Crown Hill Park

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"Crown Hill is a special haven in the midst of our busy lives! "

- Sue Wilson, Wheat Ridge

The Crown Hill area is known for its sweeping mountain views and brilliant sunsets.  A wildlife watchers' paradise, this urban park provides excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl and migratory birds, coyote and fox.  A peaceful respite from the urban surroundings, Crown Hill Lake and Kestrel Pond draw wildlife and their watchers to the area.

Crown Hill Park, created in 1979, is a 242-acre park which has been kept in a natural state with minimal development. It is the outgrowth of citizen concern for open space surrounding the lake and for preserving habitat for wildlife.

Trails
Approximately 6.5 miles of trails are available at Crown Hill Park. Three and a half miles of trails are paved and form two major loops. Horse trails are available, mainly at the southwest corner of the park. The nature preserve includes 0.7 mile of trail which is ADA accessible.

A one-mile fitness course for the able bodied and disabled is located along the paved trails at the south end of the park beginning near the restroom. To promote courteous and safe trail use, Open Space asks that all Crown Hill Park visitors follow these tips:

• Keep to the right except to turn or pass another person traveling in the same direction. Move to your right when approaching another trail user
  head-on.
• Groups on the trails should not occupy more than half the width of the trail
  because it impedes other trail users.
• Signal before passing another person on the trail ahead of you.
• Yield to traffic already on the trail when entering or crossing a trail.
• Pedestrians have the Right-of-Way. Yield to walkers on trails if you are a
  bicyclist, skater, or horseback rider.
• Proper speed. If you are a bicyclist or skater, travel the trails at a safe, slow
  speed, especially when near or approaching pedestrians. Use the street if you wish to bicycle or skate at faster speeds.
• Have dogs on leash at all times for the safety of park visitors and wildlife.
  County law requires that dogs be leashed, and violation of the law could result in a fine. Please clean up after your dog if it soils the park.
• Horseback riding areas. Don't ride horses along the lake trail; it's too narrow to safely accommodate horses in addition to other trail users. Use the equestrian trails near the horse arena at the west end of the park.
• To prevent theft, do not leave valuables in your car.  Please observe park rules and regulations!

Note:The Colorado Division of Wildlife enforces its fishing regulations in the park. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. 

Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1991, the National Urban Wildlife Institute dedicated this area as a national urban wildlife refuge.  This protected wetlands is centered on nearby Kestrel Pond in the northwest corner of the park. This reserves an area which is subject to seasonal closure for the protection of nesting migratory waterfowl.  The Wildlife Sanctuary is closed from March 1 to June 30 each year. 

History
In 1860, Henry and William Lee came west from Iowa and homesteaded what is now Crown Hill Park.  Here they raised produce to sell to the mining camps along the front range.  The first apple orchard in Wheat Ridge was established here.  After the turn of the century, the brothers founded the Agricultural Ditch Company and sold the land to the Crown Hill Association.  Crops were still cultivated and the lake water irrigated the adjacent cemetery.

In 1972, the West Aspen Company of Texas proposed to develop a commercial and residential community to accommodate 8,000 residents in high-rise buildings.  Citizen concern for open space surrounding the lake and preserving the habitat for wildlife enabled the cities of Wheat Ridge and Lakewood to work with Jefferson County Open Space to preserve this urban sanctuary. Crown Hill Park is a 242 acre park which has been kept in a natural state with minimal development.  Today an estimated 300,000 people visit Crown Hill Park annually.

Getting There
9307 West 26th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215   From 6th Avenue, turn north on Kipling to 26th Avenue.  The main parking lot is located on 26th Avenue between Garrison and Garland streets.  An equestrian lot is located on 26th Avenue.

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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: Jun 23, 2011 09:37 AM