BIKING AND HIKING

Below is a list of some things to do outdoors around Golden. Be sure to check out this Golden Outdoor Recreation Page as well as the Outdoor Recreation Center at the School of Mines. They'll give you advice about activities outdoors and make sure you have all the information and equipment you need to have a great time.

There is no charge to use any of these Jefferson County parks. Most places have bathrooms and picnic shelters. For more information, contact Jefferson County Open Space, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80401; phone (303) 271-5925. Also, Jefferson County Open Space maps are found in the public libraries, at no cost.

REMEMBER: take water, sunscreen, a hat, a raincoat, a jacket, and food. Sudden rain storms and lightning are common. When climbing high mountains, get off the peaks by noon or 1:00 because of afternoon rainstorms!

NOTICE: Some trails have signs saying "NO BIKES."

In Golden: Clear Creek Trail: west from Washington St. along scenic river.
Chimney Gulch Trail: Access at Hwy 6 and on Lariat Look Rd.
Heritage Dells: from Apex Trail north to Heritage Dells Park.
Tucker Gulch Trail: begins at Vanover Park located at Ford and Water St.
Trail follows natural drainage through North Golden ending at Normal D Park.

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park: Many types of birds and small animals can be seen here. The rocks are known as "The Three Sisters" and "The Brother." Go west on I-70 , exit at Evergreen., take Hwy 74 south. At Evergreen Lake turn east (left turn). Turn right on Hwy 89, which is Buffalo Park Rd. Look for trailhead sign at Wilmot School.

Apex Park: Apex Wagon Road was one of the early routes to the gold fields of Central City. Many trails can be found in this area but they are not easy to walk or ride (steep). Take Illinois south to 19th, turn right; at the light turn left. Turn right on Highway 93; go past Golden Ridge Apartments. Trailhead is on the right.

Crown Hill trails: 6.5 miles; 3 1/2 miles are paved and form two major loops. Nature preserve, wild life sanctuary in the northwest corner of the park. A lake is in the middle, with trails around it. Trails are found between 26th and 32nd Ave. at Kipling St. At 13th and Ford go east, past Coors; just follow the road because it changes its name to 32nd Ave.

Elk Meadow Park: Wildlife viewing, picnic areas, wild flowers, small animals, wide diversity of ecosystems (meadow and grassland, transitional zone, foothills zone, and montane zone, subalpine). I-70 west, exit to Hwy 74 (south); watch for entrance sign to the park.

Mount Falcon Park:from ILC, go south on Illinois and turn right on 19th; turn left at the stop sign (Hwy 6); turn right on Hwy 93 at the next stop light; go past Heritage Square, cross under I-70 still heading south. Go into town of Morrison and turn right at the T-intersection, then left onto Hwy 8. The first sign for the park is for a hike which is in the open; follow signs for the upper parking area to avoid some walking. Upper trail is wooded and shaded. About 20 minutes from Golden. Ruins of J.B. Walker's castle, restrooms, picnic area, shelters, views.

Lair O'the Bear Park: from ILC, go south on Illinois and turn right on 19th; turn left at the stop sign (Hwy 6); turn right on Hwy 93 at the next stop light; go past Heritage Square, cross under I-70 still heading south. Go into town of Morrison, turn right onto the main street and go west on Hwy 74 following Bear Creek. Watch for signs on the left side of the road.

Mathews/Winters Park: from ILC, go south on Illinois and turn right on 19th; turn left at the stop sign (Hwy 6); turn right on Hwy 93 at the next stop light; go past Heritage Square, cross under I-70 still heading south. Take the first right turn after crossing under I-70.

Meyer Ranch Park: from ILC, go south on Illinois and turn right on 19th; turn left at the stop sign (Hwy 6); turn right on Hwy 93 at the next stop light; go past Heritage Square, get on I-70 heading east (go under the overpass). About a mile later turn right on C-470; exit west on 285; look for park signs. Deer and elk, also many wild flowers may be seen.

Prospect Park: Wheat Ridge.I-70 to Ward Rd. exit. Turn left on 44th; park is on the right. Bus #44 goes right in front of this park.
Red Rocks/Dakota Ridge Trail: trailheads at Matthews/Winters Park . See directions to Matthews/Winters. South side of Morrison Road from Matthews/Winters.

White Ranch Park: Out of Golden, go north on highway 93; turn left (west) at the sign for White Ranch/Golden Gate Canyon. Turn right on Drew Hill road, a non-paved road. Follow signs. About 20 minutes from Golden.

There are many other hiking/biking trails around the state. Each county issues maps at no charge. The above are only some of the Jefferson County trails, which are closest to Golden. Many are open year round.

BIKE RENTALS:
CSM Outdoor Rec Center, on campus
Golden Bike, 722 Washington, Golden