FS 509.1

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

The first two miles of this trail will make you question why you think this is a run, not a trail trudge! From Lefthand Canyon just past the town of Rowena (blink and you'll miss it), the climb starts immediately. Loose rocks and many switchbacks will be your companion as you puff up this grade.

After 1.5 miles and nearly 1200' of ascent, you'll reach the ridgeline at a broad saddle. There are some fantastic views of the Boulder foothills behind you! Straight ahead of you is the lovely Slaughterhouse Gulch trail descending into Jamestown. However, if you turn west and continue upward for only a little bit more, the forest road begins to wind up and down through ponderosa forest with intermittent views, campsites, and so forth. There is a maze of trails of various descriptions so be careful where you may end up.

After a few miles of gradual descent, you'll reach Gold Lake Road and the end of FS 509.1.