EXPLORE ELDORADO CANYON

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

Climb through dramatic canyon scenery to historic hotel ruins and sweeping views of the Continental Divide on this rewarding Colorado hike.

9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025

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4.9 Fred Footprints

At A Glance

Location

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

3.6 Miles

Elevation Gain

1142 Feet

Est. Time

1½–2½ Hours

Route Type

lollipop loop

Dogs

Leashed

Park Pass

Required

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail combines a good workout, fascinating local history, and some mighty impressive Colorado views. The moderately challenging route climbs through Eldorado Canyon State Park to the remains of the historic Crags Hotel, which burned down in 1912.

Take time to explore the hotel ruins and read the interpretive sign before continuing toward the Continental Divide Overlook. From the overlook, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the canyon, the eastern plains and distant mountain peaks. It’s a great place to catch your breath, enjoy a trail snack and take in the scenery before heading back down.

The trail is rocky and steadily uphill in places, so bring plenty of water and wear shoes with dependable traction. Winter conditions may require traction devices, trekking poles or snowshoes.

Fred Says

“This trail makes you earn the view, but the old hotel ruins and Continental Divide Overlook make every uphill step worthwhile.

Slow down, explore the history and leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.”

Why You’ll Love This Hike

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail delivers much more than a walk through the woods. You’ll climb through the dramatic scenery of Eldorado Canyon, explore the historic Crags Hotel ruins and reach an overlook with sweeping views of the Continental Divide and eastern plains. It’s a rewarding hike that combines mountain scenery, local history and just enough challenge to make reaching the top feel like an accomplishment.

Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.

Before You Go

Rattlesnake Gulch is within a Colorado state park, so visitors need a valid park pass. Timed vehicle-entry reservations are required on Saturdays, Sundays and designated summer holidays from May 1 through October 1. Cell service is unreliable inside the canyon, so save your reservation confirmation and trail information before arriving.

download eldorado canyon state park brochure

Wildlife in Eldorado Canyon State Park

Keep your eyes open as you explore Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. Mule deer, elk, black bears, bobcats, red foxes, coyotes and mountain lions inhabit the foothills in and around Eldorado Canyon. Bighorn sheep, fox squirrels and ringtails may also be found in the park, while bats use caves within the Inner Canyon.

Birdwatchers have plenty to look for, with more than 80 resident and migratory bird species recorded in the area. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and prairie falcons nest in and around the park, along with songbirds such as Steller’s jays, broad-tailed hummingbirds and lesser goldfinches.

The park is also home to prairie rattlesnakes, western milksnakes, prairie lizards and western terrestrial garter snakes. Stay on designated trails, keep dogs leashed and give every wild animal plenty of space. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Eldorado Canyon State Park

Wildlife IN THE AREA

Mule Deer

Elk

Black Bears

Bobcats

Red Foxes

Coyotes

Mountain Lions

Bighorn Sheep

General Information

Current Weather

Rattlesnake Gulch

9:01 pm, Sep 23, 2026

57°F

overcast clouds

83 %

1021 mb

13 mph

Wind Gust: 0 mph

Clouds: 100%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 6:49 am

Sunset: 6:57 pm

Hourly Forecast

12:00 am

58°/60°°F 0 mm 0% 2 mph 84% 1021 mb 0 mm/h

3:00 am

59°/60°°F 0 mm 0% 3 mph 81% 1020 mb 0 mm/h

6:00 am

58°/58°°F 0.15 mm 15% 3 mph 78% 1021 mb 0 mm/h

9:00 am

62°/62°°F 0 mm 0% 5 mph 59% 1022 mb 0 mm/h

12:00 pm

68°/68°°F 0.06 mm 6% 7 mph 43% 1021 mb 0 mm/h

3:00 pm

68°/68°°F 0 mm 0% 6 mph 40% 1020 mb 0 mm/h

6:00 pm

66°/66°°F 0 mm 0% 5 mph 43% 1020 mb 0 mm/h

9:00 pm

61°/61°°F 0 mm 0% 2 mph 58% 1022 mb 0 mm/h

Best Times to Hike

Quieter Times: Weekday mornings are generally the best choice for a quieter hike, cooler temperatures, and easier parking. Arriving early also gives you plenty of time to explore the Crags Hotel ruins and enjoy the overlook without feeling rushed.

Busier Times: Weekends, holidays, and pleasant summer and fall days can bring more hikers, mountain bikers, and visitors to Eldorado Canyon State Park. Parking is limited, and timed vehicle-entry reservations are required on certain busy-season dates.

Fred’s Tip: Start early, carry plenty of water, and save your park pass and reservation confirmation before entering the canyon because cell service can be unreliable. The trail is rocky and steadily uphill, so wear dependable hiking shoes and check current trail and weather conditions before heading out.

Fred’s Footprint Rating

4.9 Out of 5

Great scenic trail!

Good For

Scenic Hiking Mountain Views Historic Sites Leashed Dogs Older Kids Trail Running Mountain Biking Wildlife Watching Snowshoeing A Good Workout

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Fred’s Photo Gallery

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RATTLESNAKE GULCH GALLERY

trail view of mountain

trail view of mountain gap

trail view

Iphone altimeter reading

Crags Hotel Ruins

trail view of mountain

Crags Hotel Ruins Sign

Eldorado Canyon State Park: Rattlesnake Gulch trail view of canyon

trail view of canyon with Marshal Lake in background

trail view of hiker, and canyon with Marshal Lake in the background

trail view of Fred, and canyon with Marshal Lake in the background

Rattlesnake Gulch formation information sign

trail view from the Continental Divide of the distant Front Range Mountains

Eldorado Canyon State Park Trail signs

nature sign

nature sign about rattlesnakes

bronze rattlesnake on a rock

bear information sign

Fred’s Gear Picks

Magnifying Glass

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Picnic Blanket

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Yeti Water Bottle

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

Toddler Backpack

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kids Sun Hat

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Water Shoes

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Sand Toys

Gear · Park Gear

Kid’s Bug Catcher Kit

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kid’s Binoculars

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

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Official Trail Map

Plan your hike using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), the official statewide trail map from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado DNR. View the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop route, elevation profile, trail details, weather and downloadable GPX information.

View Rattlesnake Gulch on COTREX →

Map & Directions

9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025

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