Kriley Pond – Upper Mule Deer Trail loop from Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Kriley Pond – Upper Mule Deer Trail loop from Golden Gate Canyon State Park
4.8
(1727)
18,308
hikers
Kriley Pond – Upper Mule Deer Trail loop from Golden Gate Canyon State Park
01:46
5.85km
210m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
126 m
Kriley Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
2.37 km
Upper Mule Deer Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
2.96 km
Upper Mule Deer Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
5.85 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.83 km
Surfaces
5.69 km
141 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (2,750 m)
Lowest point (2,550 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Tuesday 7 July
24°C
12°C
64 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a rewarding, relatively quick hike with big views in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, the Kriley Pond – Upper Mule Deer Trail loop is an excellent choice. This easy hiking route covers 3.6 miles (5.9 km) with 673 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. It’s a perfect option for a morning or afternoon outing when you want a taste of Colorado's diverse landscapes without committing to a full-day trek.
What to expect on Kriley Pond – Upper Mule Deer Trail loop from Golden Gate Canyon State Park
This route offers a journey through varied terrain, starting near Kriley Pond and connecting to the larger Mule Deer Trail via the Blue Grouse Trail. You'll traverse rocky singletrack, wind through dense pine forests, and pass vibrant aspen groves, especially beautiful in the fall. Keep an eye out for wildlife like elk and deer in the open mountain meadows. The highlight for many is Panorama Point, which delivers expansive views of the snow-capped Continental Divide and Front Range peaks, including James Peak Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. While the overall loop is rated easy, you'll encounter some sustained climbs, particularly on the Blue Grouse connector, making it a good choice for those ready for a bit of effort rewarded with stunning vistas.
Planning your visit
The trail is accessible year-round, though winter conditions can bring hard-packed snow to northern and eastern sections, with ice and mud on western parts, so come prepared with appropriate footwear. Golden Gate Canyon State Park requires a park pass for entry. Parking is available at Kriley Pond, which also features an ADA-accessible fishing pier. Dogs are permitted on leash, making it a great option for hiking with your furry friend. Arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Distance: 3.6 miles (5.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 673 feet (205 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 46 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free