Eldorado Springs neighbors enjoy exclusive access to a wonderful trail that ascends the valley between Dakota Ridge and South Boulder Peak. This well-used trail is being actively maintained with major trail improvements including a pruning program, water bars, and steps. It connects City Open Space with Eldorado Canyon State Park were parking and numerous trail connections are available. Currently access to the trailhead is blocked by a "Private Road No Trespassing" sign. The trailhead itself is almost impossible to find since it actually seems to leave from a private driveway. In this case the Open Space Department should act to secure, for the general public, access which is comparable to that enjoyed by the trail's privileged neighbors. Available options include: a modest payment to neighbors for access rights, a realignment of the trail so that it enters the canyon on state park property, or the condemnation of the needed right-of-way. At the very least the City shouldn't be maintaining major trails like this for neighbors while excluding the general public.
View near the top of the trail and the Shadow Canyon saddle.
Pruning
Step and water bar work.
The no trespassing sign and the private driveway/trailhead. (The
trail starts about hundred feet up on the left.)
Trail location (in red).