Elk / Coyote

Elk / Coyote

The Front Range is rich in natural treasures. One such paragon is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, less than an hour’s drive from the Denver metro area. With 14,000 acres to explore, this state park offers ample opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Pick up a map and purchase a pass at the visitor center. Wildflower enthusiasts can find a trove of calypso orchids in early June on little-used Beaver Trail, accessible via Slough Pond. By July, six dozen flower species spill out along the Elk and Coyote trails. The mile-long segment of Elk Trail described here begins at the aspen-studded picnic area off Mountain Base Road, called Ole Barn Knoll. Park in the lot farthest to the south at Ole Barn Knoll and look for the access trail just beyond the restrooms. Follow it south to Elk Trail, which heads northwest until it meets Coyote Trail. A right on Coyote leads back to the road at Bootleg Bottom Picnic Area. At this point, choose between retracing steps or following Mountain Base Road back down to Ole Barn Knoll. Wildflower alert: Colorful sections of trail dominated by penstemons, sulphurflower, bright Lambert, and pastel Rocky Mountain locoweeds.

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