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In-depth design feature | Waterton Canyon Closure Extend to March 2012

 "Peace and quiet in a suburban setting."

--Gabrielle Handley, Littleton

Stretching from the plains across the hogback, Hildebrand Ranch Park offers trail based recreation in the southwestern metro area.  The Two-Brands Trail provides a five mile loop experience when visitors access the hard surface connector managed by South Suburban Park and Recreation District.   A sister park to Deer Creek Canyon and South Valley Parks, the Hildebrand Ranch Park vision of a regional amenity continues to be pursued while protecting resources and honoring private property rights.  Park visitors are encouraged to be good neighbors, please do not trespass on private property.

Natural Resources
The major natural resource attributes of Hildebrand Ranch Park include the Foothills-Canyon Riparian communities of Deer Creek and Mill Creek, the Foothills-Shrubland, Foothills-Meadow and Ponderosa Pine Savannah communities.   The environment supports several raptors, prairie dogs, mule deer, elk, bear, mountain lion and burrowing owls. The Dakota, Lyons and Niobrara hogbacks are dominant landforms in the park.

History
In 1866 Frank Hildebrand settled in Deer Creek.  Although records about Hildebrand's acquisition of the land are somewhat contradictory, the ownership was undisputed.  Grazing cattle was the predominant activity, but some crops provided winter feed. In 1950 a plan was authorized for a flood-control reservoir in southern Jefferson County to protect Denver, but funds were not appropriated.  In 1965, torrential rains on upper Plum Creek brought massive flooding along the South Platte River, killing 13 and leaving millions of dollars in damage.  In 1971, the U.S. Secretary of the Army condemned over 300 acres of the Hildebrand Ranch for Chatfield Reservoir.  In 2001, Jefferson County acquired the remaining 1,450 acres of the Hildebrand family holdings for the park.

Getting There
9880 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton CO 80126  Hildebrand Ranch Park is located south of Deer Creek Canyon Road and west of South Wadsworth Blvd., adjacent to Chatfield State Park. The newly completed trailhead is accessible from Deer Creek Canyon Road approximately 1.3 miles west of Wadsworth Boulevard.  Note that the parking area has a one way traffic flow and that parking is for park visitors only.

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 23, 2011 01:17 PM