Meyer Ranch Park, just west of Denver, CO, is a small park maintained by the Jefferson County Department of Open Space. It has several trails that make for a relaxing day hike during a weekend summer afternoon or after work during the weekday. It is also a great place to take the family dog for a hike.
How to Get to Meyer Ranch Park
To get to Meyer Ranch Park, drive west from Denver on Highway 285. Exit at South Turkey Creek Road. The exit ramp will take drivers back around and under the highway, right to the dirt parking lot for the park. There is head-in parking and parallel parking in the lot, as well as spaces reserved for handicap parking.
Hiking Trails at Meyer Ranch Park
There are several hiking trails at Meyer Ranch Park that, when combined together, make a five-mile loop. Begin at the parking lot, hiking uphill on a wide trail to the trailhead kiosk. Here hikers can find park maps, information about the park, and a trash can.
Continue uphill on a wide, open trail past a restroom facility. Here the trail splits, with the Owls Perch Trail creating a small loop to the right. Take the trail to the left and continue hiking to the intersection with the Lodgepole Loop. Take a left and hike uphill until reaching a junction with the Sunny Aspen Trail. Take another left and hike another half mile to a backcountry picnic area. While hiking along these trails, take some time to appreciate the lodgepole pine trees, some of which have been affected by pinebark beetles, and also the aspen trees.
The picnic area makes a good place to take a rest break, before continuing left up onto the Old Ski Run Trail, named for when there was a ski hill in the 1940s. This trail is a loop trail in itself, taking hikers to the highest elevation in the park, before looping around and ending back at the picnic area. Along the way there is a vista area with a bench for appreciating the view of the highway below.
To return to the trailhead, take a left at the picnic area onto the Sunny Aspen Trail, and another left onto Lodgepole Loop. This will take the hiker back to the junction with the Owls Perch Loop. Make a third left onto the Owls Perch Loop, which will eventually take hikers back to the parking lot.
Things to Keep in Mind When Hiking at Meyer Ranch Park
- The park is open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
- Stop along the way to view wildflowers and animals such as squirrels.
- Pack out any trash that is brought in.
- Fires are allowed only in designated areas.
- Dogs must be leashed, and owners should clean up after their pets.
For more information about hiking at Meyer Ranch Park, including a downloadable park map, visit Jefferson County Open Space online.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
Join the Conversation