Directions:

The Bail Out Loop starts at the Red Rocks Park Mount Vernon Creek Trailhead, just inside the park’s main entrance on Red Rocks Park Road off of 93.

Hike Description:

The Bail Out Trail forms a quick little loop when combined with the Dakota Ridge Trail and the Red Rocks Trail.  This loop explores the southern side of the Dakota Hogback and packs a lot of big time views into a short hike. 

Park in Red Rocks Park at the small parking area at Red Rocks’s main entrance at the trailhead for the Mount Vernon Creek Trail.  Walk back down the road and CAREFULLY cross 93 to get to the Bail Out Trailhead. A few gentle switchbacks will take you up to the top of Dakota Ridge. Turn right to complete a small loop and return to the same spot. At the end of the loop, there is a trail that continues south along the hogback, this trail is bike only, hikers need to complete the small loop.  Once back at the junction with the Bail Out Trail, continue north along the Dakota Ridge Trail for 0.3 of a mile.  At this point you can continue along the Dakota Ridge Trail, or turn left for the Red Rocks Trail.  The Red Rocks Trail will take you back down to the Trailhead to finish off this loop.  

The Bail Out Loop is just a quick taste of the Dakota Hogback, for a longer hike along the Hogback see the Dakota Ridge Hogback hike.