Notice:  Trailhead closed for entry paving Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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While visiting Mount Galbraith Park you'll encounter steep and rocky trails that lead you to panoramic vistas! Leave your bike and horse at home because this park is Hiker Only and has approximately 4.7 miles of trails.

Natural Resources
Natural resources of note for this park include three primary plant communities:  mountain mahogany/needle and thread; Douglas fir/mountain ninebark; and narrowleaf cottonwood/willow.  Wildlife on the park consist of as many as 300 head of elk that use the park in the spring.  Red tail hawk, black bear, mountain lion and bighorn sheep have been seen.  In addition, there are numerous species of songbirds, some of which are uncommon to the area.

History
Clear Creek Canyon on Mount Galbraith's south side and Golden Gate Canyon on its north created vital gateways into the central Rockies for Native Americans and Euro-American settlers.  The California gold rush of 1849 brought tens of thousands of men west.  Miners cross Mount Galbraith, as travel was easier along the ridgelines than through drainages.  Golden Gate City was founded in 1859 at the mouth of Golden Gate Canyon as one of many rough supply towns.  By 1860 it boasted several firms, hotels, stores and shops.  Golden Gate City and Golden City (now Golden) were archrivals for the County seat, population and influence.  Both were named for Tom Golden, a farmer, rancher, some-time miner, politician and town promoter.  Golden Gate City stalled out because of a local land feud. 

The quarry on the Clear Creek side of the park was first mined in the 1930s and 40s and again in the 1960s by Asphalt Paving Company.  Brannan Sand and Gravel drafted plans to mine a large area now within the park but instead sold the property to Open Space in 1995.  In 1997, a land trade with O. R. Goltra exchanged 80 acres on the western boundary for 80 acres in Clear Creek Canyon.  In 1999, Open Space received a donation of over 75 acres from Golden Properties, Ltd. on the east side of the park. 

Getting There
From State Highway 93, take Golden Gate Canyon Road west approximately 1.5 miles to the parking area and trailhead.

It is your responsibility to know and obey Open Space rules and regulations.  Users assume liability for all risks associated with visiting this Open Space area.  Responsible use protects this resource for all citizens of Jefferson County.

Last Modified: Oct 22, 2009 11:03 AM