Raccoon Trail Trailhead - Black Hawk, CO
If you’re searching for a scenic and pet-friendly destination in Black Hawk, Colorado, Raccoon Trail Trailhead offers a memorable experience for both you and your dog. This popular dog-friendly hiking trail is known for its beautiful wooded paths, moderate elevation gains, and panoramic mountain views—especially from the renowned Panorama Point. The trail forms a loop with several branching paths, ideal for an adventurous stroll or a longer hike with your pet. This spot is frequently recognized as one of the best pet-friendly trails in the Golden Gate Canyon State Park area.
Raccoon Trail Trailhead is family- and dog-friendly, with a parking area (including restrooms and water) that makes starting your hike easy and convenient. Dogs are welcome on the trails, though water along the trail itself is limited, so plan to bring plenty for your pup, especially during warmer months. The area is loved for its wildflowers, shady wooded stretches, and frequent wildlife sightings—making each visit unique for locals and visitors alike.
FAQ for Raccoon Trail Trailhead
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails at Raccoon Trail Trailhead.
- Are there hiking or walking trails connected to the park? Yes, Raccoon Trail Trailhead offers looped hiking and walking trails connected to panoramic viewpoints.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up later in the morning.
- Are restrooms available? Yes, restrooms are available at the parking lot.
- Is there water available? Yes, water is available at the parking lot, but natural water sources on the trail are limited.
- Is this park good for families with kids? Yes, the trails are rated as kid-friendly and enjoyable for families.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs are allowed, but must be on-leash as per state park regulations.
Reviews
One of the best hikes in GHCSP. We extended up to panoramic point. We made a loop out of it. It was like 6 3/4 m.
Beautiful hike! There are a lot of different paths to branch off to on the trail, so be mindful of where you’re going. It was also a little rockier and took a little longer in some parts than we expected. Gorgeous hike nonetheless!
Great, moderate trail. Visiting from East Coast and not used to altitude. Took my family of four about 3 hours to do the loop from the parking lot, to Panorama Point, and back. We went left at the start of the loop and were glad for the flat stretches. Bring plenty of water. Saw lots of birds, wild flowers (including columbines), no moose. Arrived at parking lot at 8 am on a Friday with plenty of spaces. Lot was full when we got back at 11:30 am. There’s a self serve machine to buy a day pass for NULL via credit card. There are bathrooms and water at the parking lot (which is also a campsite area).
We enjoyed this trail. It was a nice wooded hike, not too difficult, with a few patches of wildflowers and great views at Panoramic point (where you park).
We even got to see a couple chipmunks and a mother moose with her calf (a good distance away, thankfully).
It was still pleasant mid afternoon, but don’t expect a creek as the name suggests. There was a tiny little spot where some water flowed through but only enough to wet our pups paws.
Would like to come back in the fall for the aspens to show off their colors
Clockwise is more difficult than counter clockwise. Enjoyed this moderate trail. Add an extra 1/2 mile to the hike from the Racoon Head trailhead and not Panarama Point Trailhead. Some elevation gain and loss throughout the loop. Really enjoyed hiking up to Panarama Point. Makes the views a lot more earned (for the lack of a better word).