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How to Hike the Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful hike in Colorado that offers stunning views but is short enough to tackle on a weeknight, look no further than the Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Tim and I have hiked this trail multiple times and in multiple different seasons. It is our “go-to” hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. From the moment you set foot on the trail, you’ll be surrounded by aspen groves, pine forests, and meadows full of wildflowers. The changing colors in the fall make for a particularly picturesque hike, but any time of year is a great time to explore this gem in the foothills of the Rockies.

In this blog post, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan your own adventure on the Raccoon Trail, from how to get there to what to expect along the way. Join us as we journey along this beautiful path.

Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Where is the Raccoon Trail?

The Raccoon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The park is located in the Rocky Mountains, about 30 miles west of Denver, Colorado. Because of its location near Denver and other large towns on the front range, Golden Gate Canyon is a popular destination for locals (us included!).

Tip: While in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, don’t miss the hike to the historic John Frazer Cabin!

What are the Entrance Fees for Golden Gate Canyon State Park?

You need either a Colorado State Parks Annual Pass or a daily pass to visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Prices are below but check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
  • Annual Pass: $80 (affixed) or $120 (hang tag)
  • Aspen Leaf Annual Pass (64+) : $70 

You can pay for your park permit in the parking lot when you arrive. Look for the large signs with a payment machine. You’ll want to make sure you hang your permit in your dash before you set off on your hike.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park Permit station
Obtain your permit in the parking lot at this station if you don’t already have one!

Raccoon Trail Parking Information

Parking for the Raccoon Trail is available at the Reverend’s Ridge Campground and Raccoon Trailhead parking lot. On weekends, especially in the fall, the parking lot fills up quickly and stays busy all day long. Plan to carpool if you are going with friends or arrive early in the morning (around 7 am is usually a safe bet).

After you park, make your way to the back right perimeter of the campground to sync up with the Raccoon Trail. It is admittedly a little tricky to find, but follow the signs and your map and you will find it!

Map courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Raccoon Trail Description

The Raccoon Trail is a 3.4-mile loop trail with 730 feet of elevation gain that winds through the scenic forests and meadows of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain.

Once you are on the trail, you will hike through the forest for about a half-mile before you come to the junction where Raccoon Trail branches off into a loop to the north and south (left and right as you’re hiking). Since it is a loop, you can go either way, but we usually go north (left) at the junction to save the best views for the last part of the hike.

Raccoon Trail Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Along the trail, you will get to hike past beautiful meadows and aspen groves, set beneath the rocky tops of the Rocky Mountains. The magnificent aspens are, in our opinion, the highlight of the Raccoon Trail!

About 2 miles into the hike, you will arrive at Panorama Point, one of the best views in all of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Sure, you could have driven here and parked at the parking lot that is *right there* – but aren’t you glad you hiked these undulating hills through some of the prettiest forests in the Front Range?


Panoramic Point Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Panorama Point

From Panorama Point, it’s about another mile to complete the loop portion of the trail. Turn onto the Raccoon Trail off the loop and head back to the parking lot and trailhead from there!

Raccoon Trail Map in Golden Gate Canyon State Park Colorado

When to Hike Raccoon Trail

To be honest, the Raccoon Trail is a great hike year-round, so you can’t go wrong! That said, the best time of year to visit the Raccoon Trail is in the fall, in our opinion. During this time, the aspen trees along the trail begin to change color, transforming the surrounding forests into a vibrant display of yellows. Plus, the crisp air and clear skies also make for our favorite hiking conditions, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

Summer is also a great time to hike the Raccoon Trail, and is just high enough in elevation to beat the Denver city heat in summer.

In winter and early spring, the trail is covered in snow. Microspikes or snowshoes are helpful! Sometimes the snow can be deep, especially if it’s fresh and hasn’t been packed down by other hikers yet.

Flora and Fauna on the Raccoon Trail

Some of the common plant species that hikers may encounter along the Raccoon Trail include aspen, fir, spruce, and pine trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers and grasses. During the fall months, visitors can also see the leaves of these trees changing color, adding an extra level of beauty to the trail.

Raccoon Trail Golden Gate Canyon State Park in fall with golden aspens

The park is home to a variety of wildlife as well, including elk, deer, black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of birds and smaller mammals. Visitors should always observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid approaching or feeding any animals.

One notable species to watch for along the Raccoon Trail is the American pika, a small mammal that lives in the rocky slopes and talus fields of higher elevations. Pikas are known for their distinctive “eep” calls – cute, right?

Raccoon Trail Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Fall

What to Wear

  1. Day Pack: It’s so helpful to have a good day pack to carry everything you need. I’ve had the Osprey Skimmer 20 for Women for years and it’s held up on every adventure! And here’s the Osprey Talon 22 Pack for Men!
  2. Water Reservoir: If your day pack doesn’t have a water reservoir in it already, you can buy one separately to slip into your bag. It’s absolutely NECESSARY that you bring water with you on every hike. Here are our favorite 2-liter reservoir and 3-liter reservoir!
  3. Sun Protection: This is so important year-round – even more so in winter when the snow can reflect the sun back up to your skin, multiplying your exposure! Sun Bum is our favorite sunscreen brand.
  4. Hiking Boots: I hiked Raccoon Trail in my Columbia hiking boots. I literally have these in multiple colors because I love them so much! You can’t beat the price for the quality, too. Tim always hikes in his Foxelli boots.
  5. Socks: I started wearing these double-layer Wrightsock brand socks when marathon training years ago and have never gotten a blister with them! In winter, I might mix it up with merino wool socks, too.
  6. Sunglasses: I love these wooden frame sunglasses, so they are my go-to.
  7. Hiking pants: These hiking leggings are my favorite in winter. In summer, I usually hike in biker shorts or leggings.
  8. Moisture-wicking layers: I wear this pullover all the time (it went around the world with us in 2014 and is still in great condition) and their wool t-shirts are great base layers. There are also SmartWool t-shirts for men!
  9. Jacket: I always pack my Columbia jacket when hiking in the mountains.
  10. First Aid Kit: An ultralight first aid kit is a must-have for every hike. You never know what can happen, and you’ll be glad to have a first aid kit if you need one!
  11. Camera: I always hike with my Sony a7iii. It’s a great full-frame camera for capturing all of our hiking memories!
  12. SnacksClif Energy Bars are our favorite hiking snack. It’s got the perfect mix of carbs, fats, and protein to power us through our hikes!
  13. Trekking poles: Many people like hiking with trekking poles to reduce the impact on the knees, especially going downhill. These Black Diamond Trail Back hiking poles are really popular!
  14. If you’re hiking the Raccoon Trail in winter, you’ll want to bring a pair of microspikes and/or snowshoes with you. These will slide over your boots and keep you from slipping on icy portions of the trail. Trust us, you’ll be able to enjoy your hike so much more if you aren’t worried about falling on the ice or snow!

Where to Stay Near Golden, Colorado

Check out these highly-rated (9 out of 10 or better!) and well-located hotel options in Golden, which is near the Raccoon Trail and Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Guided Tours in Golden, Colorado

Booking a tour with a local guide is an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in all that Golden, Colorado has to offer. No matter your interest, whether it be hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting, there’s a tour catered to your desires. Check out some of the popular options and search for even more below!

Raccoon Trail Views Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Conclusion

The Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a hidden gem that offers hikers a unique and unforgettable experience. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich history and culture, this trail has something for everyone. It’s one of our go-to’s and a trail we take visitors hiking for a reason!

While in Colorado, don’t miss Rocky Mountain National Park! It’s less than 2 hours from Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

See you out there!

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