Denver & Around - Colorado - page 153

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
BEST DAY HIKES & MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES FROM DENVER
There are literally hundreds of day hikes within an hour of Denver. Many people choose to head up to Boulder's
Mountain Parks or Colorado Springs for a day. If you're sticking to the mountains just outside of Denver, you
will want to try these:
Jefferson County Open Space Parks ( www.jeffco.us/openspace ) Jefferson County runs along most of the west-
ern edge of Denver, and its open spaces are the best around. Top picks include Matthews Winters (right off I-70 at
Morrison Rd, with trails taking you all the way to Red Rocks), Mt Falcon (near Morrison, this spot has more
evergreens than most Front Range hikes), Elk Meadow (near Evergreen, with elk herds and a true mountain feel),
Lair o' the Bear (between Evergreen and Morrison, also very mountainous), and White Ranch Park (south of
I-70, for mountain biking).
Golden Gate Canyon State Park ( 303-582-3707; www.parks.state.us/parks ; 92 Crawford Gulch Rd,
Golden; entrance/camping $7/24; 5am-10pm) Located halfway between Denver and Nederland, this massive
12,000-acre state park can be reached in about 45 minutes from downtown Denver. Take Hwy 93 north from
Golden 1 mile to Golden Gate Canyon Rd. Turn left and continue for 13 miles to the park. It has camping, a visit-
or center and plenty of trails. This is the best spot to see aspen trees close to Denver.
Staunton State Park ( 303-816-0912; www.parks.state.co.us/parks ) Colorado's newest state park sits on a
historic ranch site 40 miles west of Denver. It is accessed from Hwy 285 between Conifer and Bailey.
Waterton Canyon ( 303-634-3745; www.denverwater.org/recreation/watertoncanyon ; Kassler Center) South
of the city, just west of Chatfield Reservoir, this pretty canyon has an easy 6.5-mile trail to the Strontia Springs
Dam. From there, the Colorado Trail (CTF; 303-384-3729; www.coloradotrail.org ; PO Box 260876;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri) will take you all the w-ay to Durango! This trails also connects with the trails at Roxborough
State Park, further south. This is probably the best area for mobility-impaired nature lovers.
Pike National Forest ( 303-275-5610; 19316 Goddard Ranch Ct; 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri) Start exploring
this large national forest by picking up information available at the USFS South Platte Ranger Station, about 5
miles from Morrison. One good hike is found about 45 minutes south of Denver at Devil's Head Lookout (eleva-
tion 9748ft), on the highest summit in the forested Rampart Range. Although the area offers USFS campsites
($9), they are typically full and sometimes very noisy. Picnics and day hikes, however, are highly recommended.
To get there from Denver, follow US 85 south to Sedalia, then take Hwy 67 west for 10 miles to Rampart Range
Rd, which leads 9 miles to the Devils Head National Recreation Trail and picnic grounds.
Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area ( www.frmbp.org ; Pine Valley Ranch Park) If you're into single-track
mountain biking, this area has about 40 miles of bike trails, including the sections of the Colorado Trail that per-
mit bikes. There are two access points: the busiest is 3.5 miles south of Buffalo Creek, where Jefferson County
Rd 126 (S Deckers Rd) intersects the Colorado Trail. Another option is the Miller Gulch trailhead, reached from
Bailey by taking Park County Rd 68 for 5 miles, then veering left on Park County Rd 70 for another mile before
taking a left on USFS Rd 553. Miller Gulch Rd (USFS 554) will be on your right within half a mile. The South
Platte Ranger Station can provide you with a free pamphlet outlining some of the rides.
Tours
Stranahans Colorado