Eldorado Canyon State Park - Eldorado Springs

Located just southwest of Boulder, Eldorado Canyon is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and world class rock climbing. Boulder Creek carves through the canyon creating a variety of day use recreation. Hiking, fishing, and picnicking are fun park activities.

Activities

Biking: Permitted on the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail and the Walker Ranch Loop at Crescent Meadows.

Camping: No, day-use only.

Fishing: The South Boulder Creek runs through the canyon and is renowned for it’s fly fishing. There are no bait restrictions or size limits. The park prefers catch and release, but the limit is 4 to take home.

Hiking: There are three main trails in the central park. There’s also a 4th trail in the Crescent Meadows portion of the park. See trails below.

Fowler Trail – 0.7 mile, one-way, along the side of the canyon. It ends at the edge of the park and connects with a Boulder Open Space Trail. Closed to bikes.
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail – Gains 800 feet in elevation and leads 1.4 miles, one-way to the historic Crags Hotel ruins. Once at the ruins there is an optional forest loop of about a mile that takes you to a beautiful overlook of the Continental Divide. Open to bikes.
Eldorado Canyon Trail – Gains 1000 feet in elevation for 3.5 miles one-way before intersecting with The Walker Ranch Loop Trail (a 7.2 miles loop). Open to hikers and horseback.
Walker Ranch Loop – An easy 5 mile trail, round trip. This trail is not accessible from the regular section of the park. You must drive west to the Crescent Meadows section of the park.

Hunting: Allowed on the Tuesday after Labor Day through March 31st in the Crescent Meadows section of the park.

Picnicking: 33 picnic tables with grills all line the shore of the South Boulder Creek. Available first-come, first-serve.

Rock Climbing: Permitted on several rock faces along the canyon with over 500 technical climbing routes. It’s one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the country. See climbing map on right.

Winter Recreation: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on trails when there is adequate snowfall. Call park to be sure.

After enjoying the recreation, relax at Eldorado Springs Pool, situated next door.

Visitor Center is open daily from 9am-5pm.