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 |
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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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Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
You can visit in the winter also.
Yes! The snow on the red rock makes for some incredible natural contrasts, and parts of the park are shielded from the wind. Makes for great winter hikes.
Great hike on a cool morning. 1-2in on the ground and it was beautiful. Definitely worth the $7.
Great hike in the winter! It may be a bit muddier now after the warm weather, but Fountain Valley was a perfect beginner-friendly loop. Check out my trail guide here: http://outdoorbeginner.com/2016/01/24/trail-guide-fountain-valley-loop-at-roxborough-state-park/
Are any special types of shoes required with the current weather? Would hiking boots suffice or snow shoes?
Mike, at the time of me writing this, we have about 2 inches of snow on the ground, so I would think that hiking boots would be sufficient.
Hi!
Is it friendly for a young family? We have a 1 year old and 4 year old. We are visiting in February 2017.
Thanks!
Yes! Roxborough is a great place for family hikes. I’d recommend the Fountain Valley trail.
Does anyone know if it is prohibited to climb on the rocks here? Thank you.