BPX 2-Day: White Ranch Loop from White Ranch West TH

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 2-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members

Day 1: Drive to White Ranch West TH. Hike the gently rising and falling Rawhide Trail loop to the Sourdough Campground (1.8 miles, +295 / -306 ft.).  Pit toilets and bear box storage are available at the campground. Optional short hike up the Rawhide trail behind the campground to a lovely viewing spot. This part of the trail loops back down to the camping area.

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Continue hiking the Rawhide trail back to the White Ranch West TH (3.7 miles, +722 / -756 ft.). Option to explore more trails before driving home.

Route: Day 2

Overall Route: 5.5 miles, +- 998 ft.

NOTES:

1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
2. More information about White Ranch Open Space is available here.
3. There is no water source at the Sourdough Campground. You MUST carry all of your water for the entire trip.
4. Important Jeffco Park Use Updates Jan-Dec 2025:
   1. Check with Jefferson County Open Space for reservations and campsite capacity restrictions.
   2. All users of Jeffco parks (both free trips and paid for courses) must carry with them a copy of the CMC-Jeffco Permit or a yellow permit tag 
   3. The permit can be found at this LINK.
   4. Permit tags can be picked up at the CMC Basecamp office (T-Th 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
   5. ONLY ONE GROUP may use a trail system at a time. Group size is limited to 14 participants, including guides/instructors. 
   6. A trail system includes that entire area of that park - i.e., if a group begins a hike on the east side of North Table, another group may not hold another hike on the west side of North Table.
   7. Blackout dates - No CMC trips may take place on the following dates: Memorial Day Weekend - May 24-26; Father’s Day – June 15; Juneteenth – June 19; Independence Day Weekend – July 4-6; Labor Day Weekend – Aug 30-Sept 1
5. No Campfires at any time. Gas stoves and grills ok. Bear Box storage provided at campground. Camping requires advance permit and fee.
6. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the White Ranch West TH.