Colorado Hikes: Dinosaur Ridge (Dakota Ridge Trail)
ABSTRACT
Explore the scenic beauty of Dinosaur Ridge (Dakota Ridge Trail) on a picturesque Sunday morning, with clear skies and pleasant 52-degree weather. This 3.7-mile trail adventure offers a hassle-free and cost-free experience, making it accessible to all hiking enthusiasts. This route provides ample parking opportunities from Alameda Parkway and extends along the Dinosaur Ridge service road to the captivating Dakota Ridge Trail. You'll traverse a paved service road and a rocky dirt path with occasional mud sections. Embrace the unique opportunity to discover dinosaur tracks along the way and relish breathtaking views of the high plains and foothills, including Mount Morrison and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. While the constant hum of 470 traffic is present throughout the journey, the proximity to Denver makes it a convenient and rewarding outdoor escape. Whether you're an experienced hiker or an out-of-town visitor, Dakota Ridge Trail offers a delightful experience amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for a quick excursion or extending your adventure into Matthews Winters Open Space Park for more mileage and a closer look at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Don't miss this unforgettable hike just a stone's throw away from the heart of Denver!
KEYWORDS
Dinosaur Ridge
Dakota Ridge Trail
Denver hiking
dinosaur tracks
Matthews Winters Open Space Park
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Take an escape to Walker Ranger Loop Trail from the personal training studio in Denver.
Time of Year: Sunday, January 29th, 2024.
Weather: 52 degrees and sunny.
Cover: 100% exposed.
Time: 10:26 am - 12:15 am.
Distance: 3.7 miles total.
Cost: None.
Bathroom at Trailhead: No.
Difficulty: Easy level 4 for altitude (6572 feet), elevation gain (698 feet), and length (3.7 miles). Not technical.
Route: Alameda Parkway (Dinosaur Ridge service road) to Dakota Ridge Trail and back.
Traffic: Moderate.
Parking: Many cars lined the road on each side but quickly found a spot.
Equipment: Hiking boots.
Terrain: The service road was paved, and Dakota Ridge Trail was a rocky dirt path with mud sections—a section of manageable snow on the furthest part of the trail, too.
Experience: The Dakota Ridge Trail is fun for hikers of all levels, especially out-of-town visitors. Being it is a ridge, you will have beautiful views of the high plains to the east and foothills to the west, including Mount Morrison and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The varying rock and dirt terrain is enjoyable to hike without being technical, and you’re offered a rare opportunity to see dinosaur tracks on the way up the service road. Although I love this trail, I must disclose that you will hear the buzz of 470 traffic for the entire route. With this being said, the tradeoff is a beautiful hike within 20 minutes of Denver. I can’t beat that!
Personal Trainer Notes: While hiking on this trail will not be a workout for most personal training clients, it’s an excellent option for a quick pop-in. The most ambitious hikers may want to connect to other segments in Matthews Winters Open Space Park for additional mileage and a closer peek of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
An enjoyable hike for personal training clients of any endurance level.
You would never know it was January in Golden on this warm Colorado Sunday.
A northern view from Dakota Ridge Trail.
You’ll have sweeping east and west views walking on the Dakota Ridge Trail.
Dinosaur Ridge brings history to the present.
List of Hiking Trails in Colorado
To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.
The first of two peaks on this hiking trail in Colorado.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
