Recreation

Jeffco Open Space parks are an ideal setting for a wide range of recreation. Check out tips and tricks for the type of recreation you are interested in and ‘know before you go’.

Jeffco Open Space activities are regulated as part of Jefferson County Policies, 6.4.1. Familiarize yourself with our regulations. Responsible use promotes safe, enjoyable park experiences and preserves natural resources for all visitors.

Image of the front page of the Recreation and Activity Management Guide document

The Recreation and Activity Management Guide (RAMG) provides guidance of policy, regulations, and requirements pertaining to the variety of activities which may occur on Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) managed land, and the management strategies implemented to best promote the desired visitor experience and resource protection. While the RAMG attempts to be comprehensive, management of specific activities in specific areas may temporarily change or evolve. All visitors should consult park kiosks and the JCOS website for the most current information before recreating. 

  1. On Foot
  2. By Wheel
  3. By Water
  4. On Horse
  5. In Air
  6. In Tent

Hiking IconHiking/Trail Running

Remember to share the trail, walk through mud - not around it, and leave one earbud out if listening to music. Stay alert and be sure you can hear a bike bell ring, or a rattlesnake rattle.

Mount Galbraith Park stands alone in the Jeffco Open Space system as hiker-only in its entirety. At Centennial Cone Park, open from February to November, the alternating use calendar is enforced on WEEKENDS. Hikers are permitted on odd-numbered dates, bikers on even-numbered dates. On WEEKDAYS, the trails are shared-use.

DogIconDog Walking

Dogs are welcome in all of the Jeffco Open Space parks. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times. Immediately pick up dog waste, pack it out of the park and dispose of it in a trash can. Dog waste left on the ground pollutes groundwater and poses health risks to human and pets alike.

Wildlife Viewing IconBirding

Jeffco Open Space provides a rich environment for birds and plenty of opportunities for bird watching. Crown Hill Park is especially popular as it also hosts a wildlife sanctuary that is important for nesting each year. Crown Hill Park Bird Watching Guide and Checklist.

Climbing IconClimbing

Clear Creek Canyon, North Table Mountain, and Cathedral Spires Parks offer a variety of rock climbing crags. New proposed routes must go before the Fixed Hardware Review Committee. Visit the Climbing website for more information.

Hunting IconHunting

PLEASE NOTE 2023 CHANGES BELOW

Hunting is permitted during a seasonal closure at Centennial Cone Park for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) licensed hunters:

  • DE038L2R (Deer: either sex)
  • DF038L2R (Deer: antlerless, doe)
  • EF038L2R (Elk: antlerless, cow) 

The late season hunting access occurs December 1 through January 31 of each year. Permit applicants must hold a valid late season antlerless elk, female, or either sex deer license issued by CPW for the Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) portion of Game Management Unit 38. The Park is CLOSED to all other use during this season. Private Land Only licenses are NOT valid at Centennial Cone Park. Please refer to the links below for the most up-to-date information provided by CPW and JCOS:

State Hunting License Application (Web)

CPW Big Game Hunting Information (Web)

CPW Preference Points Information (Web)

Centennial Cone Hunting Rest Day Calendar (PDF)

Centennial Cone Hunting Safety Zone Map (PDF)

Hunters will be notified of their eligibility by CPW. CPW will notify JCOS of eligible hunters. Access permits and required documents will be mailed out to eligible hunters in early November. JCOS access permits are limited to the number of verified CPW license holders each season. 

Prior to December 1, access permit holders are required to complete JCOS hunting orientation, which will be provided in early November. Hunter orientation is accessible through a video link provided to eligible hunters, and can be viewed remotely. Viewing of this video is mandatory every season for hunters, as information and regulations are subject to change. 

Why Allow Hunting?
Elk populations are not being held in check by natural predators, which include black bears and mountain lions. Unchecked, populations could double in four to five years. Over-browsing by elk decreases plant density and diversity that provide food and cover for other wildlife (small mammals and birds). Other management tools (trapping, fertility inhibitors) are not feasible, not acceptable by the public or have limited effect.

Geocaching

Geocaching is allowed only in areas where such activity does not promote hazardous activity, the degradation of vegetation or cultural resources, or the creation of undesignated trails. Should the placement of a Geocache encourage negative impacts of any kind, JCOS Rangers may remove the Geocache in accordance with applicable park regulations. Applicable Regulation(s): 6.4.1.C.5 Natural Resource Protection Closure, 6.4.1.C.6 Destruction of Natural/Cultural Resources, 6.4.1.C.13 Damage to Property/Vandalism, 6.4.1.C.16 Hazardous Activity, 6.4.1.C.20 Closed Areas, 6.4.1.C.28 Abandoned Property.

Metal Detecting

Metal detecting is allowed; however, the participant may not keep any item that they find or disturb any natural surface (outside of cases where the participant is actively searching for a lost personal item). Applicable Regulation(s): 6.4.1.C.6 Destruction of Natural/Cultural Resources; 6.4.1.C.7 Collection of Natural Resources.