Clear Creek Canyon Park

Grant Terry Park
Welcome to the first segment of a long-term project to construct a trail through Clear Creek Canyon Park. Grant Terry Park, just west of Golden and Highway 6, was previously inaccessible to the public until a bridge was placed crossing Clear Creek.

Future plans for this park include a short loop trail. Over time, Open Space plans to build a trail through the canyon to Clear Creek County and the Continental Divide Trail. The Clear Creek Canyon Trail project stretches over twelve miles through a narrow creek corridor, over difficult terrain and will require time and smart investment of funds to complete. Open Space rules and regulations apply.

Park Vision
The management of Clear Creek Canyon Park reflects Jefferson County Open Space's mission of balancing human use with resource preservation. This is accomplished through the application of management units upon the landscape, which define a spectrum of recreational opportunities, environmental educational and interpretation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation efforts. Clear Creek Canyon has two Management Unit Designations, which provide for recreational opportunities and protection of the park's resources.

The Natural Area, which comprises the majority of the canyon, is managed to preserve habitat for continued use by wildlife such as golden eagles and bighorn sheep. It is further managed to provide recreation opportunities that are trail-based, water-based and cliff-based. Due to the abundance of cliff habitat and steep slopes, human use is primarily found in the canyon bottom near the river and road, except for areas where activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing and spelunking occur.

The Sensitive Area is limited to a section of Indian Gulch that is known to contain a colony of Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute Ladies' Tresses). This area is adjacent to a similarly designated and managed area on Mount Galbraith Park. Additional Sensitive Areas may be identified as further surveys of the canyon are completed.

Clear Creek Canyon Park is abundant in both recreation and historical resources. It is a significant water corridor, which plays an important role in the Clear Creek Watershed. It is rich in resource value, and subject to a diversity of use and public interest. The Jefferson County segment of the canyon plays a critical role in the greater vision of completing a trail system extending from the continental divide to the prairie.

Providing a variety of monitored recreational opportunities, including hiking, climbing, rafting, kayaking and cave exploration, is important to allow for sustainability of the resources. Additionally, maintaining the canyon's natural resource and historical integrity through interpretation, education and preservation of historical uses, including gold panning and streamside picnicking, is also a high priority.

Since so many segments of the public have a vested interest in the canyon, this management plan encourages partnerships with varied groups, organizations and agencies, including Clear Creek County, Denver Mountain Parks and Clear Creek Land Conservancy. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) plays a key role in travel management, trail development, parking and use of the right-of-way. Cooperation and collaboration between CDOT and Jefferson County Open Space is paramount in providing sound management of this park and achieving safe and enjoyable experiences for all its visitors. Furthermore, Clear Creek Canyon Park is contiguous with Centennial Cone, Mount Galbraith and Windy Saddle Parks, and coordination of management with each of these areas is important.

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: Feb 2, 2012 01:18 PM