Near North Shore Trail
Enjoy a pleasant view looking east toward the dam on the doubletrack portion of the North Shore Trail.
Near North Shore Trail
The west end of Ralph Price Reservoir from the North Shore Trail.
Near North Shore Trail
Looking back east across the Ralph Price Reservoir towards the dam.

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Hike Trail

North Shore Trail

4.0 (4 Ratings)
A quiet, lakeside trail with views across Ralph Price Reservoir toward Allenspark and Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park.
1.7
mi
Distance
225
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
LakeLakefrontLess CrowdedViews
Access Issues
As of May 15, 2023, no dogs allowed at Button Rock Preserve (more info here: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/parks-open-space-and-trails/directory-of-parks-trails/button-rock-preserve).

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.67mi
Distance
225ft
Elevation Gain
203ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
6,502ft
High Point
6,405ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This dry, gravel path winds along the northern shore of Ralph Price Reservoir. While most visitors access the reservoir from the Longmont Dam Road off County Road 80, it takes over two miles to get to the eastern starting point for this trail, so it's more likely that you'll find solitude away from the busier fire road up to the dam. This northern shore can get hot in the direct sun and the tree cover becomes more sparing as it heads west. Bring water, sunscreen, and a snack or two (or picnic!) as this will require some time and energy to get to. The western end of this trail accesses the Inlet Loop and the western section of the !Longmont Dam Road, which heads north to the Johnny Park Shortcut.

Route Conditions

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Some Issues
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Contributors
Zander Gopfert