Dakota Ridge Trail is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Golden, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
The trail starts on the right side of the parking lot. A really fun trail that goes up and down a lot and some steep inclines. The trail is dusty and rocky, and you can hear the road. There are no bathroom at the trailhead. So please plan accordingly!
Fun! Wear some trail shoes if you have them. Trail can get kinda slick with the rocks and dirt. Overall, enjoyed the hike but had to cut it short due to time. Will give it another go another day!
Great rock hoppin’ trail. Downside is the trail is between 470 and 93, so can hear the hum of highways. Upside is it’s a fantastic quick hike if you are the human billy goat type and enjoy more technical foot placement. Lots of slabs and stairs with ups and downs after the initial short climb. No snow on 4/2. Several speedy mtn bikers so keep those doggos on a leash! Finished in 1 hr 45 min with a quick pace, brief jogging, and short stop at the lakes lookout point.
Trail was dry today. Beautiful rock formations. I would not enjoy this one on a hot day-very little shade. Walking sticks and ankle supporting boots would be a good idea-doable without either but some may enjoy this one more with. Noise from highway and not secluded.
Great trail, one small section (100 m) is snowy and another small section is muddy, but besides that great condition. No crampons needed.
About 3 fourths of the trail was just fine and the rest was quite muddy and snowy. Beautiful day!
Great hike with beautiful views. Just know you’re never really away from any streets in your view. Still definitely worth it.
Beautiful hike on a partially cloudy day! Keep one ear out for bikers. Steep incline at first then does a combination of uphill, flat, and downhill. Awesome views throughout the hike.