Goat hiking adventure near Morrison

There’s no other hike near Denver where your trail companions are rescue goats. Follow the goats through the red rock landscape of Matthews/Winters Park, passing the remains of a Gold Rush settlement and one of Colorado’s oldest cemeteries at whatever pace the herd feels like setting. It’s scenic, unhurried, and gives back. Every hike supports the animals at Molly’s Menagerie, local trail preservation, and Native students.

Meet your guide and a small herd of rescue goats from Molly’s Menagerie at the Matthews/Winters Park Trailhead in Golden, just west of Denver. From there, set off on a two-hour hike along the scenic Morrison Slide Trail, with the goats setting the pace. As you walk, take in tilted red sandstone rising out of the hillside and long views over the foothills toward the plains. You’ll also pass a quiet graveyard, all that remains of Mount Vernon, a Gold Rush settlement founded in 1859 and home to one of the oldest cemeteries in Colorado. The goats browse as they go, stopping for whatever looks good along the trail, so expect an unhurried hike with plenty of opportunities to stand still, enjoy the scenery, and get to know your four-legged trail companions. Every hike gives back. Threaded Expeditions donates $10 per participating goat to Molly’s Menagerie, the farm animal program of Gray Muzzle Society. We also donate $5 per hike to the Jeffco Open Space Foundation for local trail preservation and $5 per hike to the American Indian College Fund, which supports Native students and tribal colleges.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.