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Chimney Gulch Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden, Colorado · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Chimney Gulch Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with a trail offering 360-degree views.
What runners say about Chimney Gulch Trail
“Trail was not difficult and had beautiful views!”
This was a medium level 1.5 mile hiking. There is a couple parking spaces at the start but it was hard to tell if you could park there. It was a little challenging but it had some good views throughout and at the top. There were a lot of bikers so it must be a good bike ride as well as a hike. Recommended!
Beautiful hike! We did Chimney Gulch into the Lookout Mountain trail and it was stunning! We got lucky and got one of three parking spots and the trail conditions were good. The whole hike is lovely and we saw a lot of pretty plants and rocks.
Elevation gain, elevation gain, elevation gain… and a great hike. Chimney gulch is a nice trail. A bit exposed to the sun and hot in places but it makes the shade along the way that much more inviting. Watch out for the down-hill bikers.
Was originally trying to hike Lookout Mountain Trail butt the all trails app took me to chimney Gulch Trail. I'm not sure if that was correct or not as it was my first time doing this but all in all it was a good hike. Had to turn around early because wind started to pick up along with snow flurries
Trail conditions & character
“If you love driving super winding roads and spectacular views, then this place is for you.”
“Elevation gain, elevation gain, elevation gain… and a great hike.”
“There is a couple parking spaces at the start but it was hard to tell if you could park there.”
“The trail can get narrow in spots and is very rocky, there are also mountain bikers that use the trail so just be cautious of those factors.”
Plan your run at Chimney Gulch Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Golden
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Windy Saddle Park Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,923 reviews
Mountainous park offering 3.5 miles of hiking & biking trails & a launching point for hang gliders.
Lookout Mountain Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,155 reviews
Park boasting wooded foothills, scenic road, picnic shelter & Buffalo Bill burial site & museum.
Clear Creek Canyon Park, Gateway Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 246 reviews
Popular trail and riverside area for hiking, climbing, fishing and tubing.
Lookout Mountain Preserve & Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,794 reviews
A 110-acre preserve of ponderosa pines & meadows, with a nature center, trail & guided tours.
Clear Creek Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 201 reviews
Recreation area with river access, picnic areas, trails, and a playground.
