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Welch Ditch Trail


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Welch Ditch Trail

Gateway from Golden to the Peaks to Plains Trail. Follows Clear Creek along an old dirt trail (with access to great climbing) and wooden water flume, which brought water from an old dam to Golden and areas east of Golden.

Important Jeffco Park Use Updates Jan-Dec 2025:
  • All users of Jeffco parks (both free trips and paid for courses) must carry with them a copy of the CMC-Jeffco Permit or a yellow permit tag 
  • The permit can be found at this link
  • Permit tags can be picked up at the CMC Basecamp office (T-Th 10am-6pm) 
  • ONLY ONE GROUP may use a trail system at a time. Group size is limited to 14 participants, including guides/instructors. 
  • A trail system includes that entire area of that park - ie, if a group begins a hike on the east side of North Table, another group may not hold another hike on the west side of North Table.
  • Blackout dates - No CMC trips may take place on the following dates: 
    • Memorial Day Weekend - May 24-26; Father’s Day – June 15;  Juneteenth – June 19; Independence Day Weekend – July 4-6; Labor Day Weekend – Aug 30-Sept 1 

The short trail begins at a new parking area Tunnel 1, just west of the intersection of Highways 6, Colorado 58 and Colorado 93. The trail can also be accessed from Golden along the Clear Creek Trail. It looks down on the scenic Peaks to Plains Trail.

  • Suitable Activities: Climbing, Hiking
  • Climbing Category: Basic Alpine Climb
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 125 ft
  • Land Manager: Jefferson County Open Space
  • Parking Permit Required: Other
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 14
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