From the primitive gravel trailhead on Pinto Drive, the trail heads west along the base of Fourmile Canyon, skirting huge rocky outcroppings and meandering alongside a stream. The trail crosses the narrow waterway for the first time within a half-mile of the trailhead, but weaves back and forth across it more than a dozen times in all—watch your footing on the slick rock-hop crossings. Though the easy-to-follow path climbs a couple of small hills, there are only a few memorable climbs: a stair-stepping hill at mile 0.6 and a rocky scramble that leads to a root step at mile 1.3. Turn around at a small clearing marked by a sign, where the trail ends and private property lines begin.
Note: Though this hike is great for warm, summer days. It’s less ideal for winter hiking when cooler temperatures prevent snow and ice melt on the trail.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland

Trail Facts

• Distance: 5.0

Waypoints

AUW001

Location: 40.0594706, -105.3196192

There are only a half-dozen parking spots at the small, gravel trailhead, so try to get there early on warm, summer weekends. The mellow trail begins at the gate on the lot’s west end.

AUW002

Location: 40.0563542, -105.3263032

The first creek crossing is at mile 0.5 and is like most of the others: small with well-positioned rocks for easy crossing. Watch your footing.

AUW003

Location: 40.057315, -105.327934

This short climb just after the first creek crossing is one of the more difficult on this easy route. Watch your step on the rock-enforced path on your way up and, if you need it, take a breather at trailside bench near the top.

AUW004

Location: 40.0597292, -105.334543

After this root step, the trail skirts the north side of a small meadow.

AUW005

Location: 40.059372, -105.3379655

The stream falls over a small step on a large rock wall. Spend a few minutes scrambling or lounging on the wall to your right, but continue on the trail by crossing the stream to the left.

AUW006

Location: 40.0588793, -105.3423429

The trail is flanked by private property and ends at this large, open clearing about 1.5 miles and 400 vertical feet from the trailhead.

Falls in Fourmile Canyon

Location: 40.0593638, -105.3379065

It’s a short scramble to this rocky crossing of the river at mile 1.3.

Trailhead

Location: 40.0594706, -105.3195548

The trail crosses this fence at the trailhead and continues west into Fourmile Canyon. Bikes aren’t allowed on this trail, but there is a bike rack just left of the fence; bring a lock.

Rocks

Location: 40.058169, -105.3232241

Large rocky outcroppings line the trail in several places.

Stream

Location: 40.0563296, -105.3261852

The trail crisscrosses this small stream as it winds across the bottom of Fourmile Canyon.

Climb

Location: 40.057315, -105.3278053

Rock steps on one of the trail’s longer climbs.

Steps

Location: 40.0597292, -105.334425

A quick root step takes the trail toward a small, open meadow.

Natural Art

Location: 40.0590887, -105.3376436

Flowers, rocks, and natural treasures atop a trailside stump.

Moss

Location: 40.0590887, -105.3400469

A moss-covered outcropping along the trail. Canyon shadows and a small stream keep this trail cool and damp.

Sign

Location: 40.0588588, -105.3422409

A trail sign also marks the west end of the trail coming from private property.

Trail End

Location: 40.0588834, -105.3422946