Denver: Antelope Trail to Nelson Loop
Denver: Antelope Trail to Nelson Loop
Rolling forestland and endless grassy meadows provide abundant habitat for mule deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife on this 6.8-miler to an old ranch in the shadow of Longs Peak.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.1
Waypoints
ALT001
Location: 40.2277717590332, -105.295989990234
Antelope trailhead: Hike SW up rutted trail; tight switchbacks ahead
ALT002
Location: 40.2236099243164, -105.301452636719
Veer L onto old 4×4 road; Indian Lookout Mountain stands alone on the L
ALT003
Location: 40.2202796936035, -105.305618286133
Turn R on Bitterbrush Trail; trail enters zone of amber grasses and waxy-leafed scrub
ALT004
Location: 40.2226829528809, -105.312278747559
Mule deer often graze in small hollow; trail gently climbs
ALT005
Location: 40.2273635864258, -105.314888000488
Trail descends, then crosses a dry offshoot of St. Vrain Creek
ALT006
Location: 40.2266540527344, -105.322807312012
Swing W under evergreen canopy
ALT007
Location: 40.224048614502, -105.323959350586
Turn L onto Nelson Loop Trail
ALT008
Location: 40.2229461669922, -105.32926940918
Cross wooden bridge; trail zigzags into a dense woodland; watch for porcupines
ALT009
Location: 40.2212333679199, -105.333152770996
Old Nelson Ranch (c. 1890) sits in Antelope Park, a wide meadow beneath 14,255-foot Long’s Peak. Spur trail leads R for a closer look at the old homestead
ALT010
Location: 40.2243957519531, -105.33171081543
Stay straight @ 3-way, heading N
ALT011
Location: 40.2267074584961, -105.32332611084
Veer L; return 2.3 miles back to trailhead
