Hog Canyon

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,380 ft-5,508 ft
Elevation Gain: 128 ft
Dogs: Not allowed
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Tags: #pioneers, #hiking, #dinosaurs
Hikes nearby: Fossil Discovery Trail

Yellow Rabbitbrush as the start of the trail

Hog Canyon is a short trail on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument. If you are visiting the Quarry and its wall of bones anytime in the spring or summer, then Hog Canyon is a must do. Its pastoral beauty will be a welcome change to the bare sediment of the rest of the monument. 

Entering the canyon

The Hog Canyon Trail wanders along the edge of a large rock wall and slowly up a small slot canyon until it dead ends. This is not a desert hike, however, but a stroll through an oasis that boasts a bubbling brook and a symphony of croaking toads and chirping insects. Toss in some dappled sunshine and grasses waving in a gentle breeze and you have a recipe that could save thousands in psychotherapy fees. That in itself may be worth the very long drive to Dinosaur National Monument.

Lovely summer grasses

Let me warn you however that in the event of a bird flu apocalypse, Hog Canyon is all mine! I intend to load up the car with a years supply of ramen noodles and beat feet to Utah. Not only is there a serviceable cabin on the premises, but a real spring for year round water. There are areas to graze and spots to garden. In fact the previous owner, Josie Bennet, lived there quite contentedly until the 1960s.

The trailhead to Hog Canyon is located 10 miles east of the Quarry Visitors Center at the end of Cub Creek Road.

Sourdough South Snowshoe

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,252 ft - 10,053 ft
Elevation Gain: 838 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Dogs: Off leash
Tags: #snowshoe, #coloradooutdoors

Trailhead

The Sourdough Trail north of Nederland on Highway 72 is a popular spot for local winter enthusiasts who don't mind the crowds or limited views. The trail is actually quite long, traversing from County Road 116 in the south to County Road 112 (Brainard Lake Road) in the north. This post profiles a southern segment from the trailhead to the Peace Bridge over Four Mile Creek at 2.7 miles one way.

Map of the route. Star at the end marks the location of the Peace Bridge.

Sourdough is mostly in the trees

The Sourdough trail ascends rather gradually at first but then turns sharply upwards at 0.8 miles where the route makes a sharp left turn at an open vista of Niwot Mountain. At 1.4 miles the route crosses an open road and at 1.9 miles there is a large sign marking the trail. There are two small drainages that are crossed that can be easily seen on the map. The bridge itself is located at the bottom of a deeper drainage and may be obscured by snow. The sign for it can only be seen from the other side. The terrain is in the trees most of the time, which can provide shelter on a blustery day.

Rare "peak-a-boo". Mt. Niwot

Old sign at 1.9 miles

While the parking lot is large and is split into three fingers, it still fills up rapidly on winter weekends, so plan accordingly. The trailhead is located across the road from the parking area and is marked by a large kiosk.

Last downhill pitch to the bridge

To get to the trailhead, travel north on Highway 72 out of Nederland for approximately 8 miles and then turn onto County Road 116. CO Rd 116 is plowed but will be snow packed. The parking lot is located a quarter of mile or so on the left.

Peace bridge

The official sign is only visible after crossing the bridge