May 3rd, 2008 - Goat Mountain Gallivanting

Goat Mountain is an obscure little peak located in Waterton Canyon not far from the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado.

What made this peak intriguing to climb was that it is more or less off trail, is a place I have not been before, and should see little use. A perfect shoulder season hike!

The hike started off in a familiar place: The start of the Colorado Trail in Waterton Canyon.

I again thought that while it is not a bad place to start a trail, it would an awful place to end one. :)

Tall Dave, "New Hampsha" Dave, Levon

We followed the "trail" up to a turn off and then (steeply) started following the path up to a ridge line which we would follow to the top of the summit.

Once on the ridge, the hike became very enjoyable. Lots of wildflowers, good views of the foothills and the snow covered mountains and just a thoroughly enjoyable jaunt.



The websites I found stated that it is a class 3 scramble to top; I found it to be much easier than that. Maybe a hard class two. Also, at a lollygag place (long lunch, pausing to look at the views, the flowers and snake!), it took us just under 5 hrs round trip for the hike. I'd say it is a nice shoulder season hike if you want to go some place different and if you don't want a large time commitment. Who knows, maybe I'll do this hike again in the Fall.

Dave enjoying the summit view

All the photos