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Eldorado Canyon State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,122 Google reviews · Running trail in Eldorado Springs, Colorado · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 17.1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Eldorado Canyon State Park'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.
Park known for rock-climbing & outdoor activities, thanks to sandstone cliffs & natural attractions.
What runners say about Eldorado Canyon State Park
“Bathrooms are clean, picnic areas are beautiful and overall a great place to contemplate nature 💞”
“The trails circulating the river provided beautiful views of the large rock formations and the small waterfalls.”
“Nestled just outside Boulder, this park offers jaw dropping scenery, peaceful hiking trails, and world class rock climbing all wrapped into one unforgettable outdoor experience.”
“Rock climbers will be in heaven here Eldorado Canyon is considered one of the premier climbing destinations in the country, with routes for all levels and jaw dropping backdrops.”
As always if there is a waterfall I’m there. Hope you enjoy the view and the peaceful sounds of nature as much as I do. If you’re a climber 🧗♀️ this is definitely a great place to climb and you won’t be alone.
Absolutely gorgeous. I'm so glad Colorado has blessed me with such a beautiful backyard! Great hiking for all experience levels. I brought my 70+ year old Auntie. With a couple of little breaks, she did great. We will be back. Great place to bring visitors.
Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of Colorado’s most underrated treasures. Nestled just outside Boulder, this park offers jaw dropping scenery, peaceful hiking trails, and world class rock climbing all wrapped into one unforgettable outdoor experience.
What a great state park! We visited in June and had to make a timed reservation (which was $10) in order to drive into the park. You can use the park’s shuttle system if you want to avoid this hassle. The reservations are released a month in advance and allow for a 2-hour window of entry.
Trail conditions & character
“One of the highlights is the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, which offers sweeping views of the canyon, old ruins, and even a view of the Continental Divide on a clear day.”
“Nestled just outside Boulder, this park offers jaw dropping scenery, peaceful hiking trails, and world class rock climbing all wrapped into one unforgettable outdoor experience.”
“Bathrooms are clean, picnic areas are beautiful and overall a great place to contemplate nature 💞”
“Parking is very limited and it can get crowded quickly, especially on the weekend.”
“), horses, everyone out running with dogs, rock climbing, slowly hearing the river get closer.”
“The hikes are good, some difficult especially if you do the 16 mile loop.”
Plan your run at Eldorado Canyon State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance17.1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecpw.state.co.us
- Phone(303) 494-3943
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Eldorado Springs
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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