Dakota Ridge Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Open dawn to dusk

The Hogbacks is a trail system that runs between a housing development and Skyline Drive.

The trail starts off Skyline Drive with moderate incline that is lined with Pinons & Junipers. A lot of tourists park at the TH and start Dakota Ridge Trail, however they quickly turn around and come back down as they realize they are in over their heads and have improper footwear. Within 0.5-miles the loose skree trail trail rapidly, ascends into full sun and runs alongside the very narrow ridge of Dakota Ridge Fromation. The ridge can be tricky and does require some class 2 scrambling. Along the ridge are great overviews of Skyline Drive. Eventually the trail heads up and over the crest of the Dakota Ridge Formation.

On the backside, the trail descends with moderate switchbacks and has open view of an outlying neighborhood of Canon City. Definitely can tell this is a neighborhood open space from the crest all the way to the end. From this side, at trails end either take Graneros Trail or Greenhorn Trail to Old Skyline Drive and back to parking area.

Prickly Pear, Yucca, Cholla Cacti, Mixed Scrub