Horseshoe Trail to Frazer Meadow – Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

• Distance3.6 mi
• Elevation gain920 ft
• Leash ruleLeash required
• Water on trailCreek alongside the lower trail; carry water for the meadow
• SeasonLate spring–fall; snow-covered and icy Nov–April
• ParkingTrailhead pullout on Hwy 46 fills on summer weekends; overflow at the visitor center lot
• Fee$10–$12 daily vehicle pass (Colorado plates) or $4 walk-in; Keep Colorado Wild pass accepted
• RestroomsVault toilet at the trailhead; flush restrooms at the visitor center
• Managed byColorado Parks & Wildlife

Half an hour above Golden, Horseshoe Trail follows a creek up through aspen and pine to Frazer Meadow and the ruins of an old homestead, 1.8 miles each way with about 900 feet of gain. It is hiking-only and shaded most of the way, which makes it the dog hike of choice when the lower foothills are too hot. Golden Gate Canyon is a CPW park, so the six-foot leash rule applies everywhere and rangers patrol the popular trails. Fall color here is excellent and busy. Moose and elk are regular sightings; keep the leash short through the meadow. Snow lingers into May at this elevation.

After the hike

More trails near Golden

• North Table Loop

  Leash required · 7.4 mi
  Golden
• T. rex Tooth Trail Loop – South Table Mountain

  Leash required · 3 mi
  Golden
• White Ranch Park – Belcher Hill and Rawhide loops

  Leash required · 5.25 mi
  Golden
• Mount Galbraith Loop

  Leash required · 4.2 mi
  Golden

All dog-friendly hikes near Golden → · Golden dog guide