Rattlesnake Gulch Trail - 2.4 Miles Round-Trip

The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail follows an old wagon road known as 'Crags Boulevard' up the south wall of Eldorado Canyon to the Crags Hotel site, which was completed in 1908 and mysteriously burned down in 1913.

Though little remains of this historical curiosity, visitors will enjoy insight to the canyon's storied past and geologic origins.

Those seeking a longer trip may continue on the Rattlesnake Loop Trail, an additional 1.4 miles that includes a short spur to the Continental Divide Overlook:

The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail heads east to the Fowler Trail split (.12 miles : 6,095'), where it banks right and begins a winding, moderately steep climb up the south wall of Eldorado Canyon.
Jagged Cadillac formations along the southeast wall are named so for their resemblance to 1950s car fins.

The trail reaches a small clearing where the Crags Hotel once stood (1.2 miles : 6,717'), a surprising location given the area's modest size and challenging access.

An historical marker details the hotel's history and construction. Those seeking a longer trip may continue on the Rattlesnake Loop Trail, an additional 1.4 miles that includes a short spur to the Continental Divide Overlook:

Follow signs west to The Rattlesnake Gulch Loop - Continental Divide Overlook spur, which comes rather abruptly (1.5 miles : 6,810'); take note of this sparingly marked point and continue a few steps further to the Continental Divide Overlook (1.55 miles : 6,815').

The promise of a grand overlook is perhaps over-stated, nevertheless a quiet place with rangy views over the canyon and distant peaks. Retrace your steps back to the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop Trail and veer right.

Here the trail bends back east and climbs up the south wall. Note the introduction of fir and aspen as you gain elevation. The mixed pine forest clears with a good look at a precarious section of train tracks, Union Pacific's 'Moffat Road' rail line, which began construction in 1902 for eastern plain community access to the mountains.

This line still operates today as the Denver & Rio Grande route from Denver to Winter Park and beyond. The trail crests and hairpins left downhill (2.2 miles : 7,060') for a moderately steep descent that leads back to the Crags Hotel site to complete the loop (2.6 miles : 6,717'). Retrace your steps back on the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail to the parking area (3.8 miles).