Where we went: Chimney Gulch
What went wrong: Even tho this was a moderate level hike, in the unusually hot weather this year we could have used more water than normal.
What we did right: A hat and sunblock make a difference on the open field hikes. It's not a race, we adjusted our pace, and rested as needed.
How you can avoid mistakes: Don't believe everything you read. The guide book we read had the directions to the trail slightly wrong. Once again,
the map and the gps saved the day and we found the parking lot.
The trail head for Chimney Gulch is in Golden along Highway 6. The hike begins in an open field where para gliders land. Be sure to watch for them overhead. This is a multi use trail, and was crowded with bikers. The trail ends on Lariat Loop Road parking lot.
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| Begin along Highway 6. Para gliders land in this meadow. No restrooms at the trail head. |
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| Pass by a water control gate, and bear right. |
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| There are many spur trails in the lower meadow, so keep heading uphill on the more obvious and well worm path. Most of the trail is open and sunny. |
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| The first section is steep, with residential properties along the gulch. | | |
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| Signs will keep you on the trail and out of the homes' backyards. |
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| Cross Lookout Mountain Road where a snowplow turnaround is used for parking. Watch for bikes as well as other vehicles. |
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| Travel through a wooded area, and cross two bridges. |
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| Deer along the trail. |
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| The upper end of Chimney Gulch Trail is the Lariat Loop parking lot. There is a port-a-potty here. |
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| Take in the view before continuing up Lookout Mountain, or turn around and return to the parking lot. |
Would we hike this trail again? Probably not, although watching the para gliders is exciting.
