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Gregory Canyon Trail to Saddle Rock

© Virginia O'Connor

Introduction

On this hike, we will take the Gregory Canyon trail up and then head south east around Saddle Rock and loop back down to the parking lot. I would like to give you the distance of this hike, but I don't know what it is. Suffice it to say that it took us (with dog, no kids this time) just over two hours to do the loop and we had to stop so the dog could play in the snow. Keep in mind that this is bear country. You will see numerous signs warning you to put your trash carefully into the closed trash cans. This helps keep the bears from rooting through the trash and reduces their dependence on humans.

For an increased intensity workout, you can do this loop in reverse. This time, we chose to do the Gregory Canyon to Saddle Rock version. To do the loop the other way, start out at the parking lot and go across the little wooden bridge first. You will see a trail marker for Saddle Rock. Take that trail and follow the signs.

See the photo for the distance shot of where you will be climbing to.

Trail Rating

• Boots: Mostly two boots, but three boots for the steep uphill and downhill portions.
• Kids: Your medium-sized, three-boot kids can handle this trail.
• Dogs: Definitely! On a leash.
• Facilities: Yes. The facilities are open even in the winter.

What to Bring

Wear your boots, carry plenty of water, and bring a jacket. This trail is rocky, rocky, rocky and in the late winter it is still very snowy. It will be chilly in the shady and the wind will be cold at the top, but the lower portions of the trail will be warmer. Remember, layering is a skill.

How to Get There

From Colorado Springs, drive north on I-25 through Denver. Take Highway 36 to Boulder. When you arrive in Boulder, turn left off 36 on Baseline. Take Baseline out toward the Flatirons and Chautauqua Park. Drive past Chautauqua Park to the Gregory Canyon Trail head sign. Turn left into the parking lot at the Trail head. This parking lot is fee-based and you will have to read the sign and follow the rules for paying for parking. The parking lot fills up quickly on most weekends, so get there early. There is a nice alternative to the parking lot and that is to park along the street back on Baseline.

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