Black Bear and Horseshoe Loop Trail

You get the best of both worlds along the Black Bear and Horseshoe Loop Hike as you trek through luxuriant meadowlands and verdant forests. This scenic adventure provides some of the best chances to spot moose and grazing deer! As you hike through the woodlands, you will be rewarded with golden aspens, and from the grassy plains—vistas of the encompassing mountains. This wonderful excursion will also deliver hikers to the John Frazer Cabin, an old homestead that bootleggers used during the prohibition, how cool! Note that this wonderful adventure is located within the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, so visitors are required to purchase a day pass, which typically costs around $6USD.

Beginning from the intersection near the trailhead, take the leftmost path, tracking the Black Bear Trail northwest. Hike the forested path past Ralston Roost Peak to an intersection. Here, veer right and you will be diverted onto the Horseshoe Trail. Now hiking the exposed terrain through the meadowlands, keep an eye out for grazing deer! At the next junction, keep left on the Horseshoe Trail, passing several dispersed campsites and you hike through the plains. Soon you will arrive at the John Frazer Cabin and campground, where you will turn right.

Follow the path through the meadows, enjoying sights of the Front Range peaks, and passing yet another set of dispersed campsites. Now heading southeast, the Horseshoe Meadow Trail will guide you down a forested gulch all the way to the route’s end. From here, turn right and you will be diverted onto the Black Bear/ Horseshoe Connector Trail. This path will deliver you back to the trailhead, marking the end of your journey through the Golden Gate Canyon State Park.