Sawmill Trail

You get the best of both worlds on the Sawmill Hike: forests and lake views. This path is a wonderful family friendly excursion that will burn off the perfect amount of steam. Hike clockwise and get the steep section of the path over with. Then, simply enjoy the meander down the woodland path and be rewarded with shoreline vistas. Weaving in and out of tree coverage, make sure you wear layers and sunscreen on sunny days. Whether you hike it, or bike it, make sure you are respectful of those you are sharing the trail with. Located within the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, visitors are subject to a $9USD permit that can be purchased at the toll booth as you enter the Open Space.

Embark on your journey along the Sawmill Trail from the Soderberg Trailhead. From the trailhead, track north on the Swan Johnson Trail. Hike the path until you meet an intersection. Here, veer left if you want to complete the loop clockwise. Turn left onto the Towers Trail and it will guide you up forested terrain. This section of the trail is steep, so mind your footing and take breaks when necessary. At the next junction, stay right and you will be diverted onto the Stout Trail. Hike up the trail and enjoy mountainous views peaking between the trees.

The path will gradually begin to descend and you will encounter another intersection. Turn right onto the Sawmill Trail. Track down the Sawmill Trail as it winds you back and forth. Navigate a few switchbacks to another junction. At this point you will want to stay right on the Nomad Trail. Hike briefly on the Nomad Trail then take the Shoreline Trail southeast. Walk along the Shoreline Trail and you will pass Dixon Cove which sits in the foreground of verdant rolling hills in the distance. Trek along this route until you meet the Swan Johnson Trail, which will deliver you back to the parking lot.