Joy on the Trails is a blog series detailing all the incredible hiking trails within an hour of Denver. All the trails featured are accessible to anyone new to hiking, or just wanting to get out without driving for hours into the mountains. I hope you uncover your own joy of hiking and I hope you’re inspired to try a few of my favorite trails. And if you’re so inclined, join me sometime… I’m out there a lot!
31627 Broadmoor Dr
Evergreen
MLS 8412732
Listed at $1,200,000
Elk Meadow
If you’ve ever dreamed about living just steps away from premier single track hiking trails, West + Main Homes’ agent Melanie Erdmann has a brand new listing you’ll want to take a peep at. It’s across Evergreen Parkway from one of my favorite Jefferson County Open Space parks, Elk Meadow Parl, and the spectacular Painters’ Pause trail.
Elk Meadow Park is just off Evergreen Parkway, and there are two trail heads. To take the Painters Pause and Meadow View trails, park at the trailhead just off Lewis Ridge Rd. This route is longish at 4.5 miles and doesn’t have steep incline.
The lower portion of the trail is through the meadow just off Evergreen Pky and isn’t the most pleasant because of the traffic noise, but once you head up into the forest, it’s lovely!
I ALWAYS carry a traction device for my boots when I hike in the winter. Patches of packed snow in the shade settle in like mini ice rinks. So as soon as the trail heads up the mountain with northern exposure, these bad boys are mandatory. After a quick set of switch backs, you’re on a flatter portion of the trail for a couple miles and you are treated to some rich pine forest, as well as grassy meadow views.
There is an important trail junction at the end of the Meadow View trail, and if you don’t make the right decision, you’ll end up at the wrong parking lot - just trust a sister when she tells you, grab a map at the trailhead!
So if you’re in the mood for something long and flat-ish, check out Elk Meadow’s lower loop along Meadow View Trail. But until the end of March, remember your spikes or boot traction.
Elk Meadow GPS Locator: 2855 Bergen Peak Dr, Evergreen CO
Managed by: Jefferson County Open Space
Come hiking with me!
If you want more information on this or other trails in the area, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Just like the homes I sell, I can even show it to you in person! And learn more about my Realtor life here.
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