My husband and I made the switch from cement to trails a few years ago and we haven't looked back. Trails offer so many benefits it is easy to see why their popularity is gaining. We crossed over because of back and knee issues, but immediately found the serenity and beauty to be our number one reason for seeking out new trails and staying with our favorites. If you live in the Denver area, or are visiting, you should check out the trails maintained through Open Space Parks.
Mount Falcon
Mount Falcon Park is a part of Jefferson County's Open Space Park system and is located above Morrison, Colorado just to the west of Denver. Head out of Denver on US 285 and turn right at the Indian Hills turn off. Follow Parmalee Gulch road for about five miles and turn right onto Picutis Road. Follow the signs to the park.
This Park offers multiple trails from single track to wide and flat as well as forested or open meadows. This area was purchased by Jefferson County in 1974 but was once owned by one of Denver's most ambitious tycoons, John Brisben Walker. During the early 1900s Walker built a mansion atop Mount Falcon which had spectacular views of the eastern plains. It was his dream home, but due perhaps to a lightning strike it burned to the ground in 1918 just two years after his wife's death. The stone walls still remain atop as homage to his grand dreams.
From the west parking lot hit the Castle Trail just until you come upon the latrines. Take the trail to your right, Parmalee Trail, for two miles of single track wonder. This is a multi-use trail, but the mountain bikers seem to know their etiquette; bikers yield to everyone and everyone yields to horses. You rarely find anyone else on this trail and this is why it has become our favorite getaway. You do need to make sure you take water, pepper spray and possibly a bear bell. Run prepared. Mountain lions have been spotted in the area.
From Parmalee turn left on Old Ute Trail for 0.2 miles until you reach Devils Elbow which is a 1.1 mile loop bringing you back to Old Ute. Continue on the Old Ute Trail which turns into the Meadow Trail for 0.5 miles. You'll connect back up with the Castle Trail and have a wide flat run for about 0.4 miles. This loop is challenging and steep at times.
This is just one run in the Park's multiple trail system. It's a great place to run with beautiful scenery and you should check it out if you want a quick break from city life.
Matthew Winters Park
This Park is comprised of land purchased by Jefferson County from the Matthews family and the Winter's family, as well as a few others. Historically, this location, near Mount Vernon Canyon, was a gateway to the gold rush areas of Central City and Black Hawk, but fortunes rose and fell due to the Civil War, Indian raids, weather conditions and the depression.
Getting to the Park is a quick escape west on I-70. Take the US Highway 40 exit and go south. The park is on your right and has limited parking.
From the parking lot take the Village Walk Trail on your right, which is for hikers and equestrians only. The Village Ride Trail is for bikers only so make sure you don't take the trail to your left. The Village Walk is 0.3 miles until you hit the Red Rocks trail which is another 0.8 miles until you reach the fork for the Morrison Slide Trail. This is a steep trail and you have a choice to go steep or stay low. You can continue on the Red Rocks Trail for another 0.8 miles or take the upper trail for 1.2 miles. Both converge with one another as you come upon spectacular red rock outcroppings. From their intersection you have another 1.2 miles of trail to the parking lot before you turn around and head back.
This trail does offer some water crossings depending on the weather. It has beautiful scenery and wildlife. I've seen elk on this run, but I also know there are probably rattlesnakes and mountain lions as well. It is heavily traveled and the mountain bikers do not always use etiquette. Make sure you take your water and sunscreen.
Both trails are on either side of Morrison, Colorado. Matthew Winters is on the North and Mount Falcon is on the South. Get your running shoes on and check out these great Open Space trails.
Leslie Bogar - Leslie is the Dean of Students at a college preparatory high school in the Denver Metro area. She has been involved in education for 20 ...
