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Matthews Winters Lollipop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (44)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Morrison
  5. Matthews/Winters Park
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“A wonderful Matthews Winters link up. ”

Eric Singleton
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5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

91%

Runnable

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 run 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.

Runner Notes

It is a steady climb from the parking lot to the top of Morrison Slide Trail at the two mile mark with no tree cover.

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 run 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 run.

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:

Eric Singleton
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 44 votes

#2

in Matthews/Winters Park

#262

Overall
  4.5 from 44 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Matthews/Winters Park

#60

in Colorado

#262

Overall
47 Views Last Month
21,853 Since Apr 16, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
4%
80%
6%
10%
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
The sunset provided a beautiful color wash while heading back to the parking lot.
Feb 1, 2020 near Morrison, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 38 days ago
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Check-Ins

Dec 31, 2025
Atsuko Ohtake
Sep 24, 2024
Paul Allam
Bday hike with Kenji 5.1mi — 1h 41m
Dec 26, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Jul 27, 2023
Crystal Santos
10h 00m
Sep 25, 2021
Cal Brophy
Sep 9, 2021
Cal Brophy
Sep 3, 2021
Cal Brophy
Jul 19, 2021
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