Dakan Mountain via West Dakan Road and Hidden Valley Road(edit)

EASIEST The easiest path through this trail is rated a 2 out of 10 HARDEST The most difficult path through this trail is rated a 3 out of 10 13.2 miles Rock Crawling: 1/5 Sand & Mud: 2/5 Water Crossings: 1/5 Playgrounds: 1/5 Cliffs & Ledges: 1/5 Steep Hills: 1/5 Scenery: 3/5 Note that the mileage does not include the Watson Park option. Also, the Bergen Rock obstacle has been closed and fenced off. This trail is largely a maintained dirt road, though it does have a few rough spots that would be difficult for a passenger car. If you start from the northeast end at Perry Park Road, you'll start on Dakan Road. It is a fairly mellow trail, with wide and clearly marked areas for camping and parking. These places are great for airing down or having lunch. Turn right when you reach a gate at 2.4 miles. The climb up into Rampart Range is twisty, maintained, and very scenic. The rock formations in the valley below are very interesting, and there is are some great photography options here. Note that most pull-offs along the switchbacks have signs that state there is no stopping. When you get to the top you pass thorugh another gate at the Pike National Forest boundary. The trail is easy but there are few places to stop until a large parking area immediately north of the old Bergen Rock obstacle. Continue through the trees, enjoying the break from the heat of the city. You'll eventually come to a major crossroads. Turn left or south to continue along Dakan Road, the shortest way to Rampart Range Road. Alternately, you can turn right to continue west for a short distance before heading north on Watson Pass Road before connecting with Jackson Creek Road. Jackson Creek Road can take you south to Rampart Range Road or north to Castle Rock. Once you are on Rampart Range Road, you can easily get to the end of Long Hollow Road which is very nearby, or to other trails further south.