The Eldorado Canyon - Walker Ranch Lollipop Loop connects the Eldorado Canyon Trail and Walker Ranch Loop to form a challenging 13.8 mile route through archetypal Colorado Front Range terrain. Serene pine forests, deep canyons, colorful cliffs, rich wildlife and frequent elevation changes distinguish these demanding trail segments. While many hikers and runners will explore portions of this route in a day, few attempt the entire course.

4 main trailheads access this trail system:

1) Eldorado Canyon Trailhead and Visitor Center Parking Lot in Eldorado Canyon State Park
2) Crescent Meadows Trailhead
3) South Boulder Creek Trailhead
4) Ethel Harrold Picnic Area

The following description begins in Eldorado Canyon State Park on the Eldorado Canyon Trail, and joins the Walker Ranch Loop in 3.15 miles. The 7.55 mile Walker Ranch Loop is comprised of 4 different trails:

1) Crescent Meadows Trail: (2.4 miles)
2) S. Boulder Creek Trail: (2.6 miles)
3) Columbine Gulch Trail: (1.62 miles)
4) Eldorado Canyon Trail: (0.93 miles - back to beginning of the Loop)

****

The Eldorado Canyon Trail is located at the west end of the Eldorado Canyon State Park Visitor Center parking lot. The trail begins from the north side of the lot, methodically climbing .9 miles up a series of challenging switchbacks. Commanding views of the South Boulder Creek drainage and Eldorado Canyon area emerge as you rise along the canyon's north wall. Rock formations above are renowned climbing areas that attract some of the country's most accomplished athletes. These canyon walls are also home to several nesting raptor species.

In 1 mile the trail eases over a series of rocky undulations, alternating quickly through dense forest and open grassy hillsides. After gaining 990' in net elevation, the trail crests on a narrow ridge with terrific views across Walker Ranch to the Continental Divide (2.45 miles : 7,065'). From here it drops 570' in just .7 miles along tightly wound switchbacks to the Walker Ranch Loop connection (3.15 miles : 6,495'). Note this downhill segment may not be readily visible from the crest; look immediately to the west and downhill to find the trail (GPS point below).

The following description travels clockwise on the Walker Ranch Loop:

Heading southwest, the Crescent Meadows Trail crosses over South Boulder Creek (6,465'- the Loop's lowest point) and follows a very steep, rocky footpath and series of newly built steps to a narrow ridge top (bikers will need to dismount). Smooth trail conditions and pleasant scenery mark the next 2.2 mile, 700' net climb to the Crescent Meadows Parking Lot and South Boulder Creek Trail connection (5.55 miles : 7,345').

The South Boulder Creek Trail drops sharply on winding switchbacks through mixed pine for 1.25 miles to South Boulder Creek (6,740'). It crosses the creek on a wide bridge to its north bank and flattens considerably for several hundred yards. This enjoyable section offers easy access to many good fishing and viewing areas along the creek.

Just past Walker Ranch Loop's Mile Marker 1 (7.1 miles : 6,740') the trail turns sharply left and begins a strenuous, winding climb back to the South Boulder Creek Trailhead and Columbine Gulch Trail connection (8.15 miles : 7,287'). This barren and exposed area was stricken by fire in 2000. Informational signs describe the event and explain its ecosystem before and after the fire. Despite extensive damage, grasses and wildflowers have reclaimed these hillsides and recovery is well under way.

Veering east, the rugged Columbine Gulch Trail climbs .85 miles to an exposed 7,300' ridge with commanding views, then drops rapidly along a series of shaded switchbacks to its connection with the Eldorado Canyon Trail (9.75 miles : 6,795'). Turn right to continue the loop on what is now a wide fire road. It runs up, then down for .9 miles to complete the Walker Ranch Loop (10.65 miles : 6,945'). Bear left to remain on the Eldorado Canyon Trail and retrace your steps back to the trailhead in Eldorado Canyon State Park (13.8 miles).