South Rim Trail

South Rim Trail climbs above the sandstone formations of Roxborough State Park to deliver sweeping aerial perspectives of the park's famous hogback ridges and the greater Front Range foothills. The 3-mile loop gains 500 feet as it ascends to a ridge where hikers can look down on the red fins they've seen from the valley floor — a perspective that transforms the landscape entirely and reveals the sheer scale of these ancient geological features.

From the rim, views extend west toward the foothills and east across the Denver metro area, offering a satisfying sense of elevation even at this modest height. The trail passes through a transition zone of scrub oak, mountain mahogany, and yucca typical of the Colorado Front Range. Spring brings blooming cacti and wildflowers; autumn paints the scrub oak in rich amber. The loop connects back through meadow terrain, making for a varied and engaging circuit. Dogs are not permitted in the park, preserving the wildlife corridor that supports the resident deer, turkey, and fox populations. A $10 per vehicle fee is collected at the entrance station.