Reach to the Sky

Why not get a little closer to the sky this weekend with a trip to Eldorado State Canyon and the Fowler Trail.  

The Fowler Trail starts at a trail sign in the middle of Eldorado Canyon State Park at 6,116 feet. Over the next 0.7 of a mile, the trail only gains about 80 feet in elevation.

But before you start this hike, stop at the Visitor's center for a self-guided nature walk brochure. It will explain the stories behind each of the numbered markers along the trail. There are also larger informational signs along the way that talk about rattlesnakes, a rare butterfly that patrons the park and raptors flying through the canyon. 

Take advantage of the benches along the trail, especially the bench next to a viewing scope. Use the scope and your naked eye to look for the colored dots on the rocks across the way, those are the rock climbers that have made Eldorado Canyon State Park one of the premier climbing areas on the front range.

The signs for this trail promise "dramatic views of the canyon" and they're right. The Fowler Trail is worth your time, especially in conjunction with a history hike to the hotel ruins on the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail.

Eldorado Canyon State Park offers a Junior Rangers program for children ages 6- to -12 Saturdays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm June through August.  Children learn to become more comfortable outdoors, appreciate Eldorado's natural resources, befriend Park Rangers, meet other children and learn to care for the Canyon.