This is officially marks hike four of the year at Roxborough State Park. YEET. At this point, as great as it was to explore closer to home, I’m defining ready for an expansion on my hiking area and some new sights in my life. But, I’d you’d like more information on the park, parking or facilities check out posts 30, 26, and 12.
The trail is listed on AllTrails as 6.4 miles with 1007 feet of elevation gain. I clocked in at closer to 7 miles, but per usual wandered a bit. The trail is listed as moderate and I’d say it’s a solid moderate. Not something that was terribly difficult, but just enough gain, switchbacks, and length to get your heart pumping in some areas.
The trail starts off at Willow Creek trail which is one of the main, easier trails in the park. This is the third time I’ve been on this particular trail this year and it wasn’t terribly crowded this weekend, which was a nice change. I also didn’t have the little man in tow, and that lead to a quick transition to Carpenter Peak trail.
The trail had some stairs right when you started, which I wasn’t all too pleased about. Mostly because they made me realize how out of shape I am right now! Like, wow. I hike a lot but my muscles have gotten a bit lazy over the winter with shorter distances, so it’s time to change that because summer is all about getting OUT THERE.
I am spoiled because I’m so used to the red rock formation views at this point. Although they’ve become my norm, they are absolutely spectacular! If you have visitors and need to stay close to Denver, this park is an absolutely amazing representation of how diverse Colorado can be. I’d recommend taking them to both Roxborough and a nearby forested mountain area, like Evergreen, if you don’t have the time to get into the mountains proper.
There’s a nice overlook area right at the beginning of this trail. I stopped there for a bit to take photos and ended up chatting with some hikers for a bit before trekking onward.
The trail is mainly open and comprised of switchbacks here. The elevation gain isn’t anything too crazy, but I don’t think my son would’ve been stoked on this one. I wouldn’t deem this as a super family friendly hike, but again, not all that tough.
There was still a bit of snow on the trail at this point, but I was wearing chacos and not really bothered by the amount.
The trail does transition to an open area after the switchbacks with another bench. Once again, some killer red rock views to take in.
The trail does get slightly forested for a bit, which I really enjoyed. It’s nice to get that pine-y freshness on exposed hikes like this. It didn’t last very long, however, as the trail once again opened up and soon enough I had made it to Carpenter’s Peak.
I had the BEST time hanging out at the top. It had been a while since I’d done a longer (hahaha, yep 6 miles is long for winter Kristin) hike and I was feeling pretty good. There are plenty of rocks to scramble upon once you summit and if you’re lucky like me you get to kick it with some lizards and chipmunks.
I went over to the lookout area to snap some photos, but there were two other groups on that side. I’m not one for being within earshot of anyones conversation so I tried to find my own area to snack and hang out at for a bit.
I chose the westward side as there were others at the summit and this side not only had the Mountain View’s (in my opinion the better views) but I was also able to get that solitude I was seeking despite other being on the peak when I was.
So, this trail was pretty damn delightful until my descent. Great trail, I was in a good mood, friendly hikers, then KABOOM. I was about a mile or so away from the summit when I encountered a lovely gentleman and his family. I had the pleasure of hearing him yell, “BYE, GUM. INTO THE FORREST YOU GO” after spitting out his gum.
Ok, if you’re taking the time to read this I’d assume you like hiking and nature. And hopefully you’re already practicing Leave No Trace principles. But even if you’re not an avid hiker/mountaineer/outdoorsperson and have no idea what Leave No Trace is, I’m sure the overwhelming majority of you know littering is bad, mkay?
In all seriousness. There’s no scenario where spitting your gum out into the woods is a decent thing to do. This wasn’t accidentally dropping a wrapper or stepping on a flower. Actions like this are intentional and harmful to the areas many of us respect and love. And if you’re like me, seeing shit like this can kind of ruin your day.
This is one of the reasons I’ve started picking up people’s trash when I hike. And I’m teaching my son how awful littering is. And why I’m writing about how awful it is here. In hopes that someone may think twice about leaving that baby wipe or beer can. Please, if you pack it in, commit to packing it out.
Ok, let me go ahead and get off my hiking soap box. If you’d like more information on Leave No Trace and their seven principles, check out https://lnt.org. I highly recommend their online awareness course.
I promise not to post another Roxborough hike for at least like 10 more posts. Probably 😛. Until next time, happy hiking 🥾🏔✌🏼.
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