Sharptail Ridge Trailhead
LocationSharptail Ridge Trailhead, 6500 Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
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Trail Map
Park Fees
Free. Douglas County Open Space.
Trailer Parking
Wonderful amazing huge parking lot. This trail-head does not allow bikers or dogs so it is hikers and equestrians only. There were no designated trailer spots but the lot was open with no dividers. We had plenty of space for 3 horse trailers and you probably could fit a lot more if you coordinate a group ride.
There was a covered picnic area and additional tie-rails under the shelter to tie your horse out of the sun.
Footing
The trail was packed dirt or mowed grass in a double-track or single-track. Sam had 4 shoes on and was comfortable. Our riding buddies were barefoot and seemed comfortable. We rode this trail in early April and local hikers said the trail had been muddy and this was the first day it had really dried out.
Horse Hazards
Wow, really no hazards. No bikers or dogs are allowed at the Sharptail Ridge Trail-head. There were signs indicating we should watch for rattlesnakes later in the season. Sam was not sure about riding around the big rocks but other than that the trail was easy, safe, had good footing and had lots of hitch rails to tie and eat lunch.
Chosen Trail
We rode the Sharptail Trail from the Sharptail Ridge Trailhead to the Swallowtail trail that circled the rock then headed back on the Sharptail Trail. We rode for 3 hrs with a break for lunch and covered a rough 10 miles.
Trail Experience
The trail started out as a lovely mowed path through the grass with some packed dirt in the more traveled parts of the trail.
The trail was unshaded and the sun was out. We traveled up some lovely hills for the first 4 miles. It was tempting to trot/gait but we just walked and chatted.
We stopped to rest the horses, take pictures and eat grass.
The trail was well-marked and continued uphill. This was great for our horses to get some energy out going up a gradual incline.
We could ride side-by-side and went up a hill then checked out the view below.
We saw very few hikers.
We headed up more rolling hills and the trail was beautiful and easy.
It was easy to take a lot of pictures. Around this curve as you reached the top there was a rock opening to your left. Sam checked it to make sure there were no animals inside.
We continued up a hill. To the left there was a fork. It was a private road and marked clearly as not the trail.
We continued up and down some wonderful small hills.
We passed close to a house with a beautiful barn and indoor arena. What a wonderful place to live.
The trail changed to a single-track.
We reached an open gate with a sign denoting that dogs and bikers were not allowed north of the gate. As we traveled south past this gate dogs and bikers were permitted although we saw very few.
More pretty views. Everywhere I looked was an amazing landscape.
More gentle hills.
We came to a nice overlook and a steeper downhill. Below us to the right is County Road 5. The trail continues parallel to County Road 5 to the left of the fence. The dirt road going left in the picture in the bottom right is a private road.
We came up to County Road 5 then walked besides it to the left to continue on Sharptail trail. There was a map by the fence and gate that showed you were you were and the trail was very nicely labeled. We wondered if it was possible to park our trailers here to ride farther south on the Sharptail trail.
County Road 5 to the right goes to Roxborough Park. Sharptail trail continued to the left.
We rode through some shrubs. There were some remains of an old house and brick foundation in the bushes on the right side of the trail.
We came up to a unique rock formation that we called many names.
We rode downhill through some bushes then right before the fork for Swallowtail trail there was a hitching post and picnic table off to the right.
After lunch we went straight at the first Swallowtail trail fork to ride around the rock formation. Pixie's horse Picassio was really brave and even got up on the rock for a picture.
Heading back we retraced our steps and enjoyed more beautiful views.
Rating
Amazing! Easy, no bikers or dogs for the first 4 miles. Great picnic area for lunch by the fork for Swallowtail. Easy, great footing and incredible views!