Activities at Eldorado Canyon | Colorado State Parks

Activities

Biking - 3/30/2012

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 easier seven mile Walker Ranch Loop at Crescent Meadows. See Eldorado Canyon State Park's Trails page for a more complete description.

Boating - 3/30/2012

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.

Camping - 3/30/2012

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.

Cross-country Skiing - 3/30/2012

Please call the park at 303-494-3943 for trail conditions. Skiiers are often on the road and Fowler and Rattle Snake Gulch trails in the winter.

Education Programs - 3/30/2012

Educational programs are available by request. Please contact the park at 303-494-3943 for information.

Fishing - 3/30/2012

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.

Hiking - 3/30/2012

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. All three trails are currently open and clear.

Horseback Riding - 3/30/2012

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.

Hunting - 3/30/2012

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.

Picnicking - 3/30/2012

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.

Rock Climbing - 3/30/2012

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.

Snowshoeing - 3/30/2012

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.

Last Modified Date: 4/22/2011 9:23 AM

Quick Launch