Sleeping Elk Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

From Golden's eastern neighborhood, park on the street and walk up switchbacks and an unrelenting grade for a speedy ascent of Golden's signature rock formation, the Castle Rock (not to be confused with the town) and its expansive views.

The trailhead starts at 18th and Belvedere. Most of the trail is hard packed earth with a some rocks embedded in the trail. There is one small (10ft?) but steep and rocky section that you may need to use both hands and feet to scramble up it.

Pay attention to winds before heading up, this can be an extremely windy trail especially in the aforementioned steep and rocky section. It can act like a wind tunnel.

Most of this trail is exposed to the southeast without a lot of tall foliage. It does not provide much relief in the summer. It does dry out pretty quickly after a snow or rain.

There are several social trails that cross the main trail and there is no signage. Pay attention to where you want to go stay on the trails that look well maintained.