Are you up for a challenge? Nothing too challenging of course, just something fun and right in your own backyard! How many foothills parks and trails have you hiked or biked since you’ve lived in the mountains outside of Denver?
What if this year, 2023, you could make it to 12 parks, one for each month? Pick the parks, schedule it on your calendar and take some photos for some sweet memories! Many of you will find this too simple; you already partake of our wonderful outdoors on a regular basis. You may not want to divulge your favorite spot for fear it will be “found out,” so instead of posting the best trails, just take a friend and share the love!
Every year, I like to challenge myself to do something new or different. It keeps me young, it keeps me preoccupied with something adventurous, and at the end of the year, I am usually pretty proud to have met the challenge. Some of you know exactly what I am talking about. I’ve seen your social media posts: you’ve lost weight, you’ve kept it off, you’ve found love again, you’ve adopted, you’ve graduated, and you’ve done something you didn’t know you could do. Those posts are so inspiring, just to see your smiles and the joy on your faces.
“Every year, I like to challenge myself to do something new or different.”
Here is a small list of local mountain parks in the foothills of Denver that might have something special for you. You never know what you will find on these mountain trails that might refresh your spirit, bring back a memory or ignite a newfound joy. Exact locations and detailed information can simply be found on Google.
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park – Evergreen
West trailhead and parking a
5136 South Le Masters Road
East trailhead and parking at 30357 Buffalo Park Road
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and climbing.
Beaver Ranch Park – Conifer
Trailhead and parking at 11369 South Foxton Road
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, zip lining,disc golf and more.
Bergen Park – Evergreen
Parking at 1450 Old Hwy 74
Hiking, biking, picnic areas, volleyball and horseshoe pits.
Corwina Park – Morrison
Parking areas along Hwy 73
Hiking, some mountain biking, fishing access and picnic areas.
Elk Meadow – Evergreen
Stagecoach trailhead at 32281 Stagecoach Boulevard
Lewis Ridge trailhead at 2855 Bergen Peak Drive
Hiking, picnic area and mountain biking.
Flying J Ranch Park – Conifer
Trailhead at 9661 County Hwy 73
Shadow Mountain Access at 27281 Shadow Mountain Drive
Picnic area, hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking.
Lair o’ the Bear – Idledale
Trailhead and parking at 22550 State Hwy 74
Many picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing access.
Matthews/Winters Park – Golden
Trailhead and parking at 1103 County Hwy 93
Hiking, biking, horseback riding and climbing.
Maxwell Falls – Evergreen
Upper trailhead and parking at 8399 Black Mountain Drive – Conifer
Lower trailhead and parking at 7627 Brook Forest Road – Evergreen
Trails may be closed in the winter.
Mount Falcon Park – Indian Hills & Morrison
West trailhead at 21074 Mount Falcon Road
Morrison trailhead at 3852 Vine Street
Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Pine Valley Ranch Park – Pine
Trailhead and parking at 30400 Crystal Lake Road
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and ice skating.
Reynolds Park – Conifer
Trailhead access at 13649 South Foxton Road
Campground parking access at 14008 South Foxton Road
Songbird access at 13939 South Foxton Road
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping.
