Newlin Creek and Florence Mtn. Park
Nestled in the Wet Mountains south of Florence, Florence Mountain Park is an easily-accessible escape from the high mountain desert.
Just a few minutes from downtown Florence, the park features pine forests and granite outcroppings.
The local favorite is Newlin Creek trail. This winding trail follows Newlin Creek and is relatively easy for the first .75 miles. Make the creek bridge a destination for families with small children. For others, travel 3 miles to reach the alpine meadow where remnants of the Herrick Sawmill, built in 1887, now lie abandoned.
Getting There
From Florence and Highway 115, turn south onto CO-69. Follow this road for 4.3 miles, then veer right onto County Road 15. Keep right for another 2.5 miles until you see the sign for Florence Mountain Park. Continue past the groundskeeper’s cabin for .9 miles until you reach the trailhead.
Start: Newlin Creek Trailhead
Elevation gain: 1,735 feet
Fitness effort: Mild to moderate
Difficulty: Novice to intermediate
Terrain: The trail is singletrack with some creek crossings
Seasons: Year-round with some snow and ice after heavy snow. Be aware of high stream flows in the spring.
Trail users: This trail is used by hikers, bikers, and rock climbers.
Dog friendly: Yes. Keep your dog on a leash, bring waste bags, and clean up after your pet. Al eash law is enforced. This area often has wildlife.
Distance: 6 miles
Note: No open fires are permitted in the Park. Fire pans or designated receptacles must be utilized. Please be aware that if a red-flag warning is in effect, the park may be closed. Overnight camping is not permitted except by license agreement.
Before riding trails, please check trail conditions at www.joinFAR.org/trails. Please observe right-of-way etiquette and yield to hikers and equestrian riders. Help keep the Royal Gorge Region trails beautiful by observing all stewardship principles, including packing out any waste or trash, staying on the trail, and avoiding all wildlife. Give back to local trails by visiting local businesses who participate in the ‘1% for Trails’ program – see https://www.joinfar.org/1-for-trails.html for more information.
Temple Canyon Park is one of the most amazing places you will ever visit. Keep it this way for generations to come and Leave No Trace–Care For Colorado!
You can learn more about how to be more responsible while enjoying the Royal Gorge Region’s Newlin Creek/ Florence Mountain Park by reading about Leave No Trace, Care for Colorado!