Directions:

From I-70 use exit 248 for Beaver Brook/Floyd Hill. Head west on the Frontage Road that paralels I-70. Cross over the highway again onto Homestead Road. Turn left on Beaver Brook Canyon Road and turn left towards Elmgreen Park and the Clear Creek Middle and High School. Just before the school, look for the parking lot and trailhead on the right.

Hike Description:

The Gold Rush Trail is a short loop hike just off of I-70 that weaves through evergreen forest and around the perimeter of Clear Creek Middle School and High School. The trail is well made and makes for a quick interesting hike but the scenery is not the grandest in the area. Since it does loop around the school, you may want to hike it on the weekends. There are some views of the surrounding foothills especially from the eastern area around a runoff/retention pond.

Honestly, there are far nicer hikes in this area. I would recommend hiking the Beaver Brook Watershed Open Space, Saddleback Mountain, or the Floyd Hill Open Space which are all off the same highway exit and are far more scenic hikes. However, if you are looking for a quick hike near the high/middle school or in this neighborhood then go for it. It is still time well spent.