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Belcher Hill Trail (Winter)
White Ranch Park

Date Hiked: December 18, 2016

Distance: 2.3 mi (RT)
Elevation Gain: 470 ft
Elevation Min/Max: 6,123 to 6,554 ft
Trailhead Lat/Long:39º 47' 56" N; 105º 14' 55" W
Managing Agency: Jefferson County Open Space
​Fee: None

White Ranch Park Website
Picture

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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Legal Disclaimer - Information provided on this site is based upon our own observations, always double check information with the appropriate land management agency before heading into the backcountry.  Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous, please take all proper precautions.  Go Hike Colorado is not responsible for injury or incident.