Hike the Sawmill to Maverick Loop
Golden, Colorado
Details
Distance
2 miles
Elevation Gain
450 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Johnathan .
This trail has moderate grades perfect for winter hiking. See historic structures and spectacular views of Denver and Golden, just ~40 minutes from downtown Denver.
For this adventure, you'll be completing the Sawmill to Maverick loop. It is a short, but gentle trail that will take you through open meadows, to pine forests, and great views of Denver and Golden.
Starting from the west parking area, cross the road and hit the Sawmill Trail. This trail starts out in a wide meadow that will give you a sweeping vista of Denver and Golden, on a clear day you might even be able to make out DIA. Hike this trail for about half a mile before linking up with Maverick Trail, take a left to continue the loop.
Maverick Trail is about a mile long and dips in and out of the forest, occasionally giving you more views of the city below. Just before reaching the intersection with the Longhorn Trail, you will reach a ridge that will give you some of the best views of the day. Be sure to stop here and admire the views.
Once you reach the intersection with the Longhorn Trail, bear to the left and continue hiking up a gentle slope. You'll pass the picnic area on your left, but keep going straight until you reach the Rawhide Trail. From here, it's a short 0.25 miles back to the parking area, but you'll have great views of the peaks to the west. Interpretive signs and benches dot this section of trail, so take a load off and enjoy the scenery.
The park is open one hour before sunset until one hour after sunset, and be sure to check out the Jefferson County Open Space Twitter page if you're looking for updates on trail conditions (@JeffcoOpenSpace). The rangers for Jeffco Open Space do a great job of keeping the public informed.
For the Colder Months:
Is Old Man Winter starting to give you cabin fever? Are you itching to get some miles under your boots, but don't have snowshoes or spikes? Fear not, because White Ranch Park is the perfect place to go for some winter time adventure. This Jefferson County Park has over 20 miles of developed trails that are open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. With plenty of trails that offer mild grades, you don't need Yaktrax or spikes in order to conquer the trail. Although traction devices will help, they aren't generally required, especially if the snow is fresh or packed down. Icy spots can still make things somewhat tricky, but ice is more of a concern in the late winter/spring months.
Once you're finished with your adventure, head into Golden to stop for a post hike beer or snack. Some of my favorites breweries include Cannonball Creek Brewing Company, Barrels and Bottles Brewery, and Golden City Brewing. Or if you're looking for something more mainstream, the Coors brewery tour is always a fun pit stop.
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Hike the Sawmill to Maverick Loop Reviews
This would be a perfect trail to watch the sunrise (which is on my list). Incredible view of downtown on a clear day and was blown away by how far I could see.
4.0
Wonderful hike & amazing views, look forward to exploring this scenic little space in Summer too
4.0
Beautiful trail, very well marked, easy with a dog or children, with great views of Denver and surrounding areas.
5.0
This is an excellent loop to snowshoe when the powder is deep!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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