Streamside Trail

Streamside Trail is the most gentle and accessible route in Eldorado Canyon State Park, hugging the bottom of the canyon along South Boulder Creek for a relaxing one-mile loop. Despite its modest length and minimal elevation gain, the trail delivers genuine canyon drama as sheer sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet on both sides, framing a narrow strip of blue sky above and creating a sense of grand enclosure that belies the short distance traveled.

The creek itself is the trail's constant companion — a tumbling, clear mountain stream that rushes over polished boulders in spring and settles into gentle pools by late summer. Mosses and ferns cling to the canyon walls where moisture seeps from the rock, and native fish can sometimes be spotted in the deeper pools. This route is ideal for families with young children, older hikers, or anyone seeking a leisurely experience of Eldorado's famous canyon bottom. Leashed dogs are permitted. The trail connects easily with longer routes for those who want to extend their outing. The park charges a $10 per vehicle day-use fee at the entrance station year-round.