Annual Fall Leaves Hike (Golden Gate Canyon Park)

Invite your friends and help spread the word! Facebook limits how many people we can invite directly, so please share this event. Everyone is welcome, so invite your friends! Join Denver Westies dance community for our annual fall colors hike at Golden Gate Canyon State Park! We’ll explore the Raccoon Trail, enjoy the aspens and mountain views, and spend a relaxed afternoon together outdoors. DATE: Sunday, Oct. 3rd MEETUP & CARPOOL Target at Colorado Mills 14500 W Colfax Ave, Unit B1 Lakewood, CO 80401 Meet at 1:00 p.m. Carpools leave at 1:15 p.m. We will aim for this exact meeting spot in the Target parking lot. maps.app.goo.gl But check the event for updates. THE HIKE Raccoon Trail is approximately a 2.5–3-mile loop with about 500 feet of elevation gain. It’s a moderate hike with some uphill and uneven sections. We’ll take a social pace, with stops for photos, snacks, and enjoying the scenery. Plan on spending about 2–3 hours hiking and hanging out. We expect to return to Target around 5–6 p.m., depending on traffic, parking, and the group’s pace. PARKING & PARK ENTRY Fall is a busy time at the park, so we encourage everyone to carpool! Budget $12–$17 per vehicle for park entry unless the vehicle already has a valid Colorado state parks pass, including the Keep Colorado Wild Pass. If you plan to meet us at the park, let us know beforehand so we can meet up there. WHAT TO BRING • Plenty of water • Snacks or a packed lunch • Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat • A warm layer and a rain/wind jacket • A small backpack • Your camera or phone for photos! Fall colors vary with the weather, so we can’t promise peak leaves, but we’re looking forward to a beautiful afternoon with friends! Please mark yourself “Going” if you plan to join us and check the event before leaving for any weather, parking, or route updates.