Chimney Gulch
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Difficulty Rating (1-5 scale, 5 being the most difficult)
Physical: 4
Technical: 3
Navigational: 2
The Chimney Gulch Trail climbs from Golden to the Boettcher Mansion. It's longer, though not as steep as Mt. Falcon. About 2/3 of the way up. 1/4mi past Windy Saddle, you can connect to the Chimney Gulch trail.
DTR starts at either Beverly Heights Park or Lions Park on Thu evenings.
Weather and Seasons
The lower section of the trail, between the tunnel and the first Lookout Mtn road crossing, is largely exposed and drains well, although some parts are thick clay and thus heavy mud when wet. The middle section, between the first Lookout Mtn road crossing and Windy Saddle, sits somewhat down in a canyon, so doesn't get a lot of sun in the winter. The part below and above the bridges isn't bad. Between the bridges is N facing and shaded, so is often snowy & icy through winter the winter. Above Windy Saddle is almost all shaded, so is the most challenging in the winter.
We still run it through the winter, though traction devices may be needed. One option is to go up via the trail, then down via the road. The road is ¾mi longer between Windy Saddle and the lower road crossing.
It's a fun run in the snow. Several inches of snow covers and fills in the gaps between the rocks, making it a fairly smooth trail. It's fun, though hard work breaking the trail in fresh snow. Once it's been packed down, you can really fly without worrying too much about rocks.
Driving Directions
We use one of two starting places:
This is an out-and-back route, regardless of where you start. Use your watch to determine when to turn around.
In the winter, some may go up via the trail, then back down via the road. The road is ¾mi longer between Windy Saddle and the lower road crossing.
On Thursday nights, DTR has different routes at each run. The different routes are designed so that we can accommodate runners of different speeds and still start/finish at about the same time. See more info on choosing the appropriate route for you.
Physical: 4
Technical: 3
Navigational: 2
The Chimney Gulch Trail climbs from Golden to the Boettcher Mansion. It's longer, though not as steep as Mt. Falcon. About 2/3 of the way up. 1/4mi past Windy Saddle, you can connect to the Chimney Gulch trail.
DTR starts at either Beverly Heights Park or Lions Park on Thu evenings.
Weather and Seasons
The lower section of the trail, between the tunnel and the first Lookout Mtn road crossing, is largely exposed and drains well, although some parts are thick clay and thus heavy mud when wet. The middle section, between the first Lookout Mtn road crossing and Windy Saddle, sits somewhat down in a canyon, so doesn't get a lot of sun in the winter. The part below and above the bridges isn't bad. Between the bridges is N facing and shaded, so is often snowy & icy through winter the winter. Above Windy Saddle is almost all shaded, so is the most challenging in the winter.
We still run it through the winter, though traction devices may be needed. One option is to go up via the trail, then down via the road. The road is ¾mi longer between Windy Saddle and the lower road crossing.
It's a fun run in the snow. Several inches of snow covers and fills in the gaps between the rocks, making it a fairly smooth trail. It's fun, though hard work breaking the trail in fresh snow. Once it's been packed down, you can really fly without worrying too much about rocks.
Driving Directions
We use one of two starting places:
- Beverly Heights Park - 1/2mi up Lookout Mountain Rd, from 6, in Golden. There's a few parking spots on the gravel, and plenty of parking along the park side of the road. There is a porta-potty at the park. http://g.co/maps/qbrn9
- Lions Park - On 10th street, the N side of Clear Creek, 0.3mi W of Washington (the main street through downtown Golden). There's a lot along the bike path, just W of the ball fields. Additional parking across the street and along the nearby roads. Meet near the kayaker statue, but stay clear of the bike path. There's a bathroom by the ballfield. http://g.co/maps/ujuw2
This is an out-and-back route, regardless of where you start. Use your watch to determine when to turn around.
- Beverly Heights Park - Start up the road for 1/2mi. Please stay along the far left side of the road, in single file, and watch for cars. Go left onto the Chimney Gulch trail. It's ~3.25mi and 1,350' to Boettcher Mansion.
- Lions Park - Take the bike path W, up the creek, for 0.3mi. Cross the bridge to the left. Then, immediately, go right off the paved path onto the trail. Continue to and through the tunnel under hwy 6. 0.3mi up from the tunnel, there's a trail to the left that leads to the paragliding landing area. Remember this for the way back and DO NOT TAKE IT! It's ~4.25mi and 1,800' to Boettcher Mansion.
In the winter, some may go up via the trail, then back down via the road. The road is ¾mi longer between Windy Saddle and the lower road crossing.
On Thursday nights, DTR has different routes at each run. The different routes are designed so that we can accommodate runners of different speeds and still start/finish at about the same time. See more info on choosing the appropriate route for you.