Trail Run Project Logo

A quiet and remote escape that provides exposure to a variety of terrain.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

80%

Runnable

9,312' 2,838 m

High

8,225' 2,507 m

Low

1,195' 364 m

Up

1,187' 362 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

39%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

This route provides varied terrain and a remote escape from the more crowded trails closer to Denver. Though the route follows all singletrack, there are some technical and rocky sections. The nice views of the bigger mountains just beyond make the tougher sections worth it.

Need to Know

There is $10 fee for a day pass at the state park. Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Temperatures can vary quickly in the mountains. Early season there may still be snow.

Description

From the parking lot off Hwy-57, follow the Black Bear Trail on a rocky climb from the Ralston Roost Trailhead up to the Mule Deer Trail. The majority of the Black Bear Trail is advanced singletrack with more technical sections including a short, easy scramble popping up closer to the intersection with the Mule Deer Trail.

Follow Mule Deer Trail for a short while and hang a right onto Horseshoe Trail Alternate. From here, the trail is a mix of singletrack and wider trail. There are some short rocky sections but mostly the trail is smooth. At about the 3.7 mile mark, this joins the main Horseshoe Trail and continues south.

Finally, near the end of the Horseshoe Trail, cut right across a small wooden bridge and follow Horseshoe Connector Trail back to the Black Bear Trail and ultimately the Ralston Roost Trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Max Krueger with improvements by Alex O'Connell

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 30 votes

#435

Overall
  4.4 from 30 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#93

in Colorado

#435

Overall
10 Views Last Month
4,754 Since Apr 3, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
38%
27%
35%
0%

Photos

Views
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
The ridge as you top out on Black Bear Trail.
May 15, 2016 near Coal Creek, CO
Easy singletrack
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
Lovely views!
Jul 20, 2019 near Coal Creek, CO
Easy Scramble
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
Tougher scramble
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 79 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.