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!
Near Conifer, Reynolds Park is a bit of drive… and worth it!
If you’ve ever gotten up with the intention to hike that day, and wavered for some reason, just put this park on your radar and you will bolt out the door aiming to get started! This spectacular park is on the edge of Jefferson County and about 45 minutes from the metro area, and is well worth the drive.
You’ll be heading out Hwy 285 toward Conifer and then heading south for several miles to get to this location. There are two trailheads and the first one accesses the trails designated for hikers only. Head to the second trail head for a spectacular mountain bike ride. Mountain biking is not my jam so I’ll be highlighting the trails at the first stop.
There are three loops accessible from the first trail head. One very short half-mile loop is accompanied by some literature at the trailhead for a nature walk. This loop is called Elkhorn and is perfect for tiny hikers, elders, or a leisurely janut after lunch. Take the Oxen Draw trail to Raven’s Roost for a total of two miles that meander through the forest and has a pretty gently incline. Add another 2.3 miles on the Eagle’s View trail for a truly spectacular hike with sweeping views, forest walks, and even wild raspberry picking in the summer!
Bear activity!
One hot summer day, I was hiking this trail with a group of young moms and we came across a huge patch of wild raspberries. I normally don’t like to go off trail because it can lead to erosion in some circumstances, but this time we just couldn’t resist. We spread out a little and each of us just started snacking on the pure sweetness of these berries and couldn’t stop exclaiming how flavorful and amazing they were.
Just then one of the ladies exclaimed that she saw a large patch where the berries had been stripped and it looked like something had just ravaged the area. I walked over and immediately had the inclination that a bear had been there recently and was no doubt full from such a bounty! Needless to say, we hustled out of there pretty quickly… but even today I reflect on how special it is that we can explore these areas close to home and share them with the native wildlife.
As a reminder, the wild spaces in our park systems are there for us to use. Everyone is welcome and our tax dollars and lottery proceeds go to keeping these trails safe and the facilities clean. But ultimately we are guests here and we should be respectful of the original residents. Stay aware, stay on the trails, and leave no trace of your visit.
Trailhead GPS: 13649 South Foxton Road, Conifer, CO 80433
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.
Joy Opp
REALTOR®
303-868-8769
