Belmar Park - Lakewood
This walk loops through Belmar Park, a 127-acre natural parkland administered by the Lakewood Department of Parks and Recreation. The park is a “passive system” with only native grasses, trees, and wildflowers which are left un-groomed and uncut. Its borders contain riparian, prairie grassland, and swamp ecosystems. A long concrete trail follows the park's perimeter, and the area is divided by intersecting gravel paths and horse trails. Special attractions: Lakewood Heritage Center, Kountze Lake, Weir Gulch, waterfowl, nature study, and historic buildings and artifacts
Sloan Lake Park (Denver, CO)
Sloan Lake is the glassy centerpiece of Sloan Lake Park, a large preserve on the western edge of Denver. This land was once arid prairie, traversed only by a stagecoach and wagon track that connected Denver with the mountain gold fields. In 1861, however, farmer Thomas Sloan excavated a well and the next morning found a growing lake filling his property. It seems Sloan's well had penetrated a large underground aquifer that slowly drained onto the surface.
Located at Sheridan Blvd. & W. 17th Ave., this park features a basketball court, bicycle/pedestrian pathway, boating, football field, softball field, soccer field, tennis court, lighted tennis court, shelter, picnic area, flower gardens, two playgrounds, water skiing, and fishing.
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Crown Hill Park - Lakewood
Crown Hill Park spreads across a low rise that offers splendid views of the Front Range, stretching from 14,264-foot Mount Evans to flat-topped, 14,256-foot Longs Peak on the northwest horizon. Covering more than 200 acres, the park is a wild enclave of open space. Expansive Crown Hill Lake, the surrounding grasslands, and the park's wildlife sanctuary are refuges for birds and animals in the midst of relatively dense suburban development. This lovely 1.9-mile walk follows a paved trail around the lake before venturing into the wildlife area on a boardwalk and gravel path. It finishes by rejoining the paved lake trail. The walk yields great views of the snowy Rockies and allows you to experience nature in the city.
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Old Auraria (Denver, CO)
The western bank of Cherry Creek, a placid stream that flows from the Palmer Divide south of Denver, is the site of Auraria, one of the area's first settlements. Most of old Auraria was razed to make way for the Auraria Higher Education Center, a 171-acre campus that is now part of the University of Colorado at Denver, Metropolitan State College, and the Community College of Denver. Local preservationists, including Historic Denver, Inc. and the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission, were able to save some of the area's notable buildings and houses. This walk explores the remaining historic buildings on the Auraria Campus as well as the nearby Denver Performing Arts Complex. Special attractions: Denver Performing Arts Complex, St. Elizabeth's Church, Ninth Street Historic District, St. Cajetan's Church, old Tivoli Brewery, and Cherry Creek
Genesee Park
Genesee Park was protected by Denver businessmen who purchased it from a timber company in 1911. After Denver voters approved creating a mountain park system in 1912, Genesee was the first acquisition. The initial Genesee Bison Herd was transported from Yellowstone National Park in 1914. The herd can be seen north of I-70 at exit 254. Genesee Park’s 2,403 acres was divided in 1936 for Hwy 40 and again in 1972 for I-70. South of I-70 (Genesee Drive) facilities include trails, a stone shelter and house, toilets, ball fields, summit flag pole, Chief Hosa Lodge & Campground and extraordinary views. Facilities north of I-70 (Stapleton Drive) include experiential recreation area, Braille Trail and connection with the historic Beaver Brook Trail.
Fillius Park
Fillius Park is 108 acres (preserved in 1915-18) west of the traffic signal at Bergen Parkway with historic stone shelters, grills, toilets, and picnic tables. The summit on the south side of the park offers picnic tables with extraordinary views of the Continental Divide.
Bergen Park
Bergen Park is 25 acres, south of shopping area, that was preserved in 1915. It offers historic stone picnic shelters, toilets and a trail that connects with JeffCo Open Space Pioneer Trail, which ends at Evergreen Lake.
Dedisse Park
Dedisse Park is 420 acres preserved in 1919 with historic stone shelters and bridge, a golf course (acquired in 1926) and Evergreen Lake and Dam for fishing and boat recreation in 1928. After the 1976 Big Thompson flood, Denver’s liability was released with agreements with Evergreen Metro District, Evergreen Parks & Rec District, and JeffCo Open Space.
Pence/O’Fallen/Corwina Parks
Pence/O’Fallen/Corwina Parks are 1480 acres at Hwy 74 in Bear Creek Canyon, east of Kittredge, preserved 1914-38. It was known as Denver’s Municipal Trout Stream during the 1920s. Outstanding stone shelters and bridges remain in these beautiful parks.
Little Park
Little Park is 400 acres south of Idledale, preserved in 1914 as part of Denver acquisition of four miles of Bear Creek Canyon Frontage to protect it from development by 1920.
Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park, along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, is named for the towering 300-foot sandstone rock formations within its 868 acres. The red rocks near the amphitheatre are called “Creation,” “Ship Rock (formerly called “Titanic”),” and “Stage Rock,” and attract visitors from around the world. The giant rocks form the stage and seating area of a unique outdoor theater. There is not another amphitheatre in the world like the naturally formed one in Red Rocks Park.
The park also boasts a 200-mile panoramic view of Denver and the plains. On a clear day, the tent-like domes of the terminal of Denver International Airport 45 miles east of Denver are visible. Extensive hiking trails and natural areas surround the geological formations. Picnic sites are available, and additional picnic sites may be found in Denver’s Morrison Park.
