Hiking in Colorado: Button Rock Trail

Today’s hike: Button Rock Trail outside of Lyons, CO, and on the way to Estes Park, CO.

I chose this one because it was close to my house, and I needed one easy and quick. This one fit the bill.

Button Rock Trail

A dirt road off of the Highway 36 to Estes Park, Button Rock Trail was easy to find. Part of the Button Rock Preserve, Button Rock Trail leads to Ralph Price Reservoir. We parked at the trailhead and started on our way. It was a cloudy, cool day, high around 60 degrees at 7:30 am when we started–perfect weather for hiking in Colorado.

There were several trails that connected to Button Rock Trail. You could hike to Sleepy Lion Trail, another trail system in Button Rock Natural Area or take another loop that led to Ralph Price Reservoir as well.

Ralph Price Reservoir

We chose to stay straight and follow the service road to the Reservoir because it was flat. The entire hike we followed North Saint Vrain Creek. It was picturesque with boulders causing many cascades and waterfalls.

Near the end, you climbed a very short switchback trail to the top of Ralph Price Reservoir. The view was amazing:

We headed back the way we came in order to return to Windsor, CO, in time for my son’s karate graduation. Total distance: 4.5 miles. Total time: 1 hr, 40 min.

Great hike for those looking for a quick, easy trail. Lots of wildflowers and butterflies. Soothing sounds of running water. Dog-friendly with off lease hiking areas. Highly recommended!