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Submission
Designated trailhead with access to trails into Mount Zirkel Wilderness. No developed facilities. Setting is managed forest area. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. Red Canyon Trailhead is located in the Mount Zirkel/Parks Range and is managed by the Parks Ranger District.
From Walden. Drive west on Hwy 14 approximately 1/4 mile and take County Road 12W heading west. Drive approximately 5 miles and take County Road 18 heading west for approximately 4 miles. Turn right on County Road 5 heading north. After driving approximately 1/2 mile take County Road 20 on the left heading west for approximately 4 miles. Cross an irrigation ditch and take the right hand turn at the oil tanks heading northwest on an un-marked two-track road. This road can become muddy and in places is steep and rocky. Do not drive on if you don't have a vehicle with four-wheel drive and hight clearance. Drive on this road for approximately 2 1/2 miles taking you to the Red Canyon Trailhead. If in doubt, park at the County Road junction, or at the State land parking area about one mile in.
I came across this park on Google Maps on a road trip and ended up camping a night there. I loved every minute! It's free to hike and to camp, and the views are awesome.
Good memories of a place I took my two sons in 2003. Back then I drove them up the riverbed in my 4 wheel drive. Now in 2022 the riverbed has dropped considerably. With new terrain the canyon is a bit deeper & can only be seen by foot. The hike is an adventure as you turn each corner to find a new view of the canyon walls.
Oil field flats Red Canyon Park 4 mile creek sand Gulch shelf Road these all come to mind when you think north of canon city. You can even go all the way up shelf Road to cripple Creek Colorado hopefully you’re not afraid of heights they don’t call it shelf Road for nothing. San Gulch is known for some world-class rock climbing wonderful camping sites beautiful views if you look to the south you can see the wonderful beautiful wet mountains range. To the east gigantic granite rock faces were you can go up and over to Phantom Canyon the west beautiful red rock ridges the top out into whiskey Park Deerhaven Hyde Park Rd. red Canyon national Park is a beautiful place to take a hike have a picnic have a family get together or if you just feel like getting out of town blowing off some steam see most of us in Colorado. Are drawn to the mountains it’s our sanctuary it’s our church it’s where we lose our self and we find our self. And you won’t understand it tell you felt it yourself there’s something about these granite mountains the wind whispering through the pine trees the water rushing down the canyons and the gorgeous sunrises sunsets it’s that Colorado love.
I always loved this pkace as a kid and it was fun to go back decades later. You can just enjoy the drive or get out and walk and climb. Just mind the cactus!
A local recommended this park + referred to it as “discount Sedona”. Cool place to hike + scramble that’s away from the crowds. If you’re looking for a hidden gem away from tourist crowds, this is a great place that you’ll likely have to yourself, or only see 1-2 other parties.
*note: photos are from September 2023
