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Biking
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4/15/2013 |
The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail offers the experienced mountain biker an enjoyable three-mile ride, this is not a sit-down ride. It is a steady uphill climb for 1.4 miles, gaining 800 feet in elevation. There are several tight switchbacks, as well as areas with loose rock. Bikers can also enjoy the 7 mile Walker Ranch Loop accessed from the Crescent Meadows section of the park. See Eldorado Canyon State Park's Trails page for a more complete description.
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Boating
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4/15/2013 |
The stretch of the creek travelling through the Canyon is primarily class VI. The highest water flow is in May and June. Tubing, rafting, etc. are not permitted for safety reasons. When water flow is at its highest, wading the stream is not advised. The stream can be up to 7 feet deep in places, the water flow can exceed 400 fps. In winter the creek is mainly frozen with low flow.
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Camping
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4/15/2013 |
There are NO facilities for camping in this State Park; back-country camping is not permitted. The park is closed to the public from sunset to sunrise.
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Cross-country Skiing
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4/15/2013 |
Skiers and snowshoers are often on the road, Fowler and Rattlesnake Gulch trails in the winter after a good snowfall. Please call the park at 303-494-3943 for conditions.
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Education Programs
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4/22/2013 |
Our Junior Ranger Program is for kids ages 6 to 12 and is held Saturdays from 10:00-11:15 a.m. during June, July and August. This program is for kids who are interested in learning about Colorado's natural resources and will feature games, activities and crafts. The Little Critters Program for kids ages 3 to 5, is held at 10:30 on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of June, July and August at the Visitors Center. These programs introduce kids to the wonders of nature and the unique habitat of Eldorado Canyon. Both of these programs are free with your park admission and meet at the Visitors Center. The full schedule for summer 2013 should be finalized sometime in May. Educational programs for groups conducted by the Park Naturalist are available by request. Please contact the park at 303-494-3943 for information on arranging a group program.
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Fishing
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4/15/2013 |
Eldorado Canyon is an excellent fly-fishing area. With very little pressure, these fish are hungry, healthy, and at certain times of the year, they are stacked in this one-mile stretch of South Boulder Creek. Fish caught in Eldorado Canyon State Park average from eight to fourteen inches, however twenty-four inch fish are taken a few times a year. The stream through the picnic area has been deepened through a series of habitat restoration projects, beginning in 2008. Colorado Fishing Licenses are available at the park Visitors Center. As warmer weather occurs the creek is more open and flow increases.
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Hiking
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4/15/2013 |
Eldorado Canyon has three trails of note. The Fowler trail is easy, the Rattle Snake Gulch trail is moderate, and the Eldorado Canyon trail is more difficult. Fowler Trail features a self-guided nature walk, benches and spotting scopes. The Eldorado Canyon Trail connects to the Walker Ranch loop for an extended hike. All trails offer excellent views of the canyon walls and surrounding forests. Spring trail conditions can change quickly from icy and snowpacked to slushy to clear. Please check the conditions section of this website or call the park for current conditions.
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Horseback Riding
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4/15/2013 |
Equestrians are enthusiastically welcomed in the park. The main park road, Eldorado Canyon Trail, and Walker Ranch Loop connect the front range to the mountains. It may be necessary to dismount from time to time due to the steepness of the trail. Horse trailers are not feasible in the Park on busy summer weekends.
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Hunting
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4/15/2013 |
Hunting is allowed the Tuesday after Labor Day through March 31st in the Crescent Meadows portion of the park only (archery and black-powder weapons only). The appropriate license is necessary (unit 29) and all Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting and possession limits apply. Colorado Hunting Licenses are available at the park Visitors Center.
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Picnicking
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4/15/2013 |
Eldorado Canyon has 33 picnic tables with grills that line the bank of South Boulder Creek. Clean restrooms and drinking water are nearby. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis - reservations are NOT accepted. During the cooler months, the picnic area is generally a very quiet place. On weekends and holidays from May through September, the entire park often reaches full vehicle capacity and additional vehicles are only allowed entrance periodically, as space becomes available. The picnic area is usually reaches full capacity by noon on Saturdays and by 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. On summer holidays, the picnic area can be full as early as 9:00 a.m.
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Rock Climbing
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4/15/2013 |
Eldorado Canyon is one of the top climbing destinations in the United States, we have more than 500 technical climbing routes that attract climbers (and onlookers) from around the world. To protect the rock, no drilling or chipping is allowed, please use minimal chalk. To protect nesting and roosting sites of Prairie Falcons, part of the Redgarden Wall from the Naked Edge (pitch 3 – top) through Sidetrack is closed from February 1st – July 31st, the rest of Redgarden Wall is open. Please remember that the park closes at sunset, it is not permitted to climb here at night. The climbing here is mostly traditional - there are very few sport routes or those that you can top rope. Be aware possible rapid weather changes including high winds, spring snow storms and summer thunderstorms. Seasonal closures and current route conditions are updated in the conditions section of this website.
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Snowshoeing
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4/15/2013 |
Eldorado Canyon's dramatic beauty is highlighted by a fresh dusting of snow on the cliffs and trees. Snowshoeing is best experienced on the Fowler and Rattlesnake Gulch Trails after a heavy snowfall. Call the Park for the most updated trail conditions at 303-494-3943.
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