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Directions (From Park's Website): East Access: 5611 Glencoe Valley Road, Golden - Take State Highway 93 north from Golden 1.7 miles to West 56th Avenue. From West 56th Ave. turn right (west) on Pine Ridge Road and travel about 1/8 mile (660 feet) west to the parking lot.
White Ranch Park is a terrific spot for winter hiking and even snowshoeing when the conditions are right. The East Access area is lower elevation then the rest of the park and easier to access when the conditions are snowy.
The Belcher Hill Trail is ideal after an early winter snowstorm blankets the area. The trail itself sees enough visitation to almost guarantee a packed (or at least trampled) snow path but it is not as popular as nearby Golden and Boulder hikes. The first 3/4 of a mile of the trail is relatively flat before gaining some elevation, providing for a good warmup or an easy out and back stroll. For a longer hike in this part of the park see this description. If you just want 2.5 miles of good snow and nice views, then you can hike to the trail junction with the Whippletree Trail. Just beyond the trail junction (staying on the Belcher HIll Trail) there is a good viewpoint with views of the Table Mountains, Golden, Green Mountain, and Denver beyond. This marks a good turn around point or you can continue hiking up Belcher Hill or follow some of the trail loops for a longer hike. |
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