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 whether you’re 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!
Flat and Scenic, and perfect in the winter months
If you need a go-to for a quick run (never in my life have I needed this, but you may!) or your old lady knees can’t take any more incline this week, check out South Valley Park just off C-470 and Ken Caryl Rd. Ample parking means you’ll find a spot during busy weekends, and there are several picnic tables scattered near the trailhead if you just want to bring dinner and watch the sun set against the rocks.
From the parking lot just off Ken Caryl Rd, there is a flat two mile loop that offers truly spectacular scenery. Jefferson County’s website describes “dramatic red sandstone spires and stunning views of craggy outcroppings” and I couldn’t have said it better myself.
In the winter months, right after a big snow, this is a PERFECT snowshoeing trail. But get there early in the day and immediately after it snows because it will get packed down quickly. Once it’s packed, just use a traction device on your boots and bundle up and you’ve got a perfect winter outing close to town.
On a side note, the rock formations in this area mark the southern tip of the Hogback, a geological formation that stretches south out of Golden and includes a ton of dinosaur remnants. A fun outing with kids is to the Dinosaur Ridge Visitors Center.
And on another side note, bird watching in South Valley Park is super cool… badass sparrows guard their nests and hawks are on the prowl for rodents and snakes. So you can either come to get in a quick work out, or come to hang out for a while enjoying the area!
Trailhead GPS: 8354 South Valley Road, Littleton, CO 80127
Managed by: Jefferson County Open Space
