Date Hiked: August 7, 2016

Distance: 1.4 mi (RT)
Elevation Gain: 350 ft
Elevation Min/Max: 9,143 to 9,350 ft
Trailhead Lat/Long: 39º 52' 55" N; 105º 45' 17" W
Managing Agency: National Sports Center for the Disabled
Fee: None

Directions:  

The parking area and trailhead is located on US40 just across from the main entrance to the Winter Park ski area.  Look for the large Bonfils-Stanton sign.  The trails start near the sign.

Hike Description:

The Discovery/Challenger loop is an easy and scenic loop through pine forest and across open meadows.  The trail is easy and good for kids and is meant to provide access and outdoor education to disabled children and families.  

There are segments of trail that follow wooden boardwalks over wetlands and the remainder of the trail is on well maintained soft surfaces.  While the majority of the hike is through dense forest you do get nice views of the Continental Divide along the way and the Winter Park Ski Mountains across the valley.  

The trailhead for the Jim Creek Trail is located at the far end of the loop and provides access up into the mountains for another 2 miles if you want to add some exploration to the hike.