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Dakota Ridge Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 514 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Dakota Ridge Trailhead'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 kid-friendly trails and scenic views, including red rocks.
What runners say about Dakota Ridge Trailhead
“Dakota Ridge is a bit noisy since you are flanked by highways on either side but that does not distract from the great views and history of the area - both human and geological.”
Dakota Ridge Trail has a sign at the trailhead that rates it “most difficult” with a black diamond. I would not let this scare you away if you are willing to take your time and can deal with the rollercoaster elevation ups and downs.
There is a sign at the bottom of the trail that says hiking prohibited, but it’s only a very small section at the very top of the trail that’s allocated for bikers. That other comment was totally mistaken!It took me 1.5 hours to get to that section.
Great hike close to the city. Nice views of the Front Range as well as Green Mountain and beyond towards Denver. Some narrow and rocky parts and when adding lots of hikers and bikers can be bit tight and difficult. Some incline/declines but overall a good hike.
It was a great hike. The trail head is on the west side, were you enter. The path is extremely rocky. A lot of care is needed. It has gorgeous views. There are quite a few bikers too, but they had to dismount several times. There is about 600 feet of elevation gain, but it is all at the beginning.
Trail conditions & character
“Dakota Ridge is a bit noisy since you are flanked by highways on either side but that does not distract from the great views and history of the area - both human and geological.”
“I would not let this scare you away if you are willing to take your time and can deal with the rollercoaster elevation ups and downs.”
“Dakota Ridge Trail has a sign at the trailhead that rates it “most difficult” with a black diamond.”
“I greatly enjoyed this trail 🌞🌲🚶♀️ It's very rocky so wear proper shoes and watch out for the brave mountain bikers 🚴♀️”
Plan your run at Dakota Ridge Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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
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.
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