Hiking in SW Denver area?

B

Bob W

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Dec 31, 2000
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Anyone recommend a park or hiking trail in SW Denver?

I'm taking the family on a min-vacation to Denver and we're staying in a hotel near Chatfield Lake just off of 470 near Littleton and Columbine. There's a good chance we'll have a couple of hours to spare at some point, and may grow tired of the city stuff - restaurants/museums/hotels - and will need to get out for some fresh air and exercise. On the map I see lots of parks in the nearby area. Deer Creek Canyon Park, Hildebrand Ranch Park, and many others.

Which park has the 'best' hiking trail, or wandering/exploring opportunity?
 
Waterton canyon might be a good place.

If you don't mind driving, you could check out White Ranch Open Space or Golden Gate State Park. Of course, if you go that far north, you might as well check out Spyderco's factory store. Kifaru is also in that general area.
 
You are right by a real fun spot I like to hike and fish. Its by Chatfield Res. Its called South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center. There is a trail that goes for miles along the Platte river.



I have seen all kinds of wildlife there and an old car that has a tree growing through the middle. Its a beautiful area for being in the city. There is a improved cement path and there are also lots of more fun dirt paths branching off from it that go for miles.

Free parking at the Carson Nature Center and follow the side walk and signs to the Mary Carter Greenway Trail.

Have a great trip Bob!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...42&biw=1024&bih=574&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl
 
Wow, thanks, that is a HUGE tip. Looks to be less than a mile from the hotel.
 
Well the museums and restaurants took a lot more time than expected, so the outdoor adventuring took a back seat on this vacation. We ended up with an hour available and in need of fresh air and exercise. We found just what we were looking for at one of the Jefferson County Open Space parks.

We randomly selected an open space parking lot / trail access point and started walking, the Coyote Song Trail in the South Valley Park. Unfortunately our hour of hiking was mid-day Saturday, so the area was completely over-run with people. And with a nearby highway, the Lockhead Martin plant on the opposite hillside, powerlines everywhere, and houses visible there was no sense of 'wilderness' and no way to forget that two-and-a-half Million people live just around the corner. Still, it was just what we needed and had time for, and it's a beautiful property.

I'll post some pictures soon.
 
Spend a few days around Denver, then head up to Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of hiking opportunities, and just beautiful vistas and wildlife. Just don't try to pet the Elk. :)

Also, get up to the foothills, Evergreen/Conifer area and see Red Rocks on the way. It has beautiful views of Denver and quite impressive on its own.

Denver, and Colorado in general is a mecca for outdoor sports. Go into any outdoor store and buy a map of all the trails around Denver. They're everywhere.
 
Used to work at south platte park many years ago, south of chatfield is a state park area can't remember the name begins with an R I think, maybe up watertown canyon way, up out of evergreen is some jefferson county open space just off the highway, used to hike up to peak at least once every season, lots of options in that area within reasonble distance and from mild to a little bit more effort, enjoy the trip...
 
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