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"A pleasant meander among the pines."
- Craig Kozak, Centennial

The Ranch, complete with historic runway built by former airline pilot Captain John Schoonhoven, lends this park a fitting name.  Healthy meadows, forests, wetlands and stream provide habitat for songbirds, raptors and wintering elk among many species that call this park home.

History
Likely, Native American people used this area as it lies close to a traditional migration route known as the Ute Trail. These trails were also logical travel routes for the early prospectors and homesteaders.  During the great Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, toll roads were constructed at the present junction of Highway 73 and Barkley Road, just opposite the park.  Flying J Ranch Park encompasses two original homesteads of William Hagen and Ernest Hicks from the late 1800s.  Portions of the two homesteads were sold beginning in 1913.  In 1948, John and Marguerite Schoonhoven purchased the remaining land where they would raise cattle for decades.  Beginning in 1995, Jefferson County Open Space acquired Flying J Ranch property from the De La Castro and Schoonhoven families through multiple transactions.

Natural Resources
Wildlife such as elk, numerous avian species, Abert's squirrel and pine squirrel occupy the area.  A mix of Ponderosa pine, old growth lodge pole pine and fir make up the forest that has had significant management applied to improve the overall health.  Flying J Ranch Park also contains mixed meadows of native and non-native grasses and forbs, as well as a wetland meadow crossed by a boardwalk

Getting There
Travel south from Evergreen on County Highway 73 approximately 6.8 miles to the main trailhead entry road.  From US Highway 285 at Aspen Park, take Barkley Road to County Highway 73.  Turn north and travel to the main trailhead entrance. Alternative parking is available on Shadow Mountain Drive at Highway 73.

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: Mar 28, 2009 10:16 PM