Red Rocks & Dakota Ridge Loop Trail

While this is a 6 mile hike, it is relatively easy to add mileage to it and tailor it to fit your needs. Instead of simply doing the Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide loop, you can head all the way to the Village Walk trail in Matthews-Winters. You can also park along Red Rocks Trail Road and eliminate .70 miles from the journey.

In the winter, the north sides of all the mountains are pretty snow covered, meaning Yaktrax or a similar traction device will make the hike much easier. There were portions that were too slick for us to walk down in the morning so we resorted to sliding, but once the mid-morning sun came out, the paths became much easier to navigate.

This trail is perfect for hiking, trail running, and because the majority of it is in the Open Space and not Red Rocks Park, bouldering is permitted. Dogs are allowed on this trail, too.