White Ranch Park – Belcher Hill and Rawhide loops

Dog-friendly hike near Golden · White Ranch West Trailhead, 25373 Belcher Hill Rd, Golden (East Trailhead on W 56th Ave for the steep approach)

Illustration of Front Range foothills trail

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

Jefferson County Open Space regulations require pets on a leash of ten feet or less and under physical control at all times; off-leash dog training is not permitted.

Source: Jefferson County Open Space · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

Distance5.25 mi
Elevation gain469 ft
Leash ruleLeash required
Water on trailSeasonal creeks in the draws; carry water
SeasonYear-round; upper park holds snow into April, lower Belcher Hill is hot in summer
ParkingWest Trailhead lot is large and rarely full; East Trailhead lot off 56th Ave fills on weekends
FeeFree
RestroomsVault toilets at the East Trailhead; none at the West Trailhead
Managed byJefferson County Open Space

White Ranch is Jeffco's largest park, 21 miles of trail over a ponderosa plateau north of Golden, and the best place in the county to get a long leashed hike without a lot of company. From the West Trailhead the 5.25-mile Rawhide loop rolls through meadow and pine with modest gain; from the East Trailhead the Belcher Hill Trail climbs 1,700 feet in 4.9 miles and is a serious workout for dog and human. Mountain bikers love the technical descents, so keep the leash short on multi-use segments. Jeffco's 10-foot leash rule applies. Bring water; the creeks are unreliable by midsummer.