Directions:  

From Denver take I-70 west to Exit 253, Chief Hosa.  Exit the highway and turn left over the highway.  Continue straight into Genesee Park and make your first left.  Follow the road to the small turnout before the closure gate and the Chief Hosa Loop Trailhead. 

Hike Description:

The Chief Hosa Loop is a short but sweet wooded trail located just next to the popular Chief Hosa Campground and Lodge.  The trail climbs up to the crest of a ridge with nice views west to Squaw Mt. and Mount Evans.  Follow the ridge to the east until the trail begins to descend.  At an unsigned (but obvious) intersection, turn right to continue downhill.  If you follow the trail for a few feet before turning off, you'll be rewarded with nice views of Genesee Mountain.

As you descend into thicker Pine forest, a side trail marked as the trail to "Patrick House Bison Area" leads off to the east.  This short side-trail takes you to the Bison Viewing area, which...sometimes...has Bison in it...  When you make your way back to the loop, continue west for nice views of James Peak and the Continental Divide.  Soon the trail will return you back to the trailhead.

The Chief Hosa Loop is a great hike for kids and families visiting the campground or just anyone looking to stretch their legs in a nice wooded setting with good mountain views, and very close to Denver.