Mill Creek Loop

The Mill Creek Loop winds through the rolling foothills of Lory State Park, passing through classic Front Range ponderosa pine savanna and mixed-grass meadows that burst with wildflowers in late spring and early summer. At 6.5 miles with 600 feet of gentle elevation gain, this loop is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a longer outing without the intensity of the Arthurs Rock climb. The trail meanders alongside Mill Creek in its lower sections, providing shaded relief on hot summer days and a pleasant riparian corridor where mule deer and wild turkeys often graze at dawn and dusk. Hogback ridgelines frame the eastern skyline, and the gentle grades allow hikers to fully absorb the scenery rather than focus solely on footing. Mountain biking is not permitted on this trail, keeping the experience peaceful for those on foot. The park entrance fee of $10 per vehicle applies. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the loop. Trail junctions are well-marked with wooden posts, making route-finding straightforward. The loop can be combined with shorter connector trails to create custom itineraries exploring more of the parks 2,400 acres of open space.