Ascending Hikes – White Ranch Park

Trip

Ascending Hikes – White Ranch Park

This hike is an opportunity to enjoy warming conditions here in CO, stretch your hiking legs and take in scenic views of the front range communities as we traverse the Rawhide Trail. This is the first and easiest hike of an Ascending Hikes series.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 5.25 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 800 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 7,546 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

Meet at Coors Tek Parking lot at 7:30am, for no later than 7:45am departure
Coors Tek Parking Lot: CoorsTek Parking Lot - Google Maps

We'll then carpool to White Ranch Park, West Trailhead: White Ranch Park West Trailhead - Google Maps

For more information on the CMC Ascending Hikes Section: Ascending Hikes Section — The Colorado Mountain Club (cmc.org)

We'll be hiking the Rawhide Trail Loop, starting from the parking area at the end of Belcher Hill Rd. in White Ranch Park. The total distance is about 5 miles and a cumulative elevation gain of about 900 ft (with a number of ups and downs). Given that this is a loop, we will decide as a group our direction of travel, with one factor being how much elevation gain we want on the last mile. There are a couple of short-cuts along the way, just in case the group wants to shorten the hike. Bottom line, we have a lot of flexibility with this route. (Rawhide Trail Loop - WRP - CalTopo)

Depending upon the trail conditions, traction control devices - microspikes, nanospikes, Yaktrax - may be needed if the trail is snow packed or icy. Gaiters are also highly recommended.

 

The Colorado Mountain Club's Ascending Hike Section (AHS) provides an opportunity to make new friends and explore new places in Colorado's backcountry, while increasing your personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina. The section is administered by CMC volunteers.  There is no cost, fee, or scheduling commitment.  There are no dues or elections.  Open to all CMC members.  To join the section, contact the CMC office.

Route/Place
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essentials, microspikes, gaiters and trekking poles.

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