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Racoon Trail

Intermediate
 3.9 (16)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
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“A pleasant loop that starts and ends at Panorama Point and provides access to the Reverand's Ridge Campground. ”

Kristen McGlynn
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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.1

KM

Loop

9,304' 2,836 m

High

8,859' 2,700 m

Low

481' 147 m

Up

486' 148 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

26%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

The southern loop of this trail, which overlaps Mule Deer Trail, can be busy: it's popular both with casual walkers out for a quick stroll from Panorama Point and with mountain bikers. Signage for Raccoon has improved a lot recently, but because there are two connection points with Mule Deer and also two different routes to Reverend's Ridge Campground from the Connector, it's still possible to get off track.

Speaking of the Connector, if you're looking to add a little more distance and ascent/descent to your hike, starting and finishing at the official TH behind the campground office adds an extra mile in the form of a steady decline through lodgepole pine forest. (As a bonus, while there are vault toilets at Panorama Point, there are flush toilets and sinks at Reverend's Ridge - and even showers, for a small fee.)

Description

The Raccoon Trail can be accessed from the Panorama Point parking lot. Look for the start of the trail leaving out of the eastern edge of the parking lot near the restrooms. The first part of the trail runs concurrent with the Mule Deer Trail, and you'll see this noted by the markings on the trail posts.

At 0.4 miles, the Raccoon Trail branches to the northwest and starts down a steady slope that runs through evergreens interspresed with the occasional aspen grove. The trail crossed one small bridge and continues downhill for roughly the next 0.8 miles before coming to a clearing and a junction with a short doubletrack that connects to Damascus Road. Turn south to stay on the Raccoon Trail.

The second half of the trail trends gradually uphill on a wider doubletrack through tall spruce trees. Eventually, you'll come to another junction with the Mule Deer Trail. Turn left here to climb back up to Panorama Point.

Contacts

Land Manager: Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Shared By:

Kristen McGlynn with improvements by Val Schwebach
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 16 votes

#4

in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

#7642

Overall
  3.9 from 16 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
31%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Golden Gate Canyon Sta…

#592

in Colorado

#7,642

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Photos

Some of the most panoramic views of the Continental Divide are east of Panorama Point.
Sep 17, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
The north side of Raccoon - fewer hikers, even fewer mountain bikers.
Aug 22, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
Nice views of the Continental Divide just east of the Panorama Point deck/picnic area.
Sep 9, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO

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Check-Ins

Sep 11, 2021
Gina G
Mar 27, 2021
R Lee
Feb 21, 2021
Kevin F
Jan 6, 2021
Gina G
Nov 7, 2020
Kayla Knoll
So pretty! One of my favorite hikes with beautiful views. Down first half and up the second but it's gradual. 2.5mi
Sep 6, 2020
Private User
Aug 2, 2020
Amanda Mariah
Jul 8, 2020
Vince .

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