Dakota Ridge Trailhead — Attraction in Golden

Dakota Ridge Trail has a sign at the trailhead that rates it “most difficult” with a black diamond. I would not let this scare you away if you are willing to take your time and can deal with the rollercoaster elevation ups and downs.

While much of the trail can be exposed to direct sun and hot, an earlier morning start will offer shade in many areas while the sun is in the east. The trailhead is immediately to your right as you enter the Stegosaurus parking lot. You quickly gain about 200 feet of elevation on a gravel trail before getting to the rocky parts. Then it is up and down.

While looking west across the valley and Rt 93 toward the Village Walk trailhead I noticed some deer on the hill in the middle of Village Walk and Village Ride trails. It made me hope that I might see some on my hike along Dakota Ridge. I was not disappointed. On my way back to the parking lot I came across a group of six including two young bucks in velvet. I was amazed by their calm and curiosity as well as their patience while I took a few pictures.

Dakota Ridge is a bit noisy since you are flanked by highways on either side but that does not distract from the great views and history of the area - both human...

Boy oh boy as an primary mountain biker the Dakota Ridge trail fit my style perfectly. This trail was a blast and if like me you love technical trails then come here! This trail will challenge you in all ways pushing your refined skills to their limit. If you are a technical God on a bike I promise you will love this and will still be humbled. And if you are new maybe walk this one first. This trail is a blast and if you have a crazy mentality take the left lines to make it even crazier! Lastly have fun and...

Used this trailhead to access the Blain Basin trail on 6/25/19. Great hike on well maintained 3 1/2 mile (one way) trail. Three stream crossings and plenty of good scenery on the way up. We stopped about 1/4 of a mile from the basin because of a good sized patch of snow on trail. It would have been a fast ride down if we slipped. Only saw two other hikers on the trail. There was a group camping in a beautiful meadow at the 2 mile...