Eleven Mile State Park Interpretive Path Loop HIke

Eleven Mile State Park feels just like the proverbial “hidden in plain sight” gem. Located off the generally traveled Freeway 24 between Colorado Springs and Buena Vista, this loop hike blesses guests with unusual magnificence. Trekking across the 3.5+ mile path serves up an outstanding buffet of Colorado’s traditional outside: aspen and evergreen forests, meadows, rocky crags, vistas of mountain ranges, and a shoreline. Not often do trails obtain a real “all-year” score, however this loop qualifies. This hike close to Denver might perform as an along-the-way pit cease or a vacation spot in itself, excellent for a swift tempo or a lingering stroll with the household. Discover the total Eleven Mile State Park hike profile beneath for path map, driving instructions, and extra ideas and particulars that will help you take pleasure in this treasure outdoors Lake George, CO.

Path Snapshot: Eleven Mile State Park Loop

Parking & Trailhead Data for Eleven Mile State Park

Cruising south out of Denver on I-25, take Exit 141 for Freeway 24 West. Simply barely outdoors of Lake George, flip left onto County Street 90 and go 4 miles — right here the pavement will curve left onto County Street 92. After about 5.5 miles on CR-92, search for the Coyote Ridge signal indicating a left-hand flip. Observe this street for 1/2-mile to the car parking zone. (Alternately, following Freeway 285 South out of Denver, decide up CR-9 South at Fairplay to Freeway 24 East at Harstel. On Freeway 24, simply past the attractive Wilkerson Go, search for CR-90 on the proper. This can be a graded gravel street that can intersect with CR-92, as described above.)

The Hike: Eleven Mile State Park Loops

One of many many causes to plan a visit right here is the Coyote Ridge Interpretive Path, one among 4 loops. At lower than 1.5 miles in size, it gives a household a enjoyable exploratory and interesting getaway. The advisable route takes benefit of the most effective of every smaller, particular person loop (Ponderosa, Aspen, Midland, Black Bear). Going clockwise from the car parking zone brings hikers by means of crags, meadows, forests, ridges, and the spectacular shoreline. Spring brings flowers, summer season the bluebird skies; in autumn it bursts with golden aspens, winter the arresting distinction of snow and rock, evergreen and ice.

Becoming a member of up with the path on the north aspect of the car parking zone, the route heads up and onto slickrock terraces dotted with pines. Even this early within the hike views break open into the meadow and onto the water. After 1/3-mile, a right-hand flip on the juncture leads the Ponderosa Path previous a small stand of timber, then shortly encounters one other juncture, this one with the Aspen Path. The route continues on for an additional 1/3-mile to the following juncture, the place the path turns proper, becoming a member of the longer Midland Path.

Crossing a light service street and passing by an outdated cattle corral, the route slowly rolls into the wetland meadow earlier than rising gently to enter an evergreen and aspen forest. All through the forest, vistas of distant mountain ranges punctuate the path to the hiker’s proper. At roughly the 2 mile mark, the path crosses the service street once more and begins descending towards the shoreline. Inside 1/3-mile a lookout level path branches off to the left (south) the place these with time and a need to soak within the solar can relaxation overlooking the water. (Be aware: the lookout path is a mere 1/10-mile one-way.) Turning again northwest, the path arrives on the Black Bear Path choices. Right here, take note of indicators with the “hiker” image for steering on the route’s circulation. Take into account additionally utilizing this interactive path map (Eleven Mile State Park Loops) for extra precision than the state park PDF map.

If at any level the Black Bear Path loops really feel complicated, notice that they merely give hikers a option to both scamper alongside the shore or journey inland. Each cross by means of a handful of tempting camp websites…plan far forward to safe a spot! As soon as again on the principle Midland Path across the three mile mark, the route hugs the shore whereas trying again over the wetland meadow to the east. A well-timed hike can catch the dawn or sundown with broad, open views for both. Reaching the north fringe of the shore indicators that hardly 1/10-mile stays earlier than reaching the car parking zone.

Ideas & Sources for Mountaineering Eleven Mile State Park

• TIP: Aside from a small basic retailer, provides are restricted. Make sure you’ve got loads of water and meals with you.
• TIP: Familiarize your self with the varied path junctions that intersect on this space. Picket indicators mark the junctures, however infrequently the climate (or wildlife!) can disrupt the signage.
• Path Map: Eleven Mile State Park Loops
• Packing Listing: All the time pack the ten Necessities. Obtain our Mountaineering Information to get the checklist and dayhiking packing guidelines.
• Colorado Street Situations: Colorado Street Situations
• After the Hike: Regardless if this occurs as an along-the-way pit cease or a vacation spot, take heed: there’s not a lot round for meals! Relying on the day, think about Honey Badger’s Mountain Grill (be aware fastidiously their open/closed hours), or just plan to select up one thing in Woodland Park, CO. And bear in mind, the distant location is a good factor!

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Map & Driving Instructions