Park Map | Park History 
Find Park Management Plan

"Simplicity & elegance -- nature at its best."

- Linda Wood, Conifer

Meyer Ranch Park provides the perfect setting for an enjoyable hike or family picnic.  The large, grassy meadows and heavily forested slopes have been a community landmark for many years. 

History
The park is named after Norman F. and Ethel E. Meyer, former owners of the park site. The Meyers purchased the ranch in 1950 and used it mainly for grazing and haying. The park site has a rich and colorful history.

Duncan McIntyre and his family homesteaded the land by 1870. Louis Ramboz bought the McIntyre property in 1883 and had the present ranch house built in 1889. He worked the ranch for hay, timber and cattle until 1912. Legend has it that the ranch served as the winter quarters for animals of the P. T. Barnum Circus for several years in the late 1880's. Interestingly, when Norman Meyer was remodeling the house in 1995, he found a board with this inscription, "Circus Town, 1889".

A portion of what is now Meyer Ranch was used in the early 1940's for a ski hill. Remnants of the ski area are still visible at the upper end of the park, which is now a forested aspen grove.

Visitors to Meyer Ranch Park can enjoy picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The trail system features a series of loops to accommodate all hiking abilities. The outer loop goes to the top overlook and appeals to hardy hikers, while the easier lower loops are ideal for novices.

The lush meadows and aspen groves support a myriad of colorful wildflowers, such as columbine, wood lily, shooting star, lady slippers, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, showy daisy and iris.

Meyer Ranch Park also is home to abundant wildlife, including deer and elk. Hunting and overnight camping are not permitted in the park.

Please note:  The Meyers still own and reside in the historic Victorian home adjacent to the park on the north side of Highway 285. Please respect their privacy.

Getting There
Located on Route 285 approximately 1/2 mile east of Aspen Park, Colorado.

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