About Dakota Ridge South Trail
Dakota Ridge South Trail is a expert hiking trail near Idledale in Jefferson County, Colorado.. The surface is dirt. Managed by Jefferson County Open Space. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Tobias Mrzyk on Unsplash
ExpertDirt
Dakota Ridge South Trail
Idledale, Colorado · Jefferson County · Jefferson County Open Space
Dakota Ridge South Trail is a expert hiking trail near Idledale in Jefferson County, Colorado.. The surface is dirt. Managed by Jefferson County Open Space. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
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39.66571, -105.19191
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Dakota Ridge South Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Overcast
99°/69°
🌬 14mph
↑ 6:01 AM ↓ 8:12 PM
Mon
Overcast
98°/75°
💧 3%🌬 16mph
↑ 6:02 AM ↓ 8:11 PM
Tue
Light Drizzle
82°/59°
💧 18%🌬 16mph
↑ 6:03 AM ↓ 8:10 PM
Wed
Overcast
87°/65°
💧 4%🌬 16mph
↑ 6:04 AM ↓ 8:09 PM
Thu
Clear
92°/65°
💧 3%🌬 12mph
↑ 6:04 AM ↓ 8:08 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Expert” Means
Long backcountry routes (20+ miles), alpine grades, via ferrata, or extremely technical terrain. For experienced hikers with proper conditioning, navigation skills, and gear.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- Light shorts/skirtLoose-fit, breathable.
- Wide-brimmed sun hatPlus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- Polarized sunglassesCritical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 8)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- Headlamp + spare batteriesLong days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Helmet (terrain-dependent)Expert routes may include scrambling or rockfall risk.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Colorado
Trail conditions in Colorado change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
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