Boasting the highest incorporated town in North America, Park County is located in the geographical center of Colorado. At only about and hour and half from Denver or Colorado Springs and within an hour of Breckenridge and Denver, Park County is a short trip to an outdoor playground. The county offers a remarkable range of experiences for hikers. Here are five hiking hotspots to visit.
1) Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center
Nestled within Pike National Forest, beginners or those with small children will enjoy Puma Point Trail at Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center. Twelve miles west of Lake George, the center provides a 0.9-mile loop interpretive trail that spans a meadow and woods. The trail leads to a lookout point with outstanding views of South Park and the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges. Restrooms, picnic tables, and a gift shop are available. Friendly volunteers are also on hand to answer travel questions.
2) Kenosha Pass
Positioned an hour south of Denver on Hwy 285, Kenosha Pass is easily accessible by most passenger vehicles. Hikers can enjoy a variety of wildflowers in the summer, changing Aspens in the fall, and snowshoeing in the winter. The Pass provides access to an especially popular part of The Colorado Trail. To hike the trail in the Pike National Forest, a day use fee must be paid. Parking areas can be found on both sides of the road at the summit. They are especially crowded in the fall when the changing colors of the Aspen trees draw large numbers of leaf peepers. Restrooms are also available at the summit, but they do not offer running water. For those who want to stay overnight, campgrounds are located on either side of the highway and include grills, picnic tables, and fire rings.
3) Eleven Mile State Park and Reservoir
Situated around a stunning alpine lake, Eleven Mile State Park is known for its serene environment and natural beauty. Hikes include an excellent range of all Colorado has to offer: from aspen and evergreen forests to peaceful meadows to mountain vistas. The park provides five miles of trails for hikers of all levels. Hard Rock Interpretive Trail or Overlook Trail are shorter and more accessible, while those in search of more rigorous terrain can choose from a range of trails in the area. The park is open from 8:00am-3:00pm Friday-Tuesday and closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the summer. Services are limited during the winter months, but a self-service station is available to visitors. Camping is also available by reservation only.
4) Granite Pillars on Bison Peak
Located two hours from Denver in the mountains of the Lost Creek Wilderness, Bison Peak provides a challenging 12 mile hike to unique granite formations and expansive mountain vistas. Along the trail, hikers will find about two miles of rock gardens to enjoy. Hikers may be treated to sights of marmots and chipmunks among the formations. Be prepared for windy conditions and the need to take all supplies needed for the duration of the hike, as well as an experience that will not disappoint. The 360° view from the top truly makes the hike.
5) Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Established only an hour drive from Colorado Springs, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument was set aside to protect one of the richest fossil deposits in the world. Hikers can explore the park’s network of 8 interconnected hiking trails, totaling 15 miles. Make sure to visit the one-mile, self-guided Petrified Forest Loop for viewing of the petrified redwood stumps. A variety of wildlife can be seen within the 6,000-acre park, including mule deer, elk, and eagles. Picnic areas, a visitor center with exhibits, and restrooms are on-site. The monument is operated by the National Park Service, requiring an entrance fee of $10 for those over 16.
With a myriad of options for sampling the diversity of the Colorado wilderness, Park County has the hike to please. For properties we have for sale in Park County, visit e24land.com.