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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
462 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.5 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-5.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Canyon Creek Loop

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Canyon Creek Loop is a 9.0mi hiking route through the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site that utilizes several multi-use trails to form a loop around the most scenic highlights in the area. Along the trail, you will pass by the beautiful waters of the Cedar Lakes before hiking through the wetlands toward a lookout over Canyon Creek. This lengthy hike will allow you to get the most out of your day within this dense network of hiking and mountain bike trails.

Route Description for Canyon Creek Loop

Hiking the Canyon Creek Loop is a fun outdoor experience near Golden that will allow you to explore the majority of the woodland landscape within the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site. Make sure to bring a trail map/GPS to navigate the web of trails in the area and bug spray to fend off the mosquitoes that thrive in the shady cover of the forest.

The trail sets out from the Cedar Lake FSR and heads southeast along the Cedar Camp Trail. Along this stretch of the hike, you will pass by the picturesque Cedar Lakes before cutting through a bit of marshy terrain and up a small ridge. From here, you will have a view that looks out over Canyon Creek and further afield, the Columbia Valley. Follow along the ridge in a westward direction for 2.6 km, where it will turn to the north on the return portion of the hike along Dogtooth FSR. After 6.0 km of winding through the forest, you will arrive back at the parking area near the first Cedar Lake.

Getting to the Canyon Creek Loop Trailhead

To reach the Canyon Creek Loop from the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, take Kicking Horse Trail to the southeast for 2.3mi and turn right onto Dogtooth FSR. After 1.1mi, keep left at the fork and immediately turn right onto Cedar Lake FSR, where you will find the parking area.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Cedar Lake Recreation Site

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Circuit

Canyon Creek Loop Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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