Trip
Hiking – Welch Ditch Trail
Starting at the west end of Golden, we will hike at a gentle pace along the scenic Clear Creek Peaks to Plains trail, then along the Welch Ditch Trail above the creek. The four-mile round-tip trail is paved on the first part with an easy dirt trail along the old water and flume route (depending on trail/mud conditions, some additional portions of the trip may be on the paved path). The trail follows the creek through for two miles just past Tunnel 1 on US 6. This trip is for primarily for RMOTHG members but open to all CMC members.
Contacts
- Wed, Sep 3, 2025
- Rocky Mountain Over the Hill Gang
- Hiking
- Adults
- Easy
- Mileage: 4.25 mi
- Elevation Gain: 195 ft
- Pace: 1.25 - easy and casual
- 3 (11 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We will walk along the beautiful Clear Creek Peaks to Plains trail starting at the west end of Golden. After crossing the bridge, we'll hike along the Welch Ditch trail (depending on trail conditions we may stay on portions of the paved path along the creek). The four-mile round-tip trail is paved. It follows the creek or two miles just past Tunnel 1 on US 6. It is an out and back trip.
For those interested, we can have an early lunch at the starting point along the creek or across the street in Lyons Park. Bring your own lunch.
Please let leader know if you have any medical conditions which could affect the trip, including, asthma, heart or lung issues, diabetes, balance disorders, etc.
To learn more about the trails, including photos, see
Welch Ditch -
- https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7103440/welch-ditch-trail
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/peaks-to-plains-and-welch-ditch-loop
Peaks to Plain
- https://www.jeffco.us/3792/Peaks-to-Plains-Trail
- https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/28702/Peaks-to-Plains-Regional-Trail-Map
We'll meet at 9:00am in Golden at the parking lot to the immediate west of the library - 1019 10th Street, Golden 80401. Do not park in the library lot, which is reserved for library patrons.
Golden now has paid parking at public lots. The first two hours are free, but you must still register your license plate (the trip will likely take two or more hours). The cost after the first two hours is is $2.50/hour. You can use the HonkMobile app or your phone to pay in the lot. There is also a pay station about a block away.
For a map and directions to the parking lot, see:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WTmVw4gxRRxa2t6S9
More information on Golden Parking:
Required Equipment
Ten essentials, including a hat, sunscreen and at least 1.5 liters of water.