Raccoon Trail
Activity: Hike, SnowDifficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.3 miles
Location: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Description:
Don't let the short distance fool you, this hike has some serious uphill action. Our adventure started in the parking lot at Reverend's Ridge Campground with a quick snack in the car. We knew it would be too cold to picnic during our hike so we fueled up before we hit the trail. Head out to the right side of the campground building to find the start of the trail. Once you hike down a short distance follow the sign right towards Panorama Point (do not follow the sign to the left that says Raccoon Trail, that just takes you back to the campsites). Some more downhill hiking through evergreen trees and Aspens takes you to the start of the loop trail.
We chose to hike left, again following the sign to Panorama Point. However, you could also turn right, it's a loop trail. I'm pretty sure this hike is uphill the entire loop no matter which way you choose to hike it. The trail junction at the begining of the loop is seemingly the lowest point of the hike.
Continuing on towards Panorama Point we hiked through beautiful Aspen groves and the trail conditions were good. There was only a small amount of snow on most of the trail. It was well marked with cute little footprint signs the entire way. Once we reached Panorama point we thought the trail would level out or go downhill, however, there were plenty more uphill sections. Starting at the sign for the last .9 miles before reaching the campsite trailhead it seems to give your legs a little break, until you get off the loop and back on the trail headed towards the parking lot. Another jaunt of uphill hiking and we were finally back.
The car was reading the exterior temperature at 23 degrees, brrr. We finished the last of our packed picnic while watching the snow come down outside the steamy car windows. A great, brisk, day for a winter hike. Raccoon Trail certainly kept our legs warm.
