High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park
The High line Canal starts in the foothills and meanders over 60 miles through Denver, creating a treelined hiking and biking thoroughfare in the middle of the city. This stretch in Littleton, Colorado takes you past Fly'n B Park. Take the path south and you'll find yourself in Writer's Park. Scroll down for the trail snapshot, and for further details and tips for hiking this great segment of Denver's High Line Canal.
Trail Snapshot: High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park
| Hike Distance | 3.7 miles Round Trip |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 2 hr Round Trip |
| Trail Type | Out and Back |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park (see A6 to A2) |
| Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
| Driving Directions to High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
| Beauty | Giant cottonwood trees, Highline Canal, wetlands, waterfowl, pond at the Fly'n B Park |
| Activities | Hiking, cycling, birdwatching, pond, picnic shelter |
Denver's Highline Canal was designed as an irrigation stream, but it has become a 66 mile long hiking and biking trail running through the heart of Denver. This particular hiking trail section is in the Littleton & Highlands Ranch area. There are two parking lots from which you can start the hike: the Countyline Road Trailhead, or the Fly'n B Park lot. Round Trip, this segment is about 4 miles. From the Countyline Trailhead, cross over the first footbridge and head South (left). You'll run into an intersection about 200 yards up. Take a right to continue following the Highline.
Water flows in the highland canal about 90 days a year. Because the canal only drops two feet per mile, the water, even when it is flowing fast, appears calm. This is part of what gives this trail such a pastoral feel, even though it is close to 470. Immense Cottonwood trees arch over the path, and all sorts of birds decorate the bushes and wetlands that have grown up wild along its edges.
The trail is great for a stroller hike and for wheelchairs. After about 2 miles of trail, you'll walk through a tunnel that goes under 470. You'll then emerge to find yourself at Fly'n B Park. It looks like it is an old ranch that has been converted into a great park near Highlands Ranch. It features a small pond with boat dock, and a fantastic shelter house. The pond looks like a perfect place to take kids fishing in Denver. We haven't tried it out yet, so we would love your feedback if you have. The Highlands Ranch Metro District Parks is currently (Spring 2014) renovating the home on the property. Outdoor restrooms and some parking is available. However, we recommend parking at the Countyline Road Trailhead for this hike.
Tips & Resources for Hiking High Line Canal Hike - County Line to Fly'n B Park :
- TIP: A detailed guide to of the Highline Canal Trail can be ordered from Denver Water.
- TIP: Take some snacks and extra water. The Highline continues well beyond this section and you're likely to want to explore more of it.
- TIP: From the Countyline Trailhead, you can also go North towards for views of McLellan Reservoir and the Front Range.
- Trail Map for High Line Canal Hike: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Enchanted Grounds Coffee Shop
- Denver Water Highline Canal Site
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Mount Falcon - Castle & Tower Hike
A hike to castle ruins in Colorado? Yep. Throw in a lookout tower, a great view of Denver, of Red Rocks, and of the mountains, and you've got some of the highlights of the Mount Falcon Trail. The trailhead is nestled in a community in the foothills just about 40 minutes from Denver. Here we detail a 2.3-mile loop trail that hits all the destinations.
Trail Snapshot: Mount Falcon Castle & Tower Hike
| Hike Distance | Approx 2.3 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | 1 hr 30 min+ |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash in Most Areas |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Morrison, Colorado |
| Beauty | Front Range views, Denver views, Fire Tower, ruins, & deer |
| Activities | Picnic area, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking trails |
Mt. Falcon Loop Hike
Mount Falcon features several trails. By combining a few, you can create a 2.3-mile loop and take in several historic sites as well as breathtaking views of Denver, Red Rocks, and the Front Range. This makes it one of the best hikes close to Denver for visiting friends and family. Because it is an easy hike and has a relatively flat and wide trail, you can take the jogging stroller on this one, too. If you are looking for more great trails for your family, be sure to check out our Kid Friendly Trails Near Denver and our recommended Colorado Hikes for Visiting Friends and Family pages. If hiking with kids, be sure to access it via the West Trailhead as described in this post. Map apps and other sites may take you to the very demanding east trailhead, which is very exposed to the sun and has heavy mountain bike traffic.
The Loop Trail Sequence:Start at the parking lot off of Mt. Falcon Road, and when you come to a fork in the trail, take the Tower Trail to your right. Soon you'll pass the Eagle Eye Shelter which offers great views towards Mount Evans and the surrounding foothills. Stay on the Tower Trail until you get to the Fire Tower which commands a panoramic view of Denver, Red Rocks, and more of the Front Range of Colorado.
Then continue on the Tower Trail until it intersects with the Meadow Trail. Take the Meadow Trail North/Left for about .3 miles. It will end at the Castle Trail - take a left. The Castle Trail will lead you back to the parking lot, but don't head back until you stop at the ruins of the old Walker Home. The views from here are beautiful as well.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Mt. Falcon:
- TIP: Bring a Lunch and stop at the Eagle Eye Shelter for a Picnic
- TIP: Go early or late to catch some of the best sunsets along the Colorado's Front Range
- Trail Map for Mount Falcon Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
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Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Eldorado State Park
The Rattlesnake Gulch trail takes you up the sides of Eldorado Canyon, one of Colorado's historic State Parks. This lollipop trail takes you past the ruins of the Crags Hotel, then on to gain views of the Continental Divide. Scroll down to look over the trail snapshot, then explore the trail details and tips below for this rewarding hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Trail Snapshot: Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Eldorado Canyon
| Hike Distance | Approx 2.5 to 4 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hrs |
| Trail Type | Lollipop w/Spur Option |
| Seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 45 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Boulder, Colorado |
| Beauty | Canyon, waterfalls and cascades, cliff swallows, cliff-top views, geologic features |
| Activities | Picnic areas, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing |
| Fee | Link to Fees Page |
If your legs are ready to gain some quick elevation to some rewarding views, the Rattlesnake Gulch trail will give you just that. This trail starts at the west trailhead of the Fowler Trail about 1/2 a mile into Eldorado Canyon. The hike first takes you about 1.2 miles to the site of the Crags Hotel. The hotel was built in 1908 and visitors could reach it by taking an incline railroad and by an old wagon trail. In 1912, the hotel burnt to the ground, and just a few ruins remain. The parks department has put up interpretive signs to give you an idea of what the site was like in the early 1900's.
If you continue past the Crags Hotel site, you can add on an additional 1.4 miles by hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop. A spur along the trail takes you to the Continental Divide overlook, where you can look out to the plains and towards a few peaks to the west. If you don't want to hike the entire loop, but you want to catch the view from the overlook, take the trail to the right after the hotel site and hike about 10 more minutes. See the map link above for the exact location of the spur that leads to the overlook.
The picture above is looking northeast towards the Cadillac Rock area. If you take a pair of binoculars, scan the formation for rock-climbers. Eldorado Canyon makes for some great Denver area hiking. It's one of those places with so many unique features, that you'll find yourself drawn back there time and time again.
Tips & Resources for Hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Eldorado State Park:
- Exact Trail Length: Exact trail lengths are approximate until we can GPS this one. We've noticed discrepancies on maps and reports. So, be sure to add some buffer time on to this hike.
- Parking: Parking fills up fast at Eldorado Canyon. So, we suggest you go early in the day, or as the crowds are filtering out of the park in the late afternoon. As well, you'll find weekdays less crowed. Eldorado Canyon is open from sunrise to sunset year round.
- Directions: Use the driving directions on this page. They will lead you to the nearest parking area to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead.
- Fee: There is an $8 parking fee per car or you can use your Colorado State Parks Annual Pass
- Trail Map for Eldorado Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Boxcar Coffee Roasters in Boulder
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Elk Meadow Park - South Loop
Elk Meadow Park is a great place to hike with your family, if you have little ones, or if you just want to talk with a friend as you hike and take in great views of Colorado. It is important to know that the adjacent off-leash dog park has been closed. Get all the info you need to hike Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen by exploring the full trail profile below.
| Hike Distance | 2.6 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 1.5 hr |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
| Driving Directions to Elk Meadow Park - South Loop | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
| Beauty | Meadows, old barn, ponderosa pine, wildlife: elk, & Abert's squirrel |
| Activities | Hiking, dog park nearby |
Elk Meadow Park has just over 13 miles of hiking trails near Denver that wind through it's lower meadows, through ponderosa forest, and two more strenuous options that lead to the summit of Bergen Peak. This profiles a 2.6 mile loop that begins at the south parking area. To form the loop, combine the Meadow View Trail, Elk Ridge Trail, and the Sleepy "S" trail. Use the Elk Meadow Park map at this link. We chose this route because we have 2 children under 3 years old, and it was a good choice - just long enough, trails close to Denver, and lots of change of scenery during a short hike.
There had been an off-leash dog area just on the other side of the street from the south parking lot (not visible on this older google map, so you'll have to trust us that it's there). This was a great place to allow dogs to roam and play, but this has been closed due to excessive dog waste and damage to vegetation. Here is a link to the Jefferson County info page on the off-leash area. Dogs are required to be leashed in all other areas of the park.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Elk Meadow Park - South Loop :
- TIP: The Easy way. Take the loop clockwise for the easier route and counter-clockwise if you are looking for a more strenuous (but not much) hike.
- Parking: Park only in designated areas. There has been a lot of erosion damaged caused by visitors parking alongside the road. If parking is full, please find another park to visit.
- TIP: Enjoy some time in Evergreen. The town of Evergreen is a great place to retreat to during the summer. It's a few degrees cooler, Bear Creek runs through town, and you'll find some great places to eat.
- Trail Map for Elk Meadow Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
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Homestead Trail at Castlewood Canyon
his trail is great place to begin if you plan to explore the west side of Castlewood Canyon. It's a short hike, but the Homestead Trail can be used to link up to other hiking trails in this Colorado State Park. Scroll down to get all the hiking info you need in the trail snapshot, trail options descriptions and tips.
Trail Snapshot: Homestead Trail at Castlewood Canyon
| Hike Distance | 2 or 4 mile options RT (see trail options below) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | Approx 30 min+ Round Trip |
| Trail Type | Out & Back and Loop Options |
| Seasons | All |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash in Most Areas, But Not on the East Canyon Trail |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Homestead Trail at Castlewood Canyon |
| Denver Drive Time | 45 min |
| Driving Directions to Homestead Trail at Castlewood Canyon | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
| Beauty | Cherry Creek, waterfall, interesting geology, canyon views, ruins |
| Activities | Hiking, great picnic facilities, mountain biking, horseback riding |
| Fee Required | Visit Colorado State Parks Site |
The Homestead Trail in Castlewood Canyon is the first trail you will encounter as you enter the west side of the park. Park at the first lot and you'll immediately see the ruins of the old Lucas Homestead, an unusual concrete structure built in the late 1800's.
The trail is less than a mile round trip, but it links up with several other trails which form 2 loops. Download the Castlewood Canyon Brochure & Trail Map to get a better idea of how these two loops work.
4 Mile Loop: Hike the Rim Rock Trail for 2.14 miles to enjoy the east side of Cherry Creek. Eventually, you will meet with the Creek bottom trail. Take that North for 1.7 miles until you have returned to the Homestead Trail.
2 Mile Loop: When the Homestead Trail meets the Creek Bottom Trail, take the Creek Bottom Trail south for about .7 mile until it intersects with the Cherry Creek Trail. Take this North for 1 mile back to the Lucas Homestead.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Homestead Trail at Castlewood Canyon :
- Finding the Trailhead: The West Side entrance can be hard to find. Usually, Colorado state parks have brown signs indicating the park roads. The west side doesn't. But the name of the road you're looking for is "Castlewood Canyon" - easy to remember.
- TIP: Hikes in Castlewood Canyon can be quite exposed to the sun, so bring the sunscreen.
- TIP: Poison Ivy: We've been surprised how poison ivy flourishes in this park, often along the edge of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don't let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Castlewood Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link
- Additional Castlewood Canyon State Park Maps: Other Trails
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
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East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock
This paved trail meanders along Plum Creek in Castle Rock, Colorado. Though it winds through developed areas, the Plum Creek trail has some surprises: towering cottonwoods, pines, and the seasonal sounds of Plum Creek. Be sure to explore snapshot and full hiking profile below to get the details on parking, trail map, and hike options.
Castle Rock is a growing community South of Denver and not without it's some great hikes. Be sure to explore the many trails out in Castlewood Canyon State Park, and our hikes near Castle Rock, Colorado page.
Trail Snapshot: East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock
| Hike Distance | 6 miles of trail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 30 min to 4 hrs |
| Trail Type | Out and Back |
| Seasons | All |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock |
| Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
| Driving Directions to East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
| Beauty | Cottonwoods, meadows, wetlands, wildlife: Preble's meadow jumping mouse, beavers, migratory birds |
| Activities | Hiking, running, biking, birdwatching |
The East Plum Creek Trail winds through the heart of Castle Rock, Colorado, through wetlands, and along the banks of Plum Creek. Starting from the Meadows Parkway lot, you can head North for 1.8+ miles through cottonwoods and between two historic railways. If you head south along the trail from the Meadows lot, the trail will take you into a wetland habitat where beavers build and migratory birds rest. Follow the trail south for 3 miles and all the way into town for a 6 mile round trip.
Tips & Resources for Hiking East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock:
- TIP: One can take a close-up look at the unique wetland habitat along the East Plum Creek and lower Sellars Gulch, which are great locations to go bird watching.
- TIP: Parking is available at the Meadows Parkway. There are additional parking areas at Festival Park and along South Perry Street.
- Trail Map for East Plum Creek Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
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Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
If you are yearning for wide open spaces, the Flatirons Vista trail near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect hike. The trail has two loop options and links up to other hiking trails along the Flatirons. Explore the trail profile of this classic Colorado hike for a trail map and all the details like driving directions, trail difficulty rating, and distances.
Trail Snapshot: Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
| Hike Distance | 1.9 or 3.3 Miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | 1 to 2.5 hrs |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Season |
| Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 40 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Boulder, Colorado |
| Beauty | Views of the Flatirons, Meadows, Ponderosa Pines, Wildlife: Bobcat, Bear, Mule Deer, Eagles (in winter), & coyote |
| Activities | Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, & Trail Running |
| Fee | $5 Parking fee or $25 Annual Pass |
You've got options. The Flatiron Vista Loop trail offers 2 loops. One is 3.3 miles and the other is just 1.9 miles. They will wind you through the ponderosa pines and meadows that skirt of the famous Flatirons just south of Boulder. It's an easy hike and a trail runner's dream. The Flatiron Vista Loops are a great destination for winter hikes as well. That's the time of year that you are likely to spot both Golden and Bald Eagles.
The Loops:
-
Longer Flatiron Vista Loop -3.3 miles:
Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). After 2.4 miles, bear right onto the North Flatiron Vista Trail. Then, after 1 mile, take the connector trail you came in on back to the trailhead. (reverse this if you like).
-
Shorter Flatiron Vista Loop -1.9 miles:
Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). After approx. 1 miles bear right onto Prairie Vista Trail. Continue about 1 mile, then take the connector trail you came in on back to the trailhead
Tips & Resources for Hiking at Flatirons Vista:
- No Shade: The trails at Flatirons Vista are very exposed. Bring a hat and use the sunscreen.
- Trail Map for Flatirons Vista Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Windy Saddle Cafe
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Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park
The Bluffs Regional Park features a 2.7 mile loop hike and 2 spurs that lead to panoramic overlooks. The Bluffs loop offers fantastic views of Denver and of the front range. We prefer hitting the trail as the sun is setting. As it gets dark, and the city lights begin to appear, warm winds sometimes will kick up along the Bluffs. Because it's so close to home, we have hiked the Bluffs more than any other trail near Denver. It's the best hike in Lone Tree, it's near Highlands Ranch, and can be made into either a great hike or trail run. We have often taken our jogging stroller, put the kids in, and hiked the loop. This makes for a great after-work workout.
Trail Snapshot: Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park
| Hike Distance | 2.7 Miles+Spurs |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx. 1 hr 45 min+ |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. +200' |
| Seasons | Summer & Fall |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park |
| Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
| Driving Directions to Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
| Beauty | Grassland, Front Range views, bluff overlooks, wildlife: prairie dogs, rabbits, red fox |
| Activities | Picnic area, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking trails |
Because the Bluffs Regional Park is just a few minutes off of Interstate 25, it's a great place to meet friends who may be driving up from Castle Rock or Monument.
Be aware of horses on the trail and give them the right of way. There is a gentleman who likes to ride his horse in the late afternoon/early evening who can be quite reckless. We've seen him nearly collide with parties of hikers on two occasions. Just be aware of him.
2 Hike Options at the Bluffs Regional Park :
1. The Loop Hike: We prefer to hike the loop counter-clockwise (going right onto the trail from the trailhead) because the steepest part of the trail is downhill at the end. The trail does have a steady incline on the back side that can be challenge if you are pushing a stroller. This loop hike is 2.7 miles + spurs out to two overlooks.
2. Hike Directly to the Overlook: The most direct route to the Tepe Overlook at the Bluffs is by following the trail clockwise (to the left) from the trailhead for half a mile, then to follow the spur trail for .2 mile to the overlook. This makes for a 1.4 mile, out-and-back hike.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park :
- TIP: The parking lot usually fills up on weekend mornings before 9-9:30AM.
- TIP: As there is no water available at the trailhead, you would want to bring some with you.
- Trail Map for Bluffs Loop Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: DazBog Coffee
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Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park
The Fountain Valley trail in Colorado's Roxborough State Park is the Garden of the God's of Denver. It's more secluded than Red Rocks park, and features several trails that take you beyond the park boundaries and into the foothills. The Fountain Valley Trail is a perfect place to start because it features the best part of the park, it's towering slabs of red rock. Explore the hiking profile below for all the trail details, trail map link, and driving directions to the trailhead for this easy Colorado hike.
Trail Snapshot: Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park
| Hike Distance | 2.3 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 1.5 hr |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Not Allowed in Roxborough State Park |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Roxborough State Park |
| Denver Drive Time | 45 min |
| Driving Directions to Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
| Beauty | Red rock formations, meadows, wildlife: mule deer, eagles, foxes, birds |
| Activities | Hiking, birdwatching, Visitors' Center |
| Fee | Entrance Fee or State Parks Pass Required |
Roxborough State Park is Denver's twin sister of Garden of the God's in Colorado Springs. The beautiful Lyons and Fountain formations climb from the valley floor and create a wonderful space for a quiet hike, birdwatching, and viewing wildlife.
The trail is a loop. You can start on the valley floor, then work your way up to the high trail that looks down and across the fountain formation (photo above was taken from around the midpoint of the high trail). On our visit we encountered several whitetail deer and a variety of birds flitting about in the scrub oak that grows in the valley. The initial part of the trail are handicap accessible, but the trail soon becomes a more narrow dirt trail.
There are some ruins of an old estate along the trail and interpretive signs telling about the history of the valley. We would recommend this trail for families with small children and especially for folks visiting Denver and looking for something fun to do. The low elevation is great for out of towners who may not have the time or capacity to get up into the mountains. Dogs are not permitted, so be sure to leave fido at home. Because this trail is in Roxborough State Park, a fee or Colorado state parks pass is required. See the Roxborough State Park Fees page for details.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park :
- TIP: There is a picnic area with tables just outside the Visitors' Center.
- TIP: Be on the lookout for poison ivy along the sides of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don’t let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Roxborough State Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Waterton Tavern in Roxborough
- Roxborough State Park Brochure
- Brochure for Roxborough State Park: Brochure Link
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O Fallon Park Trails
hese hiking trails near Evergreen, Colorado weave through the Bear Creek area in O'Fallon Park. It's a great place to launch into the Bear Creek Canyon area. Because there are a lot of options, be sure to download the trail map and look over the five different trail options listed below in the hike profile. Scroll down for the full O'Fallon Park Trails profile and to find driving directions, pdf map, and full trail details.
| Hike Distance | 1.3 to 7 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | Approx 1 to 5 hrs |
| Trail Type | 3 Loop Trails and Out & Back |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of O'Fallon Park Trails |
| Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
| Driving Directions to O'Fallon Park Trails | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Evergreen, Colorado |
| Beauty | Mountain peak views, Bear Creek & brooks, wildflowers, & butterflies |
| Activities | Picnic areas, horseback riding, mountain biking |
O'Fallon Park is part of a series of Jefferson County and Denver Mountain Parks that are connected by Bear Creek and the Bear Creek Trail. Quartz riddles the trails and butterflies alight on flowers along the five trails that weave through the park. The O'Fallon Park picnic area is right beside Bear Creek and plenty of shade provided by the Ponderosa Pines that cover it.
Fishing at O'Fallon Park may get you some rainbow and brown trout!
Trails at O'Fallon Park
1- Meadow View Loop (2.5 miles): We actually hiked this as an out-and-back from the lot up to the vista. Great views up there, but be ready for a steady gain in elevation. It's some work, but it's worth it.
2- Panorama Point - (1.3 miles out-and-back)
3-West Ridge Loop - (3 miles)
4- Picnic Loop (1.3 miles): Stays closer to the picnic areas and makes for a nice easy walk with the family before or after lunch.
5-Bear Creek Trail - This trail runs 7 miles from Pence Park parking lot to the Lair o' the Bear Park lot. Medium in difficulty and a mountain biking mecca.
Tips & Resources for Hiking O'Fallon Park Trails :
- TIP: This is another park that can fill quickly on the weekends, but it's mainly the picnic areas. It's not necessary to go early, but it's not a bad idea.
- TIP: Keep alert for mountain bikers, especially on the Bear Creek Trail. Most of the other trails are hiker only.
- TIP: Bring a picnic breakfast or lunch.
- O'Fallon Park Trail Map: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Beau Jo’s Pizza
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