Out and Back

7,191' 2,192 m

High

5,950' 1,813 m

Low

1,245' 380 m

Up

1,245' 379 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This trail offers an moderate-to-difficult terrain that is very hiker friendly.

Need to Know

No restrooms at the trailhead. Parking can be difficult, so I would arrive as early as possible.

Description

Parking for this hike is in a neighborhood. The Nightbird Gulch Trail faces the south side of the mountain so the sun can be intense in the day time hours. It is a little longer than the Cedar Gulch Trail, but offers more views of downtown Denver and the surrounding front range.

Flora & Fauna

Be careful of rattlesnakes!

Shared By:

Justin Pearson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 11 votes

#2

in Mount Galbraith Park

#2820

Overall
  4.3 from 11 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
27%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Mount Galbraith Park

#448

in Colorado

#2,820

Overall
38 Views Last Month
3,136 Since Apr 12, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
45%
36%
18%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Looking toward Golden, CO
Jun 15, 2015 near Golden, CO
Views!
May 18, 2022 near Golden, CO
Very enjoyable downhill!
May 18, 2022 near Golden, CO
Overview of the front range
Apr 12, 2020 near Golden, CO
View looking north.
Nov 24, 2019 near Golden, CO
And so the adventure begins. The trail stays singletrack the whole way through.
Nov 24, 2019 near Golden, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 7, 2025
Private User
Mar 19, 2023
Nicole Wiesenthal
5.2mi — 2h 32m
Feb 11, 2023
Austin Gray
5.6mi — 3h 19m
May 25, 2021
Rachel Alison
6mi — 2h 17m
Apr 3, 2021
Bob King
Lots of ice/snow near the top. Stabilicers or trekking poles highly recommended. Very crowded.
Jan 17, 2021
A Chun
5.1mi — 2h 24m
Oct 5, 2020
David Hikes
Sep 6, 2020
Nick Barendregt
Hot day, but low traffic and pretty nice views. Happy to find such a good hike! 5mi — 2h 34m

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