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"All my troubles melt away at the sound of my boots on the trail, fresh air and the smell of pine."

  - Kendra Thompson, Evergreen

Elk Meadow's trail system allows visitors to enjoy a haven of natural beauty and versatility and connects to Denver Mountain Parks and Division of Wildlife property.  Come and enjoy the mountain meadows and the smell of Ponderosa Pines while hiking these beautiful trails.  This park is located between Bergen Park and Evergreen, Colorado. The outstanding features of this Open Space park are the wide diversities of ecosystems within the park itself and along the trails leading to adjacent public lands.

Natural Resources
The meadow and grassland ecosystems are found on the less steep, lower elevations. This environment is one of grasses, wild flowers, and open, rolling land. One may see the gaping oval hole that is home to the badger, as well as the smaller holes of pocket gophers. These shy animals are rarely seen, but on almost any day from February through August one can see the Richardson ground squirrel. Several colonies of this relative of the prairie dog can be found on the park. Traveling higher into the park, one crosses the Transitional Zone of the scattered forest. Here ponderosa pine grow at a distance from one another to create a park like stand. Within this edge of the forest many types of wildlife seek both shelter and food. Here one may see deer or elk, especially in the winter when snowfall drives them from higher altitudes. The tassel eared Abert's squirrel makes his home year around in this area of the park. Still higher in the park, one finds the Foothills Zone. This is characterized by a steeper slope and a more dense forest made up mostly of Douglas fir and scattered aspen groves. The aspen fill an important role in the evolution of the forest, as they provide the shade of which young coniferous trees need to get started. The highest points within the park itself are part of the Montane Zone. Here the slopes are even steeper, and the dominant plants are the thick stands of lodge pole pine. In this area one should be on the lookout for the blue grouse and porcupines common to this environment.

As one continues along the trail out of the park itself and arrives at Bergen Peak, one ends up in a Subalpine environment. Here there is little plant life, aside from the lichen on the exposed rock outcrops. Though the scene close at hand may be barren, the scenic vistas from the peak are magnificent. From this vantage point, one can see over the foothills to the plains in the east, and across intervening canyons to the Continental Divide in the west. Please note:  Natural Resource crews have initiated a schedule of prescribed fire burn within Elk Meadow as a park management tool with goals to improve habitat for wildlife, maintain healthy meadows and reduce wildfire risks. Link to Elk Meadow Forestry Operations.

History
A picturesque barn in the meadow is evidence of the ranching history of this park.  In 1869, the U.S. Government offered 160 acre tracts to homesteaders (Robert Strain, Charles Abbott, Thomas Audrey and Charlotte Dow).  From 1905 to 1943, Theodore Johnson would acquire 940 acres through various purchases including 200 acres to the south owned by Hamrick.  By 1945, Darst Buchanan bought 1,140 acres to maintain a large herd of purebred Hereford cattle.  In 1949, Cole Means purchased all of Buchanan's land for a summer pasture for his Texas herds.  In 1977, Open Space began purchasing this property for the citizens of Jefferson County.

Getting There
From I-70, exit onto Highway 74 (Exit 252) going south past Bergen Park.  Continue 2.25 miles to Lewis Ridge Road turning right into the parking lot.  A second access is available at Highway 74 and Stagecoach Boulevard, turn west on Stagecoach and proceed 1.25 miles to the south parking lot.

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: Nov 10, 2009 03:28 PM