About
Length (round trip)2.8 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain300 ft up
Typical time45 min
TrailheadHighway 385, southern park
SurfacePrairie and canyon bottom
Best seasonThe cave is 54F year round. Surface trails are best May to October; prairie wildflowers peak in June and the bison rut is in August.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌊 River or creek🌼 Wildflowers🦌 Wildlife

This moderately strenuous, 2.8 mile (4.6 km) round-trip, trail winds through Cold Brook Canyon to the park boundary. Along the way, a ponderosa forest gives way to the open prairie and crosses a prairie dog town, a good place to see prairie falcons and other raptors. Hiking Safety Hiking off trail is permitted. Watch out for wildlife. Bison and other wildlife are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach. Carry and drink plenty of water. There is no drinking water on this trail. Check the weather forecast before you hike. Bring extra layers.

Tips
The prairie dog town near the start is one of the liveliest in the park. Rarely walked.
Location

Highway 385, southern park

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.