Deer Creek Canyon

The journey I take when I walk through the woods is more to me than just the discovery of the beauty of nature, it is truly the discovery of myself.  For when I walk amongst the natural world I find a quiet & peace within me that I know nowhere else.

This month’s journey is to a beautiful place in Jefferson County , Deer Creek Canyon.  To get there take C-470 to Wadsworth Avenue South, turn right at South Deer Creek Canyon Road go approximately 4 miles to Grizzly Drive turn left and wind your way for ¼ to a ½ of mile to the parking (on your right).

The trails we took again created our own loop the total hike is approximately 2.7 miles, it begins at an elevation of 5,950 & peaks at a height of 6,450.  The total elevation gain is 500 feet & it’s a glorious romp through the foothills that gives you amazing views of the Front Range, Denver & the surrounding Deer Creek Canyon area.  I would consider this hike an urban hike as it’s nestled in a neighborhood but rarely do you see the homes, businesses or any reference to the neighborhood.

On this trail you are allowed to bring your dogs as long as they are leashed.  We began on the Meadowlark Trial which starts right from the parking area & heads west into the foothills. The trail winds through the hills & in & out of pines & gamble oaks.  The elevation gain begins after about ½ a mile but because of the switchbacks & winding trail in general you don’t really feel the elevation gain like so many other trails. The red rocks on the walls of the canyon around this area are beautiful anytime of the year but I love the way the white snow sets off the colors all around you.

The Meadowlark trail is only open to hikers so there’s no concern on this part of the trail for bikers or people on horseback.  After continuing for about a mile you reach the highest point of this hike the views all around you are amazing as you can see most of the Front Range as well as Denver.

Once you’ve taken in the views from the top you begin to slowly move back down.  You’ll leave any thought of being in an urban neighborhood behind as you wind between two hills & into an alpine forest.  At the end of the Meadowlark trail you’ll cross a bridge & turn to your left.  The evergreen trees envelop you as you start back towards the parking lot. In addition to the evergreens you have sections of the trail that have large boulders.  You follow this section of the trail for approximately ½ a mile once you leave the forest behind.  You’ll have a hard turn to your left.  This section of the trail isn’t well marked ahead is Plymouth Creek Trail which Meadowlark trail runs right into if you continue straight you’ll  continue back up a steep climb. 

Instead, follow the Plymouth Creek trail back to your left & you’ll wind your way back to the parking lot in just over a mile.

This hike was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.  We enjoyed the views & the topography of this hike a lot.  I encourage you to check it out when you have a chance.

 

Till next time,

Bill

The Bluffs

Often in my life trying to find time to get away & enjoy the outdoors is a challenge, since I’ve moved to Colorado that challenge has grown because I long to be out in the beauty we have around us every day.  I have enjoyed exploring this state & look forward to continuing to find the best places to go & be a part of nature.  I thank all of you for your comments & suggestions & hope over the coming years I can see all the places that you each hold so dear.

Even though the mountains are close for many of us, when I don’t have the time to run away to even the foothills, I’ve found a place that warms my heart & allows me to see the front range in all its glory!  This place is called Bluffs Regional Park, it’s located off of I-25 south of Denver.  The easiest way to get there is to get off at Lincoln Avenue go west to Yosemite turn left (South) there’s a sign approximately ¼ of a mile on your right side to turn & go to the end of the road.  The park is free & accessible with dogs or by bike if you prefer.

The hike itself allows you to see panoramic views of Denver, the Denver Tech Center & much of the front range.  There’s plenty of parking most days & the path is fairly easy.  The total hike is approximately 2 ¾ miles with an elevation gain of only 250ft or so.  The trail is well marked & there are two separate side trails you can take to overlooks that are amazing.

When leaving the parking lot the trail splits to the right & left (this is a loop trail), I have always gone to the right by doing this you avoid the greatest elevation gain till about halfway through the hike.  If you choose to go to the left the elevation gain is immediate.

The trail is very winding & moves through an urban area that is surrounded by many houses.  The rolling hills that make up The Bluffs hide & reveal these houses at various points throughout the hike.  After walking for 1/3 of a mile or so, you get your first look at the City of Denver off to your right.  As you continue on the path the front range opens up in front of you & all the glory of mountains can be seen.

The path continues to meander through these rolling hills as you reach the halfway point you make a turn back towards the parking lot, this is when the hike can become a bit difficult as within approximately ¼ of a mile you walk up the highest of the Bluff’s hills.  Once you reach the top there’s a path to your left that leads to one of the two lookouts, I encourage you to checkout both of these view points as you can see for miles in all directions.  If you choose to continue to the right in a few hundred feet there’s a trail that goes to the left to the second lookout.  I enjoy this spot the best as you can see the trail below.

After leaving the last lookout you work your way back to the parking lot.  The total hike should take you between 1 – 1.5 hours & is lovely in any kind of weather.  In the summer months you’ll want to pay more attention to the bikers but overall for an urban hike this one can’t be beat.

Till next time,

Bill