how crowded does the fowler trailhead get - near Eldorado canyon?

[jibler]

seems like this could get filled up quick? like all the time?


also - do you have to pay $$'s to park here? info is vague.

[Bigfoot]

If I remember my last time, there is no parking at the Fowler trailhead. You park at either Dowdy Draw or South Mesa. Parking fees are required there for vehicles not registered in Boulder County. Please see OSMP Parking Permits and Fees for details at certain trailheads. The west trailhead is within the state park, so the entrance fee would cover that.

[martinleroux]

If I remember my last time, there is no parking at the Fowler trailhead.

There's no official OSMP parking lot, but unless the rules have changed recently you're allowed to park on the side of County Rd 67 above the turn-off to the Ashram. (That's assuming you can find a spot). Since it's not controlled by OSMP I don't see how they could charge for parking.

[thebeave7]

Parking is still allowed along CR67, just obey parking zones and don't block neighbors driveways. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends depending how nice it is outside.

A couple of separate notes, the Dowdy Draw trailhead is under construction so no parking there right now. Also, if you're hiking into Eldo from Fowler you technically need an Eldo pass still, Rangers have been patrolling this periodically.

Eric

[jibler]

Also, if you're hiking into Eldo from Fowler you technically need an Eldo pass still, Rangers have been patrolling this periodically.

you just sank my battleship!

this was designed to serve as the "Poor Man's Entrance" to eldorado.

but also seems ridiculous - i use such an entrance to chatfield all the time - no one is sweating me. I would think any state park with trail connectivity cannot be bothered to be frisking every person inside - right? i think it is same at roxborough anyway.


but i was also thinking of taking my nieces - and we'd likely only get to the gates of eldorado so maybe that could be enough. trail looks cool.

[justiner]

If your nieces are up for the up, Rattlesnake in Eldo proper is going to be a cooler hike imo.

[CarpeDM]

Also, if you're hiking into Eldo from Fowler you technically need an Eldo pass still, Rangers have been patrolling this periodically.

How do rangers check this? Is there now a pass that you're supposed to carry around? I just remember having the state parks windshield sticker. Haven't been there in a few years, though.

[Dave B]

Also, if you're hiking into Eldo from Fowler you technically need an Eldo pass still, Rangers have been patrolling this periodically.

How do rangers check this? Is there now a pass that you're supposed to carry around? I just remember having the state parks windshield sticker. Haven't been there in a few years, though.

Annual passes come with a separate pass you're supposed to carry for non-vehicular entrance. I've always carried mine in my MTB pack since I go between Horsetooth and Lory all the time, but have never been asked for it there. Eldo's a different beast, but it's a little absurd to expect folks to remember to bring it.

[CarpeDM]

Annual passes come with a separate pass you're supposed to carry for non-vehicular entrance. I've always carried mine in my MTB pack since I go between Horsetooth and Lory all the time, but have never been asked for it there. Eldo's a different beast, but it's a little absurd to expect folks to remember to bring it.

Gotcha. Thanks, Dave. I have no memory of ever receiving one of those with the sticker, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. I used to walk the dog there often, starting from CR67, and I was never challenged by a ranger, but that also doesn't mean they weren't, or aren't, doing it.