Nott Creek Trailhead
LocationNott Creek Trailhead, Golden, CO 80403
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Websitehttps://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/GoldenGateCanyon/Pages/Trails.aspx
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PDF Map
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/GoldenGateCanyon/Documents/GoldenGateTrails.pdf
Trail Map
Park Fees
Daily Vehicle Pass: $9
Annual Pass: $80 (affixed) or $120 (hang tag)
Aspen Leaf Annual Pass (64+) : $70
Annual Pass: $80 (affixed) or $120 (hang tag)
Aspen Leaf Annual Pass (64+) : $70
Trailer Parking
Nott Creek has a very large pull through parking lot. There are no designated trailer parking spots. On one occasion I parked along the near side and during another visit we parked on the far side. If you go on a weekday you could probably fit 4-5 horse trailers in the parking lot if you arrive before the cars.
BathroomsPermanent restroom available.
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WaterFunctioning water pump available.
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Mounting |
Footing |
There were no picnic tables or rocks to stand on.
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While parts of the trail were soft and lovely, the trail was pretty darn rocky for the majority of the time. Sam had 2 front hoof boots and would have been more comfortable shod or with 4 boots.
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Horse Hazards
The biggest hazard was the rocky footing. It got pretty dark rocky. The trail also had some really steep parts and was a really huge workout.
Chosen Trail
We started out on the Mountain Lion Trail going counter-clockwise. I had planned on taking the Mule trail for a shorter, smaller loop, however the Mule trail did not allow horses so we changed our plans and rode a longer, bigger loop. We rode the Mountain Lion Trail for 6.4 miles in about 2 hours and 40 minutes with an elevation gain of 1206 feet. This was a really steep up and down trail. Sam was pretty slow due to lots of resting needed to navigate the rocks, tree branches and very slippery downhill gravel. I even dismounted and walked him up the hill to reach Windy Peak because he was pretty winded from the climb.
Trail Experience
We started our ride going counter-clockwise, starting on the trail that traveled uphill past the bathroom.
The footing was pretty soft with some rocky areas you could step around.
It wove through some trees with mild uphill switchbacks.
We enjoyed the view and walking in the trees.
At the first fork we rode right on the nice wide service road.
The service road was easy to ride with a beautiful view.
The trail was well marked and the signs had mileage listed to the next checkpoint. We continued right.
We continued on the Mountain Lion Trail.
We came to a 3-way fork with the Mule Trail. The Mule Trail was labeled as not horse-friendly with a line through the horse icon on the sign. There is usually a good reason trails are closed to horses. We changed our original ride plan and continued on the Mountain Lion Trail.
After this fork the trail was beautiful but became extremely rocky. It started out ok with a nice trail going downhill.
We turned left to continue on the Mountain Lion Trail. The trail followed the river and had many rocks and tree limbs to navigate.
There were several water crossings. Many crossing you could navigate a bridge or go through the water. It was safer to cross the water.
And then the trail got pretty darn rocky. Here is an example of what we had to navigate.
But the aspens were turning and it was really pretty.
More examples of the rocky footing.
The water crossings and rocky footing continued for at least 2.2 miles until we reached the turn for Windy Point.
Starting into the forest we started up a very steep and rocky switchback.
Part way up the switchback was the turnoff for Windy Point. It became really rocky and steep and we needed to take several breaks.
Below is not the steepest part of the trail. I got off Sam when he became winded and we both hiked up the last few switchbacks.
Next we went up then down some really slippery rock.
I was still walking on foot with Sam at this point because the downhill footing was slippery and he was still recovering from our climb.
We were finally down the steep part of the trail and I mounted Sam again.
We took a left at this fork to stay on the Mountain Lion Trail and the footing was much better.
We passed a lake and continued.
We passed another fork for the Mule trail where horses were not allowed.
The trail was well marked the whole way and several foot paths were marked as not the trail to help you stay on the right path.
The views were beautiful but you can see the gravel footing. I highly recommend all 4 hoof boots or shoes.
Every fork was labeled and we stayed on the Mountain Lion Trail back to Nott Creek.
Rating
Difficult! The rocky footing and the serious climbing up and down hill make this an advanced trail. Only attempt if your horse is in good shape and has comfortable hoof wear. Sam is really fit and he surprised me by getting pretty winded. I enjoyed hiking on foot with him to give him time to recover. Wear good shoes for you and your horse. This trail was beautiful in late September with the aspens changing color.