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Hiking – Lion Gulch Trail

Trip

Hiking – Lion Gulch Trail

This hike through Lion Gulch in St. Vrain Canyon leads adventurers to the historic Homestead Meadow area, where the Irvin and Griffith Homesteads still stand as echoes of pioneer life. Along the way, we'll enjoy sweeping views of the western slopes of the Front Range and the distant Rocky Mountain peaks. The journey concludes with an exciting off-trail descent that recaptures the original Lion Gulch Trail through rugged, scenic terrain.

Contacts

Wayne Howell
Wayne Howell
Primary Leader
  • Tue, Nov 11, 2025
  • Northern Colorado
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 10.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,728 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH

This roughly 10-mile hike through Lion Gulch in St. Vrain Canyon delivers a rewarding mix of on-trail and off-trail adventure, blending history, challenge, and unexpected beauty. The route winds through forested slopes and open meadows en route to the historic Homestead Meadow area, where the Irvin and Griffith Homesteads stand as lasting testaments to the region’s pioneer past. Along the way, we'll encounter amazing and often surprising views of the western Front Range and distant Rocky Mountain peaks that reveal themselves through shifting terrain and forest clearings. The journey culminates in a rugged off-trail descent of about 0.75 miles, dropping steeply through wild, scenic country to reconnect with the original Lion Gulch Trail—an exhilarating and memorable conclusion to a truly dynamic mountain hike. We'll stop at/near the meadows for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this trip in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~10 miles and ~1900 ft elevation gain. (Lion Gulch - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the Lyons Visitor Center parking at 7:30AM, for a 7:45AM departure (Lyons Visitor Center - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Lion Gulch TH Parking (Lion Gulch Trailhead (#949) - Google Maps)

An additional carpool location is possible for those coming from the south.
Route/Place

Lion Gulch Trail

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essentials are required. Trekking Poles are recommended.

Trip Reports