"Adopt the pace of nature."
-- Linda Wood,
Conifer, CO

A real jewel in the Open Space crown, Pine Valley Ranch offers scenic vistas and recreational opportunities for all.  Visitors may enjoy fishing from one of the pond piers, winter ice skating, observatory programs and exploring trails in this southern-most open space park.  Trails also connect to the Pike National Forest for additional recreation.

History
Pine Valley Ranch Park possesses a unique blend of historic and natural features. From 1896 to 1986, Pine Valley was home to many of Colorado's homesteading and ranching families. Early owners of Pine Valley included J.W. Hildebrand, Thomas Gusher, the Liming Family and the William Baehr family. The Pine Valley Lodge which sits above the parking lot, was built in 1925 for William Baehr, a wealthy Chicago businessman.

Reminiscent of the manor homes found in Germany's Black Forest, Pine Valley Lodge took only 90 days to build. J.B. Benedict (Baehr's architect) and his crew of sixty men worked 24 hours a day in order to meet Mr. Baehr's deadline. In subsequent years, Mr. Baehr's foreman, Conrad Johnson, added an observatory, pagoda, ice shed, barn, water wheel and tea house to the property, which had come to be known as the "Baehr-den of the Rockies".

Besides its ranching history, Pine Valley served three other industries as well...lumber, ice and the railroads. Trees were cut from Pine Valley and the surrounding mountains during a boom in the timber industry in the late 1800's. Toward the end of the century when logging was at its peak, a large forest fire swept through the South Platte River Valley and destroyed what little forest remained. Around this time ice production was another popular industry which operated at Pine Valley Ranch. Water was diverted from the North Fork of the South Platte river into various, local man-made lakes like the one on the park. Ice blocks were cut and shipped via the Colorado and Southern Railroad to Denver.

The railroad had a temporary stop constructed at the ranch in order to deliver heavy freight and building supplies. By 1937, the branch of the railroad which served the South Platte Canyon was abandoned. Today, the Narrow Gauge Trail follows the original railroad bed.

Getting There
From U.S. Highway 285 at Pine Junction, turn southeast onto Pine Valley Road (County Road 126).  Continue 5.8 miles toward the town of Pine, then follow the signs to the park.

Facilities
Observatory programs are scheduled through the Lookout Mountain Nature Center, call 720-497-7600.

To reserve a shelter for an event, please call the Open Space office at: 303-271-5925 or Facility Information at Pine Valley Ranch 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: Jul 26, 2010 09:00 AM