Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

Dogs living in Boulder are woofin’ lucky to have the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail nearby. Located inside the ever pupular Eldorado Canyon State Park, this trail is beautiful, historic, and provides a puptacular workout. It doesn’t get much better than that!

The hike actually begins at the Fowler Trailhead. After just a couple minutes of hiking, veer off onto the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail and delve into the canyon. The next mile or so will give your pal a decent leg workout. Power through the switchbacks while soaking in the views of Shirt Tail Peak and Bastille. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the site of the old Crags Hotel, which operated from 1908 to 1912. Read the information panel and give your pup some water before continuing on.

At the next junction, you can follow a spur trail to the Continental Divide Overlook to get some furrific views of Eldorado Canyon State Park. If your pup is out of energy, this is a great spot to turn around. If they want to keep going, return to the trail and keep pushing up the canyon. The next section of the trail runs through a lovely fir forest before curving around the upper ridge of Rattlesnake Gulch and heading back down the opposite side of the ravine. From here your pooch can see a railroad tunnel that cuts through Eldorado Mountain. Make your way back down the canyon and pretty soon you’ll be back to the Crags Hotel site. Then your pup's nose can lead you down the trail and right back to the car.

Before setting off, make sure you have plenty of water for both you and your pup. There is some shade on the trail, but summer temperatures can get hot. Restrooms are located in the park’s Visitors Center and at the nearby Supremacy Rock barking lot. This hike is so pawsome, your pup will never furget it!