The Raccoon Loop Trail circles through Golden Gate Canyon State Park’s upper-montane and lower subalpine forests, an ecological transition zone shared by lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, white fir, limber pine and aspen. The trailhead at Panorama Point is a worthy destination itself, a well-positioned gazebo that overlooks a 100 mile stretch of the Continental Divide. A newly renovated pavilion provides useful peak-identification maps and area information. The trail is also accessible from the Reverend's Ridge Campground.

Clear views from Panorama Point are some of the best along the Colorado Front Range

The Raccoon Trail near Panorama Point

Colorado Columbine, the state flower, grow on the Raccoon Trail

The Raccoon Trail on its way back up to Panorama Point

Due ot its heavy concentration of young and mature aspens, this is an excellent fall hike

Panorama Point contains multiple interpretive signs and a 'peak' finder which helps to identify the mountains

Looking west from Panorama Point at the high peaks

The lower portion of the Raccoon Trail possess the heaviest concentration of young aspen groves

The Raccoon Trail is also home to very tall, mature aspen trees

Wildflowers line the trail as it open up from the forest

Towering promontories frame the way back up to Panorama Point on the Raccoon Trail

The family-friendly Raccoon Loop Trail can also be accessed from the Reverend's Ridge Camground