Hike the Morrison Slide in Matthews / Winters Park

Golden, Colorado

4.2/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

4.7 miles

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jennifer Broome

Matthews / Winters Park is a scenic and popular park with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Start at the trailhead located at 1103 County Hwy. 93 and enjoy a little warm up time by the creek that winds past wild plum, chokecherry, and willow trees. Matthews-Winters Park is filled with red rock formations that make for amazing scenery. It also has the remnants of a historic cemetery. The property was once part of the Town of Mount Vernon, gateway to mining regions to the west and boasted being the first Wells Fargo Express stop. As Colorado's political and economical hub shifted to Denver in the late 1870s and 1880s, the town disappeared.

For an ultra easy hike, the Village Walk Loop is a mile. For a 4.7 mile hike, take to Village Walk Trail to Red Rocks Trail. The trail winds along the side of the mountain. You'll see Morrison Slide rising in the distance. At 1.2 miles, you can take the switchbacks up the Morrison Slide Trail. Winter is a great time to do this trail because in summer, rattlesnakes are a pretty common sight. From the top of Morrison Slide, you get great views of Red Rocks, the Hogback, Denver, and eastern plains. Take the challenging descent on the other side of Morrison Slide to reach the Red Rocks Trail. Take that trail to the north for 1.6 miles and connect to the Village Ridge part of the Village Walk Loop to return to your starting point. There is very little shade on this hike, so don't forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. If you want more mileage, you can add in Dakota Ridge Trail for a great 6-mile loop.

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Features

Hiking
Easy Parking
Scenic

Hike the Morrison Slide in Matthews / Winters Park Reviews

My first time here and I was floored. So many trails and beautiful sights! I will 100% be back again. I hiked part of red rocks, cherry gulch, and Morrison slide. Strenuous for a beginner but totally worth it. Make sure you have water!

This was a nice hike that offered great views and well-maintained trails. It's rather open, so it was pretty cold and windy in the middle of November. My only complaint is there were lots of mountain bikers using the trail so I had to keep my dog on a tight leash as to not be surprised by one flying around the corner.

This popular trail has great views of Red Rocks, Hogback, and the Morrison Slide. Saw a fair amount of people on a weekday evening. Also came across a snoozing rattlesnake on the trail.

Love this trail! when on Village trail you will see a small fenced in cemetery, if you follow the trail going past this cemetery about .5mi you can get an awesome view not like the lower angles from the rest of the park!

This trail has awesome views and is great for running to. In the winter, it can get pretty muddy so I only recommend it if it's dry or has fresh snow.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Matthews/Winters Park Loop

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Argos Trail & Magic Mountain Trail Loop

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Explore Red Rocks Park in Winter

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