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!
Matthews/Winters Park where there’s a trail for every mood
Warning: This hike is so pretty, so close to town, so full of variable routes for every mood, that you’ll be tempted to just do this one all the time! It really is a gem any time of year. The park gets crowded and sometimes Jeffco Open Space closes it when it’s muddy to avoid over use and erosion. Check here for status.
The Matthews/Winters Park is just off the intersection of I-70 and west Colfax/Hwy 40. You’ll take the first exit heading west past the C470 exit and then turn left to get to the trail head. Super close to town!
This isn’t a big park, but there are really three routes I do on a regular basis depending on what I’m up for. The easy route stays low for about four miles and doesn’t have much incline, the hard route goes up and over a bluff for about six miles and has some great views. A super easy route is only about 3 miles and great for a quickie before a morning meeting. Grab a map at the trial head to see these obvious routes.
In the summer this park is pretty hot and you’ll want to keep your dogs on a leash (please keep your dogs leashed at all times anyway!) because of rattle snakes in the area. OK… a quick note about rattlesnakes: keep in mind, they are not interested in you in the slightest and only bite when they are threatened. So if you hear or see one, give it plenty of space and let it get out of the way. In the Fall they love to sun bathe on the trails so it’s not uncommon to happen upon them. Be alert, and remember you’re in their house.
In the winter, this park is a great place to go snowshoeing! I’ll do a write up on snow shoeing later in the winter, but in the meantime, know this park gets lots of snow and because of how flat the lower trail is, it’s a perfect place to give it a try the day after a big snow! I also love this park in the winter because it gets lots of sun.
One time I hiked this trail when it was 4 degrees out, but the sun was shining and we bundled up really tight and only spent about 45 minutes on the trail. I am a big proponent of just getting out on the trails even if your initial intentions fall short. Enjoy the journey, take plenty of pictures, breath deeply, and listen to your boots on the gravel.
GPS Locator: 1103 County Highway 93
Managed by: Jefferson County Open Space
Joy Opp
REALTOR®
303-868-8769
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.
More Joy on the Trails:
Winter Hiking Tips
Reynolds Park
