Visitors can take in all of Roxborough's geological wonders via a series of trails for every level of hiker. The trail system consists of 8 trails, totaling approximately 14 miles. The trail system connects to
Douglas County Open Space Trails,
Pike National Forest Trails,
Waterton Canyon, and the
Colorado Trail. Pedestrian traffic is the only designated use, which includes hiking, walking, running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on designated trails, with no pets permitted. Hikers are reminded to stay on the trail and beware of rattlesnakes and poison ivy.
Hours vary each month but generally the trails are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer and 8 a.m. to 5 in the winter.
Maps
Trail Profiles
Click on the graph to view a larger version.
Trail Descriptions
Fountain Valley Trail
The Fountain Valley Trail begins at the main trail head next to the Visitor Center. It is considered easy to moderate for hiking difficulty and consists of approximately 2.5 mile loop that winds through the Fountain and Lyons rock formations with a moderate change in elevation. ADA accessibility is minimal, though most wheelchairs can maneuver the Fountain Valley Trail with little or no difficulty during good weather conditions. The average hiking time is 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
The Trail includes 2 overlooks (Fountain Valley Overlook and Lyons Overlook), and a Historic Site (The Persse Place).
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Fountain Valley Overlook
- The Fountain Valley Overlook is only 100 yards from the Visitor Center and provides spectacular views of several beautiful rock formations, including the Fountain Formation, Lyons Formation, and the Dakota Hogback. The Fountain Valley Overlook features a viewing platform approximately 10'x8', and includes 2 benches.
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Lyons Overlook
- The Lyons Overlook in approximately 1 mile from the trail head and sits on top of the Lyons Formation, providing a view of the Fountain Formation. Both Overlooks can be reserved for special events and are often reserved on weekends throughout the summer.
Willow Creek Trail
The Willow Creek Trail begins at the main trail head next to the Visitor Center. However the trail ends at the lower parking lot. The Willow Creek Trail is mostly a single track trail, is considered moderate for hiking difficulty and consists of approximately 1.5 miles with minimal change in elevation. The Willow Creek Trail winds through scrub oak and the Willow Creek riparian area. The Willow Creek Trail is known for its abundance of wildflowers and variety of birds. The average hiking time is approximately 1 hour.
Willow Creek Falls Trail
The access to the Willow Creek Falls has been rerouted. The Willow Creek Falls can now be accessed by taking the Bear Canyon Trail.
Bear Canyon Trail
The Bear Canyon Trail starts off of the Carpenter Peak Trail, approximately 0.65 miles from the Visitor Center. The trail winds through scrub oak, grassy meadows and ends at the Willow Creek Falls. The Willow Creek Falls are seasonal and are not running throughout the year. The Bear Canyon Trail is considered moderate for hiking difficulty however there are approximately 60 steps leading down to the Willow Creek Falls. The average hiking time is 1 to 1.5 hours.
South Rim Trail
The South Rim Trail begins approximately 0.5 miles from the Visitor Center starting on the Carpenter Peak Trail. The South Rim Trail is a single track trail that is considered moderate for hiking difficulty. It is approximately 1.8 miles long with approximately a 500 foot elevation gain. The trail connects to the Carpenter Peak and Willow Creek Trails. The trail winds through scrub oak, cottonwoods, grassy meadows and through the Willow Creek riparian area. It then continues up the rocky outcrops of the Dakota Ridge Hogback opening up to a northern view of the valley giving a hiker a bird's eye view of the Dakota, Lyons and Fountain Formations. The average hiking time is approximately 2 hours.
Elk Valley Trail
The Elk Valley Trail connects the Carpenter Peak Trail to the Powerline Trail. The Trail begins approximately 1.75 miles from the Visitor Center. It can be reached by taking the Willow Creek Trail to the Carpenter Peak Trail. The Elk Valley Trail is approximately 0.70 miles in length.
Carpenter Peak Trail
The Carpenter Peak Trail begins approximately 0.5 miles up the Willow Creek Trail from the Visitor Center. The Carpenter Peak Trail is a single track trail that branches off from the Willow Creek Trail. It is approximately 3.25 miles in length or 6.5 miles roundtrip. The trail traverses a moderate-to-steep terrain and is a moderate to strenuous hike. Elevation gain to the top is approximately 1000 feet. Its summit is the highest point in the park and provides a spectacular 360 from downtown Denver to Pike National Forest. The average hiking time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
Dakota Ridge Overlook Trail
The Dakota Ridge Trail starts at Douglas County Road 5 approximately 2.25 miles from the Visitor Center. To reach the trail head you begin at the Visitor Center taking The Willow Creek Trail to the Carpenter Peak Trail and turn left at Douglas County Road 5. The Dakota Ridge Overlook Trail is approximately 0.3 miles long and ends at the Dakota Ridge Overlook. This trail is considered easy in hiking difficulty however the hike to the trail is moderate to strenuous.
The Dakota Ridge Overlook is approximately 10'x8' and includes 1 bench.
