Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Eldorado Canyon: Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

A few weekends ago we ventured to Eldorado Canyon State Park, only about a 20 minute drive from Boulder. The $6 entrance fee was well worth it. We did an easy 2.8 mile hike up Rattlesnake Gulch Trail to the ruins of the Crags Hotel, which burned down in 1912. The trail follows and old wagon road and leads past beautiful views of the canyon. The ruins of the hotel are not that impressive, but it does give one a deep sense of history standing in the former hotel fountain and looking out what was once a window with a sweeping panoramic view. I am a huge fan of ghost towns and historic ruins so this place was a big hit for me. There are pottery shards and glass littered all over the ground so that it literally sparkles in places. Further past the hotel ruins there is a gorgeous view of the continental divide, which made a great lunch spot for us. It is also fun to watch the multitude of rock climbers make there way up the park's many cliff faces. FYI, www.protrails.com is one of the most comprehensive and well researched hiking databases I have ever used. They have detailed trail information, directions, and photos and it's free! Check it out!



Jay next to the fireplace ruin.

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