Hike the Saint Mary's Falls Trail
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A beautiful trail right outside the city with stunning falls at the end. Difficult enough to be a good workout, but not so difficult that visiting friends or family can't do it.
This moderately difficult hike is a total of 6 miles, with a 1500' incline. You start from the parking lot off Gold Camp Road that intersects with High Drive, and start hiking up the part of Gold Camp Road that is closed off to vehicles. You will see a few trails stemming off from this main road, but continue along the dirt road to get to the falls. Once the trail turns from a road into a small trail, you'll intersect the creek that comes from the falls and get to hike along side it all the way up! This trail is dog-friendly and if your canine loves the water, they will love this hike.
The last bit of the hike is pretty steep with some switchbacks, but when you finally pass through the trees and see the falls, it's all worth it! Absolutely stunning views, you won't regret it.
I will say, though, that I've hiked it in the fall and the summer and though the aspens will be beautiful in the September, the falls probably won't be rushing like they would be if you hiked it in June or July. You can see pictures from both seasons above.