Mt. Goliath Natural Area/Dos Chappell Nature Center

Located within the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, the Mount Goliath Research Natural Area contains 160 acres set aside for the protection, study, interpretation and enjoyment of the Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine. The Dos Chappell Nature Center contains excellent exhibits that interpret how living things adapt to the harsh environments of the sub-alpine and alpine tundra. The main attraction is the Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine tree. These trees are 700 to 1,600 years old, making them some of the oldest tree species in the world. As you walk in the nature center, a 1,000-year-old nonliving example grasps your attention. Once you've viewed the exhibits, explore the nearby rock gardens and examine the small wildflowers in bloom behind the nature center. Experience an enchanted forest of old gnarled trees by traveling through the quarter-mile Bristlecone Loop Trail.

General Information

The building, exhibits, and grounds are the result of a cooperative effort between Denver Botanic Gardens, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Outside area open 24/7. Nature Center hours 10 am - 5 pm seven days a week.

A timed-entry reservation must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov

No camping, campfires or stove fires except in designated campgrounds or dispersed campsites.

Day Use:
Personal Vehicle: $15 per vehicle per day
2-person motorcycle: $6 per day
1-person motorcycle: $3 per day

Day Use: A timed-entry reservation must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438/ticket/10087441.

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 39.6425

Longitude: -105.5928

Directions

I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Drive approx. 12 miles to the turn off for Highway 5. Proceed through the fee station and drive 3 miles south on Highway 5 to the area.