Coalton Trailhead
Location |
Website |
3495 McCaslin Blvd, Superior, CO 80027
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PDF Trail Map
Park Fees
Not sure, I have never paid anything and really use and appreciate this trail.
Trailer Parking
Coalton has three designated horse trailer parking spots. As you drive into the trailhead keep right. I perfer the middle spot because when you leave the trailhead it can be a sharp turn and I have often driven over the concerte divider and given my horses a little bump.
There are two hitching posts to tie your horses. The grass is watered with reclaimed water so be aware of this fact if you decide to let your horses graze after your ride
I would be aware that this trail-head is right by the road. There is a traffic circle close by and when the trucks brake and make loud sounds it can spook your horse.
There are two hitching posts to tie your horses. The grass is watered with reclaimed water so be aware of this fact if you decide to let your horses graze after your ride
I would be aware that this trail-head is right by the road. There is a traffic circle close by and when the trucks brake and make loud sounds it can spook your horse.
Bathrooms
Yes, nicely maintained permanent potties that are pretty decent
Water
No water spigot, be sure to bring water for you and your horse.
Mounting
Footing
Going north from the trailhead you have some nice gravel as you go up the first hill. This is a good place to trot or canter.
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As you start off going north there is a small paved section that you can walk over or go around on the grass.
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Horse Hazards
When first walking to the first gate you do need to walk by a pavillion with a picnic tables, the restroom, the trail sign and map and the trashbins. I am so used to this my horses don't really blink going around these obstacles. There is also a bike repair station if you are riding with a biker.
Gates:
To get onto the north trail there are two gates you have to go through. The first one has a nice latch that opens both ways. I recommend pulling the gate out toward you. The second gate going to the north has a spring latch. Be careful and hold it open so it doesn't spring back and scare your horse. |
Sunflowers:
Right by the first two gates there is a patch of Sunflowers!! I consider this a hazard because my hungry horses stop right at this area to eat and I have a hard time getting them to go through the latch gate and then the spring gate. |
Bikers, Hikers, Dogs:
Bikers seem less aware of horses on this trail. They hardly ever stop or ask if it is ok to pass. The trail is wide so I usually step to the side. My horses are great with bikes so they are not really on my radar. This particular day we ran across a very barky terrier that was pretty sure he could take us on. Luckily he was on leash. Again, most dog owners are not aware that horses need space and that they can really injure dogs.
Bikers seem less aware of horses on this trail. They hardly ever stop or ask if it is ok to pass. The trail is wide so I usually step to the side. My horses are great with bikes so they are not really on my radar. This particular day we ran across a very barky terrier that was pretty sure he could take us on. Luckily he was on leash. Again, most dog owners are not aware that horses need space and that they can really injure dogs.
Airplanes:
Riding on the Meadowlark trail off of the Coalton trailhead you are directly underneath the landing zone of the planes flying into the local airport. They can be loud and it is something to be aware of when you ride this trail. |
Water Trough:
Keep going and there is an old cattle water trough on the left. Depending on the day and the shadows your horse may look at it. |
Unknown Object:
After you summit the first hill there is a funny unknown object to the right. You may not see this object but your horse will. |
Benches:
There is a bench as you summit the first hill on the left. Again stationary objects are sometimes terrifying. |
Cows:
There are cows that graze the grasslands in the summer. It is a good idea for every horse to get used to seeing cows. My Appendix gelding is not happy about cows and we take another route if we see them. Sometimes a log or a stump can also be a scary cow in my gelding's mind so I usually get off and walk him when he starts "seeing cows."
There are cows that graze the grasslands in the summer. It is a good idea for every horse to get used to seeing cows. My Appendix gelding is not happy about cows and we take another route if we see them. Sometimes a log or a stump can also be a scary cow in my gelding's mind so I usually get off and walk him when he starts "seeing cows."
Rattlesnakes:
In the spring, summer and fall watch for rattlesnakes! I like taking the trail that runs north, the Meadowlark trail, out of the Coalton trailhead. There are lots of hikers, runners, bikers and the more people that use the trail the less likely you are to see rattlesnakes. If you take the rocky trail heading west be aware of rattlesnakes. Be careful where you let your horse graze as horses can get bit as they lower their head.
In the spring, summer and fall watch for rattlesnakes! I like taking the trail that runs north, the Meadowlark trail, out of the Coalton trailhead. There are lots of hikers, runners, bikers and the more people that use the trail the less likely you are to see rattlesnakes. If you take the rocky trail heading west be aware of rattlesnakes. Be careful where you let your horse graze as horses can get bit as they lower their head.
Chosen Trail
Trail Experience
I love riding the Meadowlark trail going north from the Coalton Trailhead. It is wide, the footing is great, you can trot or canter up the first hill. It is just really relaxing and peaceful. I do feel safer here because the area is fenced in and there are gates to stop a runaway horse. My usual morning ride is to go on the Meadowlark trail until the second green swing gate right before the switchback starts down the hill. It usually takes me 15 minutes at a trot/canter and it is about 2 miles out and back.
Trail Connections
Ride the Meadowlark trail to the Mayhoffer-Singletree to Cowdry Draw to Marshall Valley and end up at Marshall Mesa Trailhead. Ride the west-facing Coalton trail and connect to Flatirons Vista or ride North to connect to Marshall Mesa.
Trail Pictures
Below:
2nd Spring Gate before the gentle switch-back downhill
2nd Spring Gate before the gentle switch-back downhill
Below:
You can see the rockier Coalton trail that heads from the trail-head to the west. I have heard that there are more rattlesnakes on this trail.
You can see the rockier Coalton trail that heads from the trail-head to the west. I have heard that there are more rattlesnakes on this trail.
Trail Videos
Rating
Easy. The Meadowlark trail is wonderful. If your horse is afraid of bikes I would go during the week. I listed a lot of hazards above but for the seasoned trail-horse all those things are cake. For sensitive or spookier horses I recommend starting at the Indiana Equestrian Center.