Editor’s note: This article has been corrected to clarify trail use at Apex Park.

In 1972, as Denver development steadily marched to the foothills, a population of voters approved portions of sales tax to serve as a safeguard. That vision of preservation became a major fund overseen by Jefferson County Open Space.

Today, the program has purchased more than 57,000 acres encompassing 27 parks and 269 miles of trail. These are some of the premier destinations:

Clear Creek Canyon Park

4,097 acres, 6 trail miles, Golden

It’s best known for tubing and rock climbing, but the recent focus has been expanding opportunities by ground. Near downtown, Gateway Trailhead opened in 2021 as a bold, super-scenic proclamation of Peaks to Plains Trail — the long-held vision for a bike path connecting the Denver metro area to the Continental Divide. Paralleling the paved Gateway segment, don’t miss the dirt Welch Ditch Trail skirting the upper canyonside.

White Ranch Park

3,953 acres, 21.7 trail miles, Golden

This is the second largest property in the Jefferson County Open Space system, showcasing the meadows, forests, viewsheds and wildlife habitats the program aims to preserve. White Ranch’s trail system is extensive enough to merit an overnight stay. Around the start of April through October, campsites are open to reservations.

Matthews/Winters Park

2,397 acres, 13.8 trail miles, Morrison

Between the bustle of Interstate 70 and interconnected highways running to and from Denver lies this colorful, miraculously quiet mosaic. Mountain bikers get their black-diamond thrills on the east side, over Dakota Ridge. The other side of the park includes Red Rocks Trail, which overlooks the iconic namesake concert amphitheatre.

Mount Falcon Park

2,252 acres, 12.2 trail miles, Morrison

The site of John Brisben Walker’s “castle in the clouds” — or a “Summer White House,” as the project was called — is now the site of mass recreation. The masses indeed flock to Mount Falcon Park for Castle Trail, which steeply travels about 3 miles to the remains of Walker’s dream: castle-like walls perched high amid a grand panorama.

Reynolds Park

2,050 acres, 16.8 trail miles, Conifer

On the west side of South Foxton Road, the park’s trails are reserved for hikers and equestrians. But there’s plenty left for bikers on the east side of the road. From the parking lot, North Fork Trail winds 10 miles to the South Platte River, with a roughly half-mile connection leading to an access point for Colorado Trail and its nearly 500 miles of opportunity.

North and South Table Mountains

North Table 1,998 acres, 17.2 trail miles; South Table 1,482 acres, 16.3 trail miles; Golden

The scenic town is backdropped by these two mesa tops. Both offer land and sky experiences, with some must-sees along their trail systems. For example: the Golden Cliffs of North Table and Carl’s Point of South Table.

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

1,135 acres, 16.3 trail miles, Evergreen

The park is defined by the stately pines and, of course, by its three namesake rock outcrops. From East Trailhead off Buffalo Park Road, Sisters Trail forms a loop around the trio, along with a spur to a stunning overlook: Brother’s Lookout.

Mount Galbraith Park

962 acres, 5.2 trail miles, Golden

While people on foot and bike must share the trail across much of Jefferson County, this is a hiking-only paradise. A trail wraps 1.6 miles around Mount Galbraith, with another half-mile path to Continental Divide views from the summit above 7,200 feet.

Apex Park

798 acres, 10.1 trail miles, Golden

Apex offers an example of how Front Range land managers are trying to serve growing populations and varying recreation interests that sometimes conflict. Certain trails are directional use and for bikes only on even calendar dates and for hikers and equestrians only on odd calendar dates. Regulars seek the wonder of trails with fitting names such as Enchanted Forest and Magic Mountain.