denver day hike: carpenter peak

distance: 6.2 miles (out and back) | elevation: 1,013’ (5,995’ starting) | difficulty: easy/moderate

Normally when I decide to head out for a day hike from Denver, I’m searching for hikes on a map anywhere west of me. I’m not sure why, but it never really occurred to me to look anywhere besides that. A few weeks ago though, I met up with a friend and she told me she had a great hiking date at a state park which put it on my radar. Though when I looked it up, it was actually south of Denver!

So finally, I made the trip south instead and headed to one of Colorado’s state parks – Roxborough State Park, just forty-five minutes from Denver.

At just 7,166’, Carpenter Peak isn’t on the radar for anyone trying to bag 14’ers (or for that matter, even 13’ers), but the view from the top is more than worth it.

how to get to carpenter peak

Driving south towards Colorado Springs, while pretty, is relatively flat. Reaching Roxborough State Park, the red-rock formations (tilted sandstone) seem to just pop out of nowhere and are kinda unexpected. Once you make your way past the park entrance, you’ll have about two miles of driving on a dirt road (accessible for any car) till you get to the visitor center, where the trail is accessed from. Heads up, the state park is very popular, and you’ll probably want to get there before 10am or after 3pm in order to get a parking space. If there is a long line at the entrance gate, mayyyy be an indicator that the park is pretty full!

the hike to carpenter peak

The trail for Carpenter Peak starts out at the same spot as Willow Creek Loop and South Rim Loop. Park signs will label Carpenter Peak as strenuous, but like listed above, I’d say this would be labeled more as moderate (and verging on easy if you’re a regular hiker). This would be a great hike to take an out of town visitor as elevation is not super high! The trail begins as a pretty flat, wide path through scrub oak which soon opens up into a meadow. You’ll cross a dirt road (which I’m guessing is for maintenance) and begin the steepest portion of the hike.

As the switchbacks begin up the mountain, you’ll have amazing views of the red-rock formations, and if you’re there on a clear day, you’ll even be able to see the city of Denver off in the distance. Once you’re almost to the top, you’ll see a sign indicating the spur which leads you to the summit. Make sure to turn here to get a 360-degree view! From the top, you’ll take in the foothills, the mountains to the west (maybe still snow covered), the city of Denver, and panoramic views of the Roxborough State Park itself.

As this is an out and back hike, retrace the trail you hiked up to make your way back down. Keep an eye out for wildlife on your hike. Roxborough is known for having different microclimates due to its geological environment. This means you’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife – from deer to eagles, to foxes, to over a hundred species of birds, to black bears and mountain lions. YUPPP. Mountain lions. You’ll see signs warning you within the park, but know to take these signs seriously. Many accounts on Alltrails will mention seeing a one on this hike! So actually read the info on the signs or read up before you go!

Interesting fact: Roxborough State Park is the only state park also designated as a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior

before ya go to carpenter peak:

$8/day entrance fee (or $80 for an annual Colorado State Parks pass)
hours vary depending on the season, so check out their website for current hours
no dogs, bikes, horses, or camping allowed within the park
map if you’d like to add on/make a loop
watch out for poison ivy
shade is limited, so in the summer months, be sure bring sun protection
mountain lions are prevalent in this area! know what to do in case you come into contact with one