Dakota Ridge and Red Rocks Trail Loop

Matthews/Winters Park, which is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system, is proof that you do not have to go far from the city to enjoy the mountains. Nestled in the foothills between Golden and Morrison just off I-70 and C-470, Matthews/Winters is easy to access from Denver and any of the foothill communities. But don’t be fooled by its proximity to the city: this park is really beautif...

Start at the trailhead located at 1103 County Hwy. 93 and enjoy a little warm up time by the creek that winds past wild plum, chokecherry, and willow trees. Matthews-Winters Park is filled with red rock formations that make for amazing scenery. It also has the remnants of a historic cemetery. The property was once part of the Town of Mount Vernon, gateway to mining regions to the west and boast...

The hiking trail starts at the parking lot located across from the Dinosaur Ridge Discovery center (which you should totally go check out!). Once you park you will follow the gated and paved Alameda Parkway towards the ridge. Along the way there will be several sites on the left until you reach the ridge. Once you start heading down the parkway there will be more sites with the third to last wi...

Argos Trail & Magic Mountain Trail Loop is a scenic loop that's great for stretching your legs in Apex Park near Golden Colorado. This trail is fun for the family (baby carrier needed for families with newborns) and for your pup (on-leash). NOTEOdd days of the month (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are for hikers or equestrians only NO bikesEven days of the month (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) are for bikes o...

I loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!). I take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking lot along Alameda Parkway. You continue up this trail until it intersects with the Green Mountain Tra...

While this is a 6 mile hike, it is relatively easy to add mileage to it and tailor it to fit your needs. Instead of simply doing the Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide loop, you can head all the way to the Village Walk trail in Matthews-Winters. You can also park along Red Rocks Trail Road and eliminate .70 miles from the journey.In the winter, the north sides of all the mountains are pretty snow c...