Trail Information
Trail Name: Elkhorn Trail and Eagle’s View Trail Loop
Location: Reynold’s Park Near Conifer, Colorado
Date: March 14, 2020
Time at the Trail Head: 7:15 am
Trail Length: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,059 feet
Elev. at Trail Head: 7,216 feet
# of Hikers Passed: 23
# of Mnt. Bikers Passed: 0
# of Horses Passed: 0
Mosquitoes: 0
Trail Research
I started looking for another trail close to Denver but up in the mountains, so I created filters to find a moderate trail, under 10 miles long but that has incredible views and I found the Elkhorn Trail and Eagle’s View Trail Loop just south of Conifer, Colorado.
You can learn more about researching trails at www.alltrails.com.
Drive to the Trail
The drive to and from the trial was spectacular as usual, but I especially love the morning drives in the mountains with the sun rising and hitting the mountain peaks.
Even though, the colors are more vivid after the sun rises higher.
My Day on the Trail
We were the first ones at the trailhead around 7:15 am on Saturday morning. I can’t say it enough how much nicer it is to hike in the mornings and to not be concerned with how crowded the trailhead parking area will be.
We could tell that this was going to be a beautiful place to hike but before we went far on the trail we were getting some great shots of the sun rising over the Rocky Mountains and warming up the area.
The trail isn’t too long but you do have to climb around 1,000 feet in the first mile, however, the hike is beautiful and is not to extreme for most people.
The views were even better with the setting moon hanging just above the mountains.
We kept seeing these beautiful sunrise scenes and it became hard for me to choose which ones to include here and what to leave out.
We also came across many splits in the trail and it was nice that I had my Garmin inReach Mini with me and the Earthmate app to help me keep on the right trail.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required).Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). Display size-0.9 x 0.9 inch
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device, basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds. Display resolution: 128 x 128 pixels
The trail was probably 25% clear of snow and ice but there were a lot of areas that we needed our ICETrekkers and Leki Trekking Poles.
- Shoe grips designed to provide aggressive traction in winter walking conditions
- Made of case-hardened steel alloy and strung on steel aircraft cable
- Riveted to tough rubber sling that fits tennis shoes, boots and dress shoes
- Sling remains elastic even in subzero temperatures to keep grips secure
- Self-clearing design prevents snow and ice buildup
- Easy to use - a push button releases the pole voltage
- Special construction for added stability and safety
- Durable material
We finally reached the high point on the west side of the trail and were rewarded with some magnificent views to the south and southwest of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains.
This is where I have really had to leave a lot of great photos out or this article might not ever end.
It was about 9 am when we reached this area and the temperature was around 45 degrees F. We found a great log to sit on and just enjoy the surrounding beauty.
This is another reason to start your hike earlier. We had at least 20 minutes to ourselves, enjoying the Rocky Mountains, before the first hiker arrived.
Not every day is this beautiful in the Rocky Mountains, as you will get snow, rain and high winds at times, but your chances of experiencing great weather is always earlier in the day.
Reyonld’s Park is only 45 minutes from Denver and has a paved road all the way to the trailhead, so it’s easy for most everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors here in Colorado.
We were finally ready to start heading back down the trail but not before we snapped a few more pictures.
The next picture is looking to the southeast towards Castle Rock, Colorado.
We encountered several slick spots on the trail and it became extremely difficult to stay on our feet, but this was due to the descent being in the shade of the mountain, whereas the ascent was mostly in the sun.
We finally were near the trailhead but were able to capture a few more great pictures.
Trail Recommendations
This was a great trail, close to Denver, with some magnificent views. There are many trails at the Reynold’s Park that you can choose from, so come on out and enjoy a beautiful Rocky Mountain Morning.
Lessons Learned
Make sure you have some ICETrekkers and Leki Trekking Poles in your backpack in case you need them on a trail. There will be some trails you can leave them in your pack and others you will want to have access to equipment that will help keep you from falling.
Check out this short video of the Elkhorn Trail and Eagle’s View Trail Loop on YouTube.
MAC Nation
On the way home, we stopped in Indian Springs at the MAC Nation Cafe and found some of the greatest Mac n Cheese around. They have about every variation you can imagine.
This is what I would call a Mountain Diner or Cafe and there are so many great places like this in Colorado.
I ended up choosing the New England Mac n Cheese and we also bought several to take home, including the Chicago Dog, the Colorado, the East Carolina and the Washington.
I would love to know if you have had any experience on this trail or have other trails you love to hike. Leave a Comment Below or send me an Email.
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Elkhorn Trail and Eagle's View Trail Loop
Pros
- Easy Access
- Grand Views
- Scenic Drive
- Well Maintained Trails
- Well Maintained Trailhead & Facilities
Cons
- Popular Destination
you made a beautiful site on the great rocky mountains I like that it is a real-life experience post I know if you hike a lot that you see a lot of great places this is a truly wonderful page the pictures were great also I looked at all of them thank you
I am glad you like the website. I love getting out to the mountains here in Colorado. It takes my mind off so many other things going on in the world.
Rick
Hi Guys, Some beautiful scenery and breathtaking views, you are so lucky in the USA, so envious.
Thanks David. It is incredible being able to live and play here in the Rocky Mountains. After our hike yesterday, my son and I were enjoying some lunch at the MAC Nation Cafe near Indian Springs, Colorado, when a friend called me and was really upset about some world news. It was nice to help him calm down and one of the reasons for that is, taking time to explore the outdoors and enjoy time with friends at a mountain cafe really helps.
Rick
This type of activity is right up my alley. Beautiful scenery, wide open spaces, no biking, sunshine, fresh air, big hills and no litter. I have been walking and skiing in Canada and much of Europe and I have done the 3 Peaks Challenge 6 times, so I know how satisfying a good walk can be, I am very envious.
That’s all I can say, its a great post and site.
I’m glad you liked the article and the website. I am planning on getting to Canada soon and I’ll have to research the 3 Peaks Challenge you mentioned.
Rick