---

Directions:  From Denver, head west on I-70 to the Morrison/Park and Ride Exit.  Make a left once you take the exit and a quick left into the dinosaur parking area.  You'll see the trail start from the southern part of the parking area.

I love the Dakota Ridge Hogback, I can't say it enough, it may be favorite trail on the Denver outskirts.  The trail is not long (2.2mi each way in it's entirety) and the elevation gain is only about 600ft, but the trail is just fun to hike.  It is very rocky, there are huge slickrock slabs to cross, and the views of Red Rocks, Mt. Morrison, and Green Mountain are fantastic.  There are small groves of pine and spruce and huge drop offs on both sides.  It is exciting, relaxing, and just plain fun.  When i hike it one way (instead of part of a larger loop in the park) I like to go about 1.5 miles and turn back when it is clear that the ridge is descending down to the Dinosaur Ridge Saddle, you'll know the spot when you get there.  This hike has it all and is only about 20 minutes from Downtown Denver, have fun!