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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.
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.
Hiking/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.
Dog 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.
Birding
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
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
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.
Mountain Biking
Jeffco Open Space offers multi-use trails ranging in difficulty and technical ability. Sharing the trail is every visitor's responsibility; however, mountain bikers should remember that when encountering other trail visitors, certain trail courtesy is expected:
- Equestrians always have the right-of-way unless they yield. Hikers may also choose to yield.
- Use a friendly greeting or bell to get the attention of other trail visitors so you do not surprise them
- Signal equestrians starting from at least 50 feet away. Horses respond to fast-moving objects as a threat.
- Mountain bikers traveling downhill should yield to uphill mountain bike traffic
- Slow to a safe speed when passing other trail visitors
- Ride dirt, not mud. Ride concrete or crushed gravel trails in muddy conditions.
Cycling
With miles of paved bikeways that link to trails throughout the Denver metropolitan area—along with several parks featuring smooth, paved trails—there are opportunities for most every cyclist. Clear Creek Canyon Park has the only 10-foot-wide paved surface trail in our system, the Peaks to Plains Trail. And both Crown Hill and Van Bibber Parks have paved surface trails. View the Regional Trail Connections in Jefferson County
Learn About e-bikes in Jeffco Open Space Parks
Mobility Device
Clear Creek Canyon Park has the only 10-foot-wide paved surface trail in our system, the Peaks to Plains Trail. Additionally, the Big Easy Trailhead in Clear Creek Canyon Park is ADA accessible with fishing piers and picnic areas by the creek. Both Crown Hill and Van Bibber Parks have paved surface trails.
Fishing
Pine Valley Ranch Park and Crown Hill Park have lakes that are open for fishing. Additionally, parks like Clear Creek Canyon Park and Lair o’ the Bear Park offer rivers for fishing. Visitors must comply with the fishing regulations.
Gold Prospecting
Recreational gold prospecting is allowed in Clear Creek only (within Clear Creek Canyon Park), see posted signs for permissible areas along creek. Prospecting activities are prohibited in all other Jeffco Open Space parks.
- Digging into or destruction of stable shoreline, banks or existing vegetation is not permitted. Prospecting activities are permitted within the normal, disturbed stream channel. Keeping one foot in the water is a step in the right direction.
- All prospecting holes must be filled in before leaving site
- Dredges and equipment may not be left overnight
- No prospecting within 100 feet of structures including bridges, steps and fish habitat improvements
- Only dredges with a nozzle diameter of four inches or fewer are permitted
- No dripping or leaking of fuel or oil allowed
Prospectors must adhere to all prospecting and park regulations.
Kayaking and Water Activities
Rafting on rivers in Jeffco Open Space is subject to any restrictions that are placed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments. Stay informed as to any current restrictions.
Some construction activity on the Clear Creek Segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail will occasionally affect put-in and take-out points in Clear Creek. Stay up to date with the Peaks to Plains Trail blog.
Whitewater rafting trips can vary in difficulty. Sections vary from perfect-for-families and first timers, to extreme whitewater for the seasoned veteran. See the Clear Creek County website for more information.
Horseback Riding
All of our parks, except the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve and Mount Galbraith Park, are open to horses and pack animals. Equestrian-friendly campsites are located within White Ranch and Reynolds parks.
It is recommended to arrive at parks early in order to secure the first-come, first-serve parking for oversized vehicles.
Equestrians also participate as volunteer Park Patrollers to promote a safe, enjoyable experience for all park visitors.
Hang Gliding and Paragliding
A launch site for hang-gliders and paragliders is located on Windy Saddle Park. Pilots access the launch site from Lookout Mountain Road. Memberships are required to use this launch site. Anyone interested in participating in these activities will need to contact the United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (USHPA) and Rocky Mountain Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (RMHPA).
Download the Share the Skies guide and know which areas are closed during raptor nesting season, February 1-July 31.
Camping
Jeffco Open Space offers semi-primitive, tent-only camping by permit at White Ranch Park (northwest of Golden) and Reynolds Park (southeast of Conifer). Camping in these two parks is semi-primitive—no vehicles, trailers or RVs. Camping permits must be obtained at the Jeffco Open Space office.