Matthews Winters Lollipop

Start at the bridge just below the parking lot. Take the Village Walk Trail west for .5 miles before turning south on the the Red Rocks Trail. The Village Walk Trail is a wide, flat, and easy trail. The short section of the Red Rocks Trail that you use as a connection to hike the loop part of this route counterclockwise is also wide and relatively easy. After 0.5 miles, turn west onto Cherry Gulch Trail and then turn south onto Morrison Slide Trail for 1.5 miles before turning east back onto the Red Rocks Trail. The Morrison Slide Trail is a steep, rocky trail littered with tight switchbacks. The ascent and descent are equally challenging but your efforts are rewarded with great views from the top. After 0.7 miles turn east to continue on the Red Rocks Trail. Kick it into high gear and cruise back the way you came via the Red Rocks Trail and Village Walk Trail back to the bridge and the trailhead to finish out your hike.