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Waterton Canyon Closure Extended to March 2012

Bring a picnic and enjoy the attractive shelters located near the parking lot.  Multi-use and hiker only trails provide many options for park visitors.  Of the diverse and natural environments of Deer Creek Canyon Park, perhaps the most striking is the scrub oak habitat.  Uncommon in Jefferson County, Gambel oak provides important food and cover for wildlife including mule deer, elk, turkey, grouse, mountain lion and bear.

History
Deer Creek Canyon Park had its beginnings as a campground for wandering bands of Ute and Arapahoe. The 1,881-acre Open Space park was first homesteaded in 1872 by a man from Plymouth, England, John Williamson. Back then, Deer Creek's rolling hills and fertile fields attracted both farmers and miners. John Williamson's famed Glen Plym Ranch, as well as the Couch and Clark Homesteads, all sat within the current park boundaries.

Other personalities that frequented the Deer Creek area included Alferd Packer, Jesse James, Chief Colorow and "Horse Thief" Thompson. Packer, Colorado's famous cannibal, moved to Critchell in 1901 after being paroled from the state penitentiary. He spent his last years in a cabin in Phillipsburg. Packer and others worked on Deer Creek's many ranches and mines. Local mines yielded a wealth of gold and silver, while the flatlands were known for producing abundant hay, wheat and corn crops.

Natural Resources
Deer Creek Canyon Park encompasses diverse, natural environments. Perhaps most striking is the scrub oak habitat, uncommon in Jefferson County. Although small in stature, the scrub oak (Quercus gambelli) provides important food and cover for wildlife including grouse, turkeys, mule deer, elk, mountain lions, and black bears. Look for clues animals leave behind; listen to the music of song birds; watch for birds of prey soaring over head; and enjoy this special Open Space park.

Getting There
13896 Grizzly Drive, Littleton CO 80127  From the metro area, travel south on C-470 to Kipling exit.  Turn west, (right) on W. Ute Avenue, then west (right) on Deer Creek Canyon Road.  Turn left on Grizzly Drive, then right into Deer Creek Canyon Park.

It is your responsibility to know and obey Open Space rules and regulations.  Users assume liability for all risks associated with visiting this Open Space area.  Responsible use protects this resource for all citizens of Jefferson County.

Last Modified: Dec 30, 2011 02:38 PM