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White Ranch Park: a hike in the foothills near Golden by Linda Grey Had a tough day? Need an evening hike to mend your mind? Have guests who aren’t acclimated to the high country yet? Need a foothills hike to start them out? Stuck in Denver from the western slope? Need some solitude to ease your homesickness? White Ranch is the place! Located outside Golden, it offers vistas, exercise, and tranquility. White Ranch Park is home to abundant wildlife and encompasses open meadows, forested foothills, a pristine canyon, buttes, and rock formations. There are 19.7 miles of developed trails in the park. Although there are many trail choices available, the one described here takes about an hour and a half and fulfills the above criteria. Take Colorado 93 north from Golden 1.7 miles to West 56th Ave, turn left (west) and go about one mile to the parking lot. The Belcher Hill Trail starts off easy. It’s nearly flat as it winds through some private property and some stream-side cow patches. Jeffco Open Space has done a great job spiffing up this trail; new diversion channels really reduce the former springtime mud problem. Now the magic begins. After crossing the stream, elevation begins to increase and your mundane cares drop away. The grasslands slowly merge with the lower montane; pines in the foreground. Due to the buffer of open spaces, the roar from highway 93 is replaced by the rustle of wind from the valley. Take the first junction and snake up the hillside on the Longhorn Trail to the Mustang Trail. Rest a moment here and turn eastward. The plains stretch out to the horizon. DIA is a white caterpillar etched on the skyline. The “hogbacks” emerge from the flatlands like ancient dinosaurs pushing up from the primordial earth, straining to catch a glimpse of this new world above them. The curving uplift of Ralston Buttes is to the north, reservoirs to the northeast, a slight eyesore—a gravel pit—produces a wince, so time to continue! The westward-going Mustang Trail is surrounded by Ponderosa Pine. In early spring, snow still hugs the north-facing slopes. (If you brought your dog, this is dog rolling heaven!) The crisp air cools one down and the terrain flattens out for a bit. Enjoy the surrounding forest. No signs of development here. At the next juncture, sit for a while on the high wooden bench. Short people can dangle their legs here and retrieve childhood memories. Now, a big decision is required. Both the Mustang Trail and the Belcher Hill Trail will lead deeper into the mountains and eventually to the upper, west-end parking lots of White Ranch Park. Very tempting. But the magnetic pull of responsibilities and time may drag one homeward. Making a loop by taking the Belcher Hill Trail eastward brings an interesting juxtaposition. Framed by pine trees, downtown Denver to the east appears to be built on top of North Table Mountain! The Buckley satellite bubbles float on the distant plain. The frequent appearance of deer and elk add to the montage. Back down the hill to civilization. The brain is clear, the body is happy, and the challenges ahead are waiting. Linda Grey has been a Denver group member and trip leader since the 1980s.	At a glance: White Ranch Park A spring hike in the foothills near the Denver metro area. Rating—Moderate A Distance/ Elevation Gain—4.5 miles/ 900 feet Season—All year USGS Topo Maps—Golden, Ralston Butes A tip & a warning: A sunrise hike here is glorious! However, Denver CMC member Beth Schlitcher reported seeing a black bear near the Mustang/Longhorn junction, so bring a walking pole, pepper spray, and your keen observation skills. Also, rattlesnakes are commonly seen along the trails in springtime. Keep you dog on a leash for its protection (plus it’s required by park regulations.)