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!
Deer Creek Canyon
If you live on the south side of the Denver Metro area, this park is practically in your backyard - and not many people know that! It’s got ample parking, an informative and well-managed trail head, and plenty of miles of trails to explore.
Meadowlark Trail is my favorite trail as it is “hikers only” and no bikes are allowed. This 1.5 mile stretch is uphill and makes for a great workout. From there, you can head back down another mile and a half on Plymouth Creek Trail and be done in about an hour and half. OR, continue UP Plymouth Creek and do a big scenic mountain loop for a total of 7 miles.
The trail starts in the foothills with little tree cover, but as you get higher, the forest becomes denser. In the summer, prepare for a hot start to your hike! Hiking down along the creek listening to the water babble is pure heaven, and when it’s frozen it echoes through the forest keeping you company with sounds of encouragement.
In the winter, Deer Creek Canyon can be icy, so bring traction like YakTrax or Kahtoola spikes. And I always have a single hiking pole which I alternate hands for balance and to ease the stress on my old lady knees on the way down.
This park is just a couple minutes from the Kipling exit off C470 and definitely a quiet week-day hiking spot. So if you live in Littleton - or want to explore this neck of the woods - make the drive to this hidden gem.
GPS Locator: 13388 Grizzly Drive, Littleton, CO 80127
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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