Roxborough State Park Reviews

Unknown to us, we visited and walked yesterday.
This state park has got to be one of the most eye catching for scenery. There is a wonderful view around every corner.
DO NOT forget your camera and bring plenty of water

Friends had told me they were training at this park for long distance hike. Me I think a hike is between the car and movie theatre popcorn machine. However Roxborough caters to those that need a slow flat trail in either a wheelchair or pushing a baby carriage or being slow like me. Then there were walks at a much higher level for those who are fitness prone and high energy. The staff was so friendly and the park so nice we bought a pass and plan on returning.

This is a gem of a state park. The red rocks are stunning. The trails are well marked. Easy access from C470 south of Denver

Only about 40 minutes from downtown. A wonderful place to hike with the whole family. The 2 mile loop offers big vistas and camera-ready rock formations that positively glow in early morning light. The trail is paved or gravel so baby carriages can be used.

Visited this park close to Denver with a 2 year old. We had to wait 15 minutes at park entrance for a parking spot since it was Saturday but the wait was well worth the stunning beauty. Well kept, well staffed park. No pets. No climbing on rocks. PERFECT!

Nice place to hike, variety of trails, wildlife in the area, visitor center with maps and information about the area

I had been to Roxborough State Park several times when I was a child. The main loop is a good trail for families - not too long or strenuous. But this past visit I did Carpenter's Peak with my 60 year old father. It's a 6.2 mile hike that definitely does have some incline for sure. But I think there are enough areas that plateau off and give you a nice break so it isn't too overwhelming (and I am saying this coming from sea level the day before!). I like the views on the way up better than the view from the top because I don't think there is much to see, so don't feel bad if you don't make it to the top. My favorite view is looking at the red rocks of Arrowhead Golf Course - AMAZING!!

We took almost 4 hours to hike the entire hike. I highly recommend this State Park and Carpenter's Peak for the hike!

Who would have thought we would have such an amazing state parks right outside our back door in Littleton/Denver? There are several hikes available for all ability levels along with Roxborough Rides on select days and times for those who can not hike but want to enjoy this amazing park. In addition, check out the awesome education interpretive programs for kids and adults and in between.

Unbelievable beauty, you can trust all the reviews on that. The wildlife sighting board in the visitor center showed a lot of interesting birds had been seen...in April and May. By June...well I saw a pair of mockingbirds but that was it. Oh, and go on a weekday if you can, on the weekend there are a lot of folks to chase the birds away.

Our hosts suggested their local state park, Roxborough State Park, a 10-minute drive from their home. The visitors center is a good 1st stop to check in and get any information. My brother and I were completely taken in by the massive rock formations, the variations of colors within these formations and the Fall dappled colored within the flora & fauna. We walked the trails beginning to end and thereafter found ourselves in a state of bliss. Our original idea was to go to the Garden of the Gods. We are thankful for the blessings found within Roxborough State Park.

Beautiful scenery and great hiking to the top of Carpenters Peak. Day-use only park with varied hiking opportunities. Has a nice Visitor Center with very friendly, helpful staff.

We are fortunate enough to live behind the rocks pictured here!!! My husband runs in this park daily from our house. What an adventure!!! So many animals to see. Moose sometimes, Elk herds in the fall. Bears walk down the road by our house in the fall so you need to understand that wildlife abounds and you need to know what to do and how to react. Take guided tours when available, they are rich in history and animal habits. Mountain goats are my favorite...rattlers not so much. The rocks are so gorgeous and breath taking! Great hiking area! DO stop at the gift shop and pick up a book or two with photos of all seasons. Kids will enjoy the display of local animals in the gift shop. Also the nature center. Just a hint with kids 2- 10, " Stop, look and listen." It is what the cowboys taught us when I was growing up. What this means is stay with mom and dad dont run ahead. Walk in the middle of the road not playing in the grass on the side of the road (snake habitat). Listen for deer calls, cougar calls and so on. Maybe even a Jackalope can be seen from some high hill! Enjoy! (plan for 3 hrs bring lotsa water)

When Roxborough State Park was created to be a walk-in only state park I was skeptical about how that would be managed. They have done an outstanding job. The paths and smaller trails wind through the same red rock formations as more famous parks, BUT NO CARS NOR BIKES. In a few minutes of walking you really experience the quiet and majesty of the setting. More animals, too. Uusually deer and raptors, somtimes others. The difficulties of the trails are well rated and provide opportunities for almost anyone. Also a few historic buildings are being preserved in place.

Small but pleasant to hike. $7 entrance fee.Parking ok. Paved trail. Easy hike. If you have been to the Utah National Parks, then this park will disappoint you.

They have 3 trails: an easy flat one, a moderate one, and a "steep" one. I've only done the first two, but the steep one is definitely on my list of things to do! The flat trail meanders through grasses and huge trees by the creek. The house along the way is an interesting step into the past. The medium trail is mostly through scrub brush, with some great views at the top. WARNING: in the summer months there are lots of rattlesnakes, so keep an eye and an ear out for them!

Easy to get to from the Denver Metro area. Great place for a hike, and has a variety of short and medium length trails, and challenge levels. The view is spectacular from the upper portion of the trails.

One of our favorite local getaways. The same type of red rock formations as the more famous Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. It’s a state park, so you need either a Colorado parks pass or a daily entrance fee. About $5 per vehicle, I think. Trails vary in length and elevation change. All are clearly marked. The visitor center has modest but nice displays and photos of the park wildlife. We especially like to take out-of-state guests on the easy valley trail north of the visitor center where they can enjoy the rock formations close up and glimpse deer and other wildlife. The minimal elevation changes are ideal for flat landers who are not used to the mile high air. Don’t miss the little side trails to the scenic overlooks.

Best day trip from Denver area. Interesting history about prehistoric people and animals. The area is red sandstone that reaches to the sky.

Have enjoyed hiking trails at Roxborough for years. My favorite trail (Carpenter Peak) climbs high enough to connect with the Colorado Trail. The views are fantastic. Lower trails have signage to identify different various natural foliage during the hike. Have hiked in the winter, as well. Trails can get icy so you need the proper gear. Lots of wildlife. Rattlesnakes are an issue in the summer, sunning often on the trail.

Visited here for the first time this weekend and it was great. First, it is a $7 daily entrance fee for the car, doesn't matter how many people. There may not be a person at the entry and if not you just do a self check-in by filling out an envelope with your license plate number and date, then put your money in the envelope to drop into a box, and detach a sticker you leave on your dash to show you've paid.

There is a visitors center but that was not open when we were there, although the bathrooms were open - running water and flush toilets. There was also a bucket by the women's room with some free walking sticks to use during your visit, then return when you are done - nice touch. Outside the visitors center is a patio with some tables, nice place for a picnic with a great view of rock formations.

My daughter and I hiked the Carpenter Peak trail. It is around 3.2 miles one way and there is a 360 degree view from the top once you get there - really impressive. There was a lot of snow/ice/mud in the trail when we went since it was Feb but it was still a great hike. It would have been much easier in the summer when the trail was clear. The rock formations in the park are very impressive, very much like Red Rocks and Garden of the Gods, but much less crowded, at least during our visit.

There are several trails in the park with a map on-line or one you can pick up at the park. I hear the Fountain Loop trail is very nice and I will try to go back and do that one as well.

I would highly recommend this park.

Certainly want to plan to spend the day here. You can bring your lunch and enjoy the amazing sights!

spring and fall the best time to hike. Summer it is too hot unless you start early. Also rattle snakes are present in the summer

We did the fountain Valley Trail, including both overlooks. It was about three miles with a total elevation gain of about 300 feet, including the overlooks. You can cut off a mile and 100 feet by skipping the overlooks.

If you're hungry after the hike check out JPs Asian Bistro nearby.

So many great trails, with outstanding views. The people are supper friendly and knowledgeable.
Trails vary in difficulty so works well for any ability,

One of the prettiest places in Colorado. You'll probably see deer and possibly Bald Eagles. Enjoy the walking trails.

Regularly hike at Roxborough and it is always interesting. It is good to have trails without bicycles and dogs.
The spectacular rock formations are a fantastic backdrop for a quiet walk, my favorite is the South Rim trail.
Saw about a dozen deer on the drive into the park and a couple of large birds while on the trail.
Lot's of interesting activities here.

We used to walk here all the time with our kids. It is a great park but it does not allow dogs. I believe this is because of the wildlife (and you do see deer regularly) so there is a good reason but beware before you go.

Roxborough State Park has great sites! You can find easy hike to more difficult ones. Always look around because you don't want to miss any of the scenery!

I love this Park...it's within 20 minutes from home in Littleton. I bought a State Parks pass, not knowing if I'd get my money's worth, but I have already been to the Park 3 or 4 times. It's kind of like the theory 'build it and they will come'...if you buy the Parks Pass, you will definitely find yourself going to the Park more! ( And you can use it for other State Parks. ) I've walked around and hiked in Roxborough Park in all of the seasons. Spring and Summer are beautiful with the wildflowers. One day, while walking the Fountain Loop trail, I came upon a meadow full of wild iris! It was so lovely. I've seen deer many times. The Fountain Loop is a beautiful walk with a couple of Observation Points where you get a really good view of the Rock Formations that make up the Park. The trail is fairly flat, but Carpenters Peak is definitely a hike and much more strenuous, but with a great view. There are several other hikes that we've been on here, always seeing something with a new perspective. Note: Late Winter and early Spring can be icy and/or muddy on the trails and I would avoid them so as not to do damage to the trails or yourself!

This is a beautiful and historic state park with a variety of hiking trails and a lot of wildlife. I saw two large male deer on my way into the park.
The entrance road isn't very good but the scenery is fantastic
It is good to hike in a park without dogs and bicycles - it's just for people

Beautiful setting tucked away not far from the city. Easy hikingtrails and the views are spectacular...

For starters, beautiful formations of the Red Rocks. Entry fee of 7 dollars per car load. Upon arrival there was a wait time about 20 minutes. We arrived around 12pm and they weren't letting people in until cars were leaving the park. They have at least 2 and half parking lots. The drive to the parking was partially paved, but you won't be disappointed, this is a great place to visit. Our whole hiking trip took about 4 hours but normally a 1-2 hours hike depending which hikes you plan. We took plenty of breaks and ate our packed lunch. There were many benches throughout the way. We completed the, Fountain Valley Trail with two outlooks. Don't miss the Lyons overlook as this is a great pit stop with awesome views. We finished off with the Will Creek Trail....totaling our hike to 3 miles. On our way back, there were restrooms but needed a good hose down. If need be, you would have to hike back down to the visitor center to use. The visitor center has a small museum, gift shop, clean restrooms and no café, but they did sell a few snacks. There are picnic's tables but no shade. The trails are non-paved and we did see a few parents with no problems taking their strollers. Bring water/snacks and don't forget your camera. Watch for known wildlife and we will plan again...

This is a wonderful state park that pairs easy to moderate hikes with fantastic views of red rock formations. Pay attention to the lovely wildflowers and cacti. Hiking boots and walking sticks (you can borrow the latter from the visitors center) are a good idea in spring because of the mud on some paths, South Rim in particular.

Roxborough is a beautiful state park with amazing rock formations. They have ranger guided tours also knowledgeable volunteers that lead tours of fauna and flora. There are hiking trails for every level. Moonlight guided hikes. There is a house staffed with rangers, restrooms, postings of
Wildlife spotted. There are bears, deer, etc living in the area. It is a beautiful place.

Roxborough State Park provides some of the most breathtaking and mesmerizing views you will ever witness. If you are in the Denver area or on the front range, this is one of the best kept secrets in Colorado.

We went with family with young kids. The trail we went on was pretty easy, but out in the open so it was warm. Parking is limited, so you have to wait until someone leave to enter, but it went fairly quick late morning.
There is a nice educational building with clean restrooms.

This beautiful State Park offers something for everybody. From easy smooth trails to more challenging hikes. We were lucky on our visit and got to see an array of wildlife, including two mule deer, a hawk, and a bull snake. The park docent was knowledgeable and helpful.

This park is easy to find, walk, hike with kids and provides great views of Denver. There are revenants of a once to be western White House. Worth the time and visit.

Very nice state park with well maintained trails. Since it's not too far from Denver, it perfect for a day hike or half-day hike.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Roxbourgh Park. It is very easy to get to, just a few miles off C470. We were there on a beautiful spring day and had to wait about 30 minutes to get into the park. This is kind of park where you leave your car in the Visitor Center parking lot and walk the various trails. When the parking lot gets full, they won’t let you into the park until someone else leaves, hence the reason for out 30 minute wait. We were there by 10:30, but they had a bird watching group in earlier and some of those folks were still there.

We got a map of the park while we waited to get into the park and while I’m not directionally changed, I did not notice that the road to the visitor center makes a gradual ‘U’, so that when you get out of your car and walk to the visitor center, you are in fact facing north, not south as you might expect.

For those with altitude considerations, the Visitor Center is at 6,200 feet. Most of the hiking destinations are uphill from there.

The red sandstone rock formations are reminiscent of those around Red Rocks or Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. There are unique and beautiful. Early morning and late afternoon provide a mixture of beautiful lighting effects.

You’ll hear lots of birds. They are a little more tricky to spot and actually photograph. The Visitor Center is nicely laid out and has a wealth of info for both kids and adults.
Nice visitor center

We did the southern loop trail which included: Fountain Valley Overlook [#4 on park map] - very short distance off the main trail and worth it for the overall views for the valley
Lyons Overlook [#5] - 1/3 of a mile off the main trail, all uphill. Great views, you can also see the other side of the loop trail below

Hungry after skipping lunch or just want a cold beer after all that walking. We suggest PJ Asian Bistro, about two miles from the park entrance. After four hours of hiking, ice cold beer and veggie tempura tasted fantastic.

We’d definitely come back to this park!

Brilliant place , quiet and tranquil but also a hint of danger as there is the potential to see many wild animals and birds, oh and rattle snakes too. The are several different routes to meet everybody's needs

We travelled to this park, which was next to a rehearsal wedding dinner at Arrowhead Golf Course. The views of this park from the gold course begged us to find out more, so we did a little driving around. What an amazing place! If we'd had more time we would have walked around more and our son would have been climbing the cliffs! We will return some day when we're back near Denver.

Roxborough has fascinating rock formations, a number of nice trails, and a small, but well-done interpretive center.

We hiked all the way to the top. Elevation gain was about 1,000 feet. I would describe this hike as below moderate - we're in good shape and hike and mountain bike regularly. There is both exposure and shade. Pretty hike. We would do it again.

A friend told us we should visit this spot while we were in Denver for work. Lots of hiking trails. Not a lot of people. The views were amazing. I highly recommend it!

Roxborough is a hidden secret! It is beautiful no matter what season. The hiking trails are great, and range from easy walking to get-your-heart-pumping inclines and views.
I recommend it highly for a great afternoon in the beauty that is Colorado.

Gorgeous part of the country. The red rock formations are simply awe inspiring. Backs up to Pike’s Peak National Forest. And after the visit head to Arrowhead Golf Course where you can get a great meal & carry on enjoying the views.

Last year we were fortunate enough to have weather that allowed us to spend Thanksgiving day at Roxborough State Park. A climb up Carpenter Peak makes for a remarkable view of the Denver metropolitan Valley basin. The area is well marked, user-friendly for casual walkers and hikers, features some remarkable wind sculptured red Rock formations, and is within easy reach of the Denver metropolitan area. It is well worth a visit or many repeat visits!

One of the best state parks in Colorado. Beautiful red rock out croppings make this such a beautiful place to visit. If you can, come in the fall when all the trees and grasses are changing colors, you won't be disappointed!

The paths, scenery and wildlife receive top marks. At every turn there are different views - especially on elevation changes.

There are easy to difficult paths allowing people to experience the desired challenges. The paths range from 2 miles (~ 3km) to as long as 6 miles (~ 9km).

The views from each path were simply amazing and allow for multiple day visits to walk different trails.

Don't have a lot of time? Take the Fountain Valley Trail and be sure to visit the overlooks for stunning views of the red rocks of the Fountain Formation.

We lived in Roxborough for 16 years. So beautiful. We loved watching the storms roll over the planes from our deck. Great day hikes. Colorado is so amazing!

Bring water and don't leave anything in this park to protect nature. You should be good enough to walk for a long distance.

Nestled south of the town of Littleton is Roxborough State Park. The park offers hiking trails through the red rocks and meadows of the foothills area. Most of the hikes are low impact and there are two that are more challenging. This park has a nice visitors center, restrooms and hydration filling stations for water.

We hiked around 5 miles the day we were there. I would recommend going early while it's cool in summer. From several vantage points, you can see the Denver area in the distance.

This was an awesome stop on our road trip out West. We stayed in Denver for a few days and this was a perfect day of nature. The state park was gorgeous & the trails weren't too bad. Definitely worth an a few hours of your day. Make sure you bring some bottled water!

Some trouble parking but expected on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Really clean restrooms and helpful staff at the visitor center.
Many trails to choose from all levels of difficulty. I did the 2 mile loop and was impressed with the scenery. My new favorite place to hike.

It's really beautiful and the trails are really nice. JUST WATCH out for rattlesnakes! I almost stepped on one when we were walking back to the car! SCARY!! It's really an amazing place though!

Went to park as part of a trip to southwest. Was at the park for around 2 hours and did the Fountain Valley Overlook, Fountain Valley Trail, and the Lyons Overlook Trail. The park was not that crowded as people can spread out in the park. The Lyons Overlook Trail is really impressive when you get to the top and can see the rock formations. The park has manageable cost. Really enjoyed the park alot and highly recommend it.

So since Denver is so packed now with everyone moving here, it is getting harder to find dark spots to see stars. You can do it here...

We love hiking here! It's a beautiful park that is very convenient to town. We almost always see deer on our hikes.

Trail is an easy walk through varying terrain. Most in full sun so be aware of temps. Interesting contrasts of red rock formations and vegetation. All ages would enjoy the trail.

There are several miles of hiking trails in this park, and a good visitor center. On weekends, the park literally fills up and they don't let new cars in until other ones leave. $7 for a carful.

Great hike with views would highly recommend visiting for a few hours. Great, Fun golf course as well!

This park is truly a gem. There are people who have lived in Denver their whole life and have never been to this amazing spectacle. This park puts Garden of the Gods to shame. No tourist, no cars whizzing through. It's quiet and secluded. Very easy trails for elderly and children, but still an opportunity for great views. There's also very difficult trails that lead to spectacular views as well. The only down side ...I can't bring my furry children. The park doesn't allow dogs, so sometimes this does hinder us from choosing this park over others. But it's still a great experience that I'd highly recommend.

This is a beautiful, uncrowded park with some great day hiking trails. We received good advice when asking the park rangers about preferred hikes. I loved both the Fountain Valley trail and the South Rim trails. Awesome views with both. Considerable variability in terrain for the South Rim trail.

Though smaller in scale, the rock formations here rival those of another favorite place of mine, Sedona Arizona. Particularly interesting are those outside of the visitors center which resemble large faces with open mouths. I hiked the South Rim Trail, 3 miles in length. It is rated as moderately difficult, though I would put it at the easy end of the moderate spectrum. The highest point of the trail provided a lovely view of more impressive red rock formations. I can highly recommend this park as a place to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Colorado.

We live in Centennial Colorado. One of the best things about living here is the close proximity to Roxborough State Park.
Every time we visit, my jaw drops because of the beauty and magnificence of this sight.
To this day, I still cannot understand the geology, biology or history of this place. It is absolutely sublime yet overwhelming. It is serene...certainly a special place on Earth.
It is wonderful that dogs and bicycles are not allowed to disrupt the ambiance. They have many fine programs and guided tours.
OK..it costs a few dollars to enter...but it is money well spent. Please take your out of town guests here. If you live here visit every month as it is always changing and always a new experience. Take your camera.

Well taken care of, the surroundings are so peaceful. Love to hike and roller blade here. Be on the lookout for the scores of different bird species and plant life too.

Casual visitors should visit Lyons Overlook and Fountain Valley overlook. Both overlooks are scenic and gives good photo opportunity. Hikers can have easy, moderate and strenuous all level of hikes. Watch out for poison ivy on the side of the trail. Entry fee is $7 per vehicle and park hours are 9 am to 9 pm in summer (visitor center closed at 5 PM)

We absolutely LOVE Roxborough! I hesitate to share this because we don't need any more traffic holding us back. Even in February, it can get crowded. Upon entry at our last visit, it was full and we had to wait for someone to leave before we were allowed to enter. But it only took a minute to get in. Definitely take the the lookout offshoot trails. Great photo ops! We take visitors to the Denver area as it is much closer to the metro area than Garden of the Gods and much less crowded. Do a few of the trails as there are two very different landscapes, red rocks and Denver skyline versus forested prairies. Also has a very nice interpretive center.

It features many unusual formations with a lot of red rock. The rocks uplifted out of the ground at about a 60 to 70 degree angle. There are about 15 miles of trails. The best part of our hike was running into a park ranger who showed us to identify the different berries and which you could eat. We liked the park a lot even though we had been to Garden of the Gods Park the day before. Best of all, the park was not that busy.

My husband and I are new to CO, so checking out new trails is just about our favorite thing right now.

Roxborough is perfect for families and those that aren't able to do a more technical trail. While it was enjoyable, it didn't give us the "thrill" we were seeking.

If you'd like a nice and easy outdoor walk, this is the ticket!

We enjoy taking our grand children to Roxborough because of the natural beauty, the fantastic rock formations, variety of wildlife, great hiking trails and the opportunities for photography.
It is the kind of place we can spend lots of time and it's a lot less than going to a movie.

Beautiful place with fascinating history. Wear jeans and hiking boots. No flip flops due to numerous rattlesnakes and keep close eye on kids and don't let them wander for same reason.

With the exception of the 10 dollar charge to get in. This park is amazing to walk, hike, do water activities, etc. You can walk for miles and miles. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

This place is one of my top spots for hiking that’s close to Denver. They have multiple trails ranging from easy to intense. The red rock formations are amazing and you don’t get the crowds that red rocks amphitheater gets. It’s amazingly peaceful and a great place to go hiking with the family. Do note that there are no dogs allowed in the park. You will see tons of deer, hawks, and some black bears towards fall. There are plenty of places to eat after your hike within a two mile drive and chattfield reservoir is close by as well.

Great panoramic views, moderate hiking challenge I did the South Rim Loop. It does cost 7$ for a day pass and dogs are not allowed. My only complaint is that the trails aren't marked very well. Worth the drive.

Roxborough State Park has day hikes in the midst of stunning red rocks. It's out in the country, quiet and peaceful. You can turn a modest two miler into a more adventurous 10 miler by hiking over the ridge to the Colorado Trail or taking your mountain bike heading south all the way to Castle Rock. If you like Garden of the Gods, you'll like Roxborough State Park.
Parking can be limited...

My favorite park! THis place offers an outstanding outdoor experience: wildlife, geology, great trails for hiking, vists and views, very quiet and friendly people on the trails.
Liek that they are protecting the ecology and don't allow dogs or bicycles on the trails.
THis is the place families should be taking their young children - to get them away from their electronic devices.

There are trails for all abilities. Views include red rock formations, Denver at a distance, and the front range mountains. The visitors' center keeps a white board with wildlife sightings of bears, mountain lions, deer, fox, rattlesnakes and golden eagles.
We have lived within twenty minutes of this wonderful park and marvel that, despite growing residential developments, it has retained a sense of the wild.

Had heard how pretty Roxborough State Park was and have to agree! Hiked two of the trails, South Rim Trail and the Fountain Trail! Both gorgeous! The South Rim Trail was nice and shady, as I went on a warm July day! Rock formations are unbelievable! Well worth it! Also, bring your insect repellent if you're there in the evening as it will come in handy!

This park is a wonderful place to enjoy true Colorado beauty. While both Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Amphitheater boast the same beautiful rock formations, only here will you find them in their unspoiled beauty. It is a great place to hike, whether you like a casual walk on an easy trail or a strenuous hike climbing a thousand feet in elevation along the side of a foothill peak. Roxborough's visitor center is well designed and filled with information about the flora and fauna of the area. The park is able to answer anyone's request for recreation, especially on a sunny Colorado weekend.

On South Wadsworth, a few miles beyond Waterton Canyon is Boxborough State Park. After you pass the entrance on the way to the visitor center, keep your eyes open and searching the grassy hillside for deer. Sometimes all you see are their ears.

If you are up for a challenge, try Carpenter Peak. It's just over six miles round trip and less than 1000, feet elevation gain and the views from the top are worth every step. One thing to keep in mind is that shade is sparse and best to go on a cool, cloudy day.

If, like me you aren't ready to leave the park, take the south rim trail and see different rock formations and colors. You just might see deer grazing in the meadow.

A hidden gem in Colorado, known for its striking red rock formations and serene atmosphere. The park offers a variety of well-marked trails suitable for all levels, with stunning views of the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Also, fewer crowds than other nearby parks! This time, I hiked the Willow Creek and Fountain Valley Trails, both offering scenic, peaceful hikes through the park’s beautiful terrain. I’ll definitely be returning to explore the other trails, as there’s so much more to discover.

Seriously gorgeous trail. It’s a super small scale version of Red Rocks or Garden of the Gods. Either way it is a hidden gem.

The Roxborough area is truly a statement in natural beauty in Colorado. I am from this area and it never ceases to amaze me and please my senses. I have seen many artist renditions of the red rocks and no one comes close to capturing the true beauty of this park. There is a top-notch golf course there too and I can't think of a more enchanting place to try and hit that little white ball. We have friends who live in close proximity of that part of Littleton and how lucky they are to have such a miraculous view. You will not be disappointed should you visit Roxborough State Park. You won't soon forget it either.

Whenever we have visitors we take them to Roxborough Park. What a beautiful site to see! Bring your cameras for some magnificent photo ops! There is also a nice gift shop on site as well as a little cafe for a light breakfast or lunch. The beautiful red rock formations jutting out are just as nice as Red Rocks and much easier to visit w/o all the walking or hiking. Handicap access is also possible.

Sure there’s a $10 per vehicle entrance fee, but it’s worth it! Roxborough State Park is a stunning attraction definitely worth a visit for those in the vicinity of Denver and/or driving south to Colorado Springs.

We didn’t run across too many people on a Monday morning. Paying the fee was difficult because nobody was at the gate, and the machine there was inoperative, but we found someone at the Visitor’s Center who would take our money (and someone else giving out $100 fines to cars without proof thereof). We waffled between the Fountain Valley and Carpented Peak trails, ultimately selecting the former to spare our legs for subsequent excursions. Fountain Valley was just over two miles and ranked “easy”; it descended gradually amidst a scenic backdrop of tall red rock structures. We saw folks of all ages. Kids, seniors, etc.

Beyond the flat terrain, there were a few rigorous offshoots to climb for even better valley views. At one, we encountered friends who were preparing to surprise a couple on the verge of becoming engaged. It was that pretty!

In sum, this isn’t a large park where you would typically spend all day, but the pass lasts for 24 hours in case you want to return the next day to walk another pretty trail.

Highly recommended by Cherry Wonderdog.

We came here on the recommendations we read on TripAdvisor. We sure agreed with what we had read once we got here! This spot has some excellent scenery, fantastic trails, and great natural features to absorb. Kids should especially enjoy exploring here, since there is a lot of things to keep their attention. The visitor center is not as comprehensive as others we have visited, but still there are things inside that are instructive. Restrooms are clean too. Be sure to stop here if you are a nature lover like us. You will not be disappointed.

Easy hiking amid the fabulous scenery. I have seen deer within close viewing. The displays in the headquarters give an excellent study how the area was formed over billions of years. Call ahead and get a schedule of when they provide a vehicle to take you along the trail which is great if you have people who are unable to take a one hour hike. Admission to the park is $7.00, but have exact amount to make it easy.

The park is beautiful and we saw a black bear as we were driving into the park. The trails are well maintained and there are plenty of signs warning hikers that this is an active bear, mountain lion, and rattlesnake area. So that adds a good sense of adventure to your hike.

We love hiking here because we can enjoy an easy hike when my senior citizen mom comes for a visit but can veer off for a more strenuous or longer hike with the family when we want more of a challenge. The rocks are striking and the scenery is stunning. It's a sight to be seen and a place not to miss even if you have an hour to explore Colorado. It borders Arrowhead Golf Course and if you're there during the days, they have a small museum and gift shop that has some interesting artifacts. When we lived there we went at least a couple of times per year and even had our family photos taken there one year. Really worth the time for the views! FYI it's not dog-friendly due to the potential for wild animals.

If you like looking at beautiful rock formations you will enjoy this park. The walk is easy and the scrub oak are beautiful colors in contrast to the rocks; particularly in fall. Take water as amenities are scarce. It is a great place to go in the morning or afternoon between things, not a place to make the day of it. Worth seeing!

A true Colorado gem. There is no fishing, biking or roads so it is not overcrowded. This is a hikers paradise. The visitors center is top notch. The trails are gorgeous. There is plenty of wildlife. There are even old cabins to see. This park has it all.

Wow -- This park has me really impressed. (Granted, we haven't lived in Denver for very long.) In my mind, it's one of the best green/lush hiking areas and photo venues within 30 minutes of Denver.

Here's the scoop:

PROS
- Rox has well-maintained and clean facilities
- Lots of wildlife: we saw at least 4 deer up-close
- This park is a beautiful photo venue that has wild flower fields, green grass, a creek, and large pines that uniquely contrast the ridged red rocks that are so well-loved in CO.
- The huge and easy accessible rock formations make Roxborough a candy shop for geologists.
- Their simple day-hike trails are about 3 miles long with plenty to see
- Free parking in three separate lots
- We went on a Saturday evening and there were a few people, but no suffocating crowds. (Yay!) We felt like we had plenty of our own space to breath, enjoy & take it all in.

CONS
- It is not free venue... a day pass is $7 and a year pass is $70.
- No pets are allowed (that' I'm aware of.)

We will definitely be enjoying this park frequently for it's hiking & picnicking.

This is a beautiful rock park good for a couple of hours. But the best view is from the golf course practice putting green just to the north of the park. Shhhhh... don't tell anyone.
The best photos are a half hour before dusk - or just after sunrise. The colors are gorgeous.

Easy hike to the top of Carpenter Peak. You can limit your stay to the visitor center, it's that beautiful and don't hike if you are feeling less ambitious.

This is a great state park with some amazing views and trails. Recommend for a great day hike. Make sure you pack for random colorado weather.

This park offers easy and picturesque hiking right in the backyard of Denver. I think they may have restrictions on bikes in the park so call ahead. the rock formations are great and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen

Roxborough State Park has highs and lows, peak scenes and quiet escapes. Located a short distance from Littleton and Centennial, CO, you will have your pick of easy to difficult trails.

Just another amazing experience in Colorado. If you love the parks of Colorado and enjoy hiking the trails here, this is a great experience.

We had a pleasant afternoon hiking in Roxborough. The trail was easy and the scenery was beautiful. The rock formations were unique.

The park was packed. They have limited parking so we were really lucky that we showed up so early. Well groomed trails and very helpful and friendly rangers.

The park has a long chain of beautiful red rocks (and white too) surrounded by greenery. We went in summer but pics from fall look amazing! Entry fee was $7, I think. I had a bum knee, and we still did 3 hikes there. The staff at the center were very kind and helpful. Bathrooms inside (only 2 women's, ok if not too busy :) as well as a fountain to refill your water bottles. First hike led to beautiful overlook. Rolling hills. We did the south rim and it was very lovely, with overlook of the whole park. Any inclines were not difficult. Worth a day trip for that hike. Take your camera:)

We were supposed to be going on a short hike, but ended up doing a 9 mile loop. Definitely wear your sunblock, as there isn't much shade on the trail. Great views, and I agree with others, it's less crowded.
FYI, dogs not allowed.

Enjoyed a hike with friends. The trail we took was well maintained. The rock formations were awesome and I loved the views of the mountains. Make sure you take water and stay hydrated. The location of each overlook was perfect!

This place is lovely in a lot of ways. It has a beautiful entrance area and hiking trails, and a nice visitors' center. There was even a volunteer on the trail to tell our kids all about history, geology, and plant species. It a great way to pass some time outside, and so nearby the metro!

Roxbourogh State Park is similar to Red Rocks, or Garden of the Gods, but does not have all the friends. In the summer on weekends the park can get busy, but with limited parking it limits the amount of people in the park. It is nice to be in nature without all the crowds. There are hiking trails for every level. Trail conditions are updated on a board by the visitors center. This park takes great pride in preserving the beauty and natural habitat and practicing leave no trace practices. The fountain valley loop is a great trail. It takes you to the fountain overlook and the Lyons overlook. The Lyons overlook is stunning! The trail also takes you to some historic buildings which are pretty cool. The visors center has some nice interactive and informative displays. Great place to spend part of your day!

When we got there I was flirting with a headache from all the thoughts, worries, and other ‘mind-lint’ that gets trapped there sometimes. But after a short walk from the parking lot it was a simple matter to get lost in the simplicity of nature.

Fresh air, sunshine (not too hot) and pleasant conversation does an excellent job of cleaning out the lint trap of your mind! I won’t say that I solved any problems while enjoying the walk, but I will say I had no problem setting them aside.

There are miles of trails for the walker, jogger, and mountain 🏔 biker 🚲! They vary in intensity, but everyone we crossed paths with were smiling and appeared to appreciate this space.

Even though we’ve been here before, I knew this time was going to be something special when we saw a deer peeking out at us from behind some rock. Coupled with a nesting hawk feeding her chicks and calling out to her mate, the scene was peaceful.

In short - I highly recommend you spend an hour or two here if you need to clean out your mental lint trap.

If you live in Colorado, or if you are planning a trip to scenic Colorado and will be in the Denver metro area, be sure and check out this park. The park is close to 4,000 acres with 14 miles of trails for all levels of hikers that begin at the Visitor's Center.

There is lots of wildlife in the area so don't forget your camera! It's not just about the wildlife though, it's also about the red rock formations that are a result of the earth's plate movement in this area near the Rocky Mountains. Check with the Roxborough website to find events where you can hear about the geology of the rock formations.

While you are at the park, be sure to also learn from naturalist discussions regarding the wildlife, wildflowers, history, archaeology, geology, and the many critters that run around - some small, some large such as a bear or mule deer.

Bring some sun screen with you too since the high Colorado dry air has a tendency to give you a sunburn rather quickly if you aren't careful.

There are some things you can't do at the park to protect this natural landscape from damage. That means you can't bring pets, no horses, no bikes, and camping is not allowed. Once you are there you will see that these constraints make a lot of sense when trying to preserve this wonderful area.

The park staff has come up with a great idea and that is they have a couple of overlooks with the beautiful background scenery that can appear as part of the scene of your wedding! Check the website to learn more.

So what's the easiest way to get to the park? Well, if you have the time (we all have some time for nature), you might want to first drive through the nearby Chatfield State Park that is north and east of Roxborough entering Chatfield from the south entrance, then leave through the south entrance and take a right turn on North Rampart Range Road which will be heading south and west. Continue south on North Rampart Range Road past Roxborough Village and the water treatment plant. When you arrive at the intersection of North Rampart Range Road and Roxborough Park Road, turn LEFT onto Roxborough Park Road. Take the next right (East Roxborough Drive) and drive a little further (about 1/4 mile) to enter the park area.

You will love this park for its beauty and is the number one reason why you should bring your digital camera(s) and binoculars too.

The Colorado State park pass is currently $70 per vehicle for 12 months of enjoyment, but you can get a second park pass for $35 in case you have more than one vehicle to drive on your trips. For a single day's visit, the park pass costs $7.

We’ve done several hikes in the park. All levels from easy to Hard. Each is a little different and all are beautiful! Well maintained trails.

This area is lush of foliage, winding trails, wildlife and beautiful red rocks to admire near and far. Great place for an afternoon or weekend hike with family or friends. Plenty of spaces to picnic at while enjoying the views!

This is a popular day hike area near the front range so get there early or you will be waiting in line to enter park. Be sure to take side trails for great views and visit the restored ranch house.

This is a park for people. I love it that there are no pets, horses or bicycles on the trails and it's just people in this beautiful place,
Also enjoy the variety of trail offerings, all of the programs that are offered and the peace and quiet in the early and late parts of the day.
The history of the area is also very interesting.

This is great place that few people know about. My 6 yr old daughter and I love to go here and walk around. there are both flat surfaces and inclines.

Great location to beat the hustle and bustle of other hikes in the Denver metro area. Great views and fairly easy hikes. Only downfall is no dogs allowed.

Easy hikes available. Gorgeous views. Easy to get to but feels like you're completely out of the city

This beautiful state park is an easy drive from Denver and has a variety of hikes. The red rock formations are truly beautiful. The Fountain Valley trail winds near the base of the red rocks and then takes you up to the top with a great observation spot.

We've hike Roxborough a few times and always find something new. A few tips: 1) Get there early. Parking is somewhat limited. 2) If you don't have a State Park Pass, make sure to bring some small bills to pay the admission fee. 3) Bring your camera. There are some beautiful pictures to be taken here. 4) Make sure you dress appropriately. This is not a shaded hike and the sun can be intense. 5) This hike is great if you are from out of town or if you have friends and family you want to take to see the sights without the struggles elevation can cause.

One of the most beautiful places within a short drive of Littleton. Each part of the hike was breathtaking. It was such a treat for us. A lot of our hikes are on the boring side, unless we go into the mountains. This you can do in a couple of hours, and be home for lunch.

WOW what an incredible park. I was shocked at how large the part was on our first visit there. The trails were awesome. Great way to spend a few hours, or the day.

Definitely worth a trip. There's a lovely trail, about 2 miles long, that starts from the ranger station and gives great views of the red rock ranges. I can't recall the specific name of the trail, but if you ask the resident ranger for their most popular starter hike, they'll point you to it - to the right, coming out of ranger station. We were there on a weekday in late August and it was very peaceful.

There are hikes for beginners as well as seasoned hikers. The rock formations are just amazing; however be aware you cannot climb on them. Also, this is one of the few Colorado State Parks that does not allow dogs or bicycles. The goal is to keep this close in park in pristine condition just as it has been for millions of years. In fact, they were recently awarded the "Gold Standard" designation by the Leave No Trace Foundation -- one of only two State Parks in the nation to achieve this standard. There are only 100 parking spaces so plan on arriving early in the morning -- OR. -- later in the afternoon as the lot can be full during the midday hours, and they you need to wait for someone to leave before you can access the park.

Walked two trails. The fountain valley, with the two overlooks, and willow Creek. If you can only do one, definitely do the fountain. Take the right fork, do both overlooks, and either complete circuit or go back for shorter route.

Willow is a Forrest and meadow trail. Nice, but not what I came for.

This is one of the most serene places to go when there is snow on the ground. I agree that it is a great place to bring out-of-town visitors.

RSP is our favorite hiking destination: only a few miles from our home in Littleton! Every visit allows us to discover something new, on one visit we watched a mother bear and two cubs from a safe distance as they foraged in preparation for hibernation. There are trails for all levels of hiking ability. Views from Carpenter Peak reward those who make the effort.

This was a wonderful place to take our out-of-town guests the Saturday after Thanksgiving to stretch our legs. It was an easy walk for the 5 year old as well as the 72 year old. It's a great little getaway place from South Denver if you enjoy Garden of the Gods and want to experience Colorado without hitting the slopes, avoiding I-70.

Beautiful park with many walking/hiking trails. Could have a few more restroom facilities. Daytime only. No overnight camping. The park is really breath taking

Just like the fire tower west of Sedalia, one of the best natural wonders in Colorado. Well worth a visit when family or friends come from out of state.

We went on the Fountain Valley hike and visited both overlooks on the way. The geology and views are reminiscent of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, but Roxborough seems far more "real" and natural. The trails were great, and it was easy hike for us. The stone Persse house is cool as well, and the trail offers lots of photo opportunities. If you do what we did - Hike at Roxborough followed by a meal at nearby Angel's Share Kitchen and Pub restaurant - those are the makings of a very enjoyable day.

We just moved to Colorado so are easing hiking at a new elevation into our routine. Our first hike in the state was the Fountain Hills Overlook trail here at Roxborough. There is little elevation gain and the hike is more of a scenic walk with little up-hill activity involved. The views along the trail were lovely and we are happy we came!

This place is a true gem. There no shortage of breath-taking scenery to take in. The hiking is easy and really fun. This is a must visit place.

Nice hike with beautiful views of red rocks. Didn't see any wildlife on our hike, but I know there is wildlife there.
Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection a must.

Wow. This is a gem. I grew up in Colorado and know well the beautiful red rock sandstone formations but they never cease to leave me awestruck. The view from Carpenter Peak is phenomenal and worth the 3.2 mile strenuous hike (this is strenuous for people with knee problems, breathing problems, elderly-not used to hiking, and young kids. Most everyone else should be able to do it.) Eastern exposure, not much shade, lots of scrub oak and sun. I recommend early morning or afternoon after 3:00 or so. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Of course early morning and evening are prime time mountain lion and bear times so be prepared. Don't hike alone and never ever run away if you encounter one of these animals on the trail.
Beautiful visitor center. Well thought out. Water bottle refills.
Hands on activities for the kids. $7.00 entry fee that can be used at any state park til noon the following day.
No camping. Day use only.
No dogs.
Park open 8am-9pm

Enjoy!

Roxborough State Park provides several hiking trail choices, all beautiful! There are no bikes to compete with or dogs to dodge. Do come and enjoy unparalleled opportunities to walk among the diverse ecosystems that the area provides.

We visited here with two teenage grandchildren and a 5 month old grandchild. We split into two groups with the teens headed for the harder trail and the baby on the path for the stroller. Beautiful views, nice visitor center without traveling too far from Denver.

Peaceful, quiet, spectacular and don't have to worry about bikes and dogs. It's for wildlife and hiking - a great mixture for the outdoors.
It's a place where it is hard to take a bad photo - glad they don't allow off trail and rock climbing.
During the covid season it has been very busy - so not real quiet and peaceful.

This park is without a doubt my favorite to visit. There are plenty of great trails to explore and every time that I have visited I have always seen plenty of wildlife. The overlooks offer some incredible views as well. I would recommend this park to anybody because it's just an absolutely gorgeous place. So thankful to live in close proximity to this place!

This park is amazing!! The rock formations are interesting. It is very peaceful and a great place to visit.

This is a great place close to Denver for families ... including small children ... to hike. Lots of locals go here to get away but still be close.

Those of us in the Denver area are so lucky to have this geographic marvel so close to the city limits. Beautiful hiking and running trails and wildlife viewing await!

We hiked into Roxborough from the Indian Creek trailhead, 10 miles south of the park. Great trail, well maintained. The views on the descent in to Roxborough were spectacular. There were a few spots with high water that we had to cross, due to all the rain. We saw many deer and also elk along the trail. Not many other people were hiking the same day, so very quiet and peaceful for our group.

We've been to Roxborough State Park many times over the past nine years and always enjoy its beauty. It is close to Denver and the various suburbs which makes it ideal if you want to take a hike without driving too far. We recently visited Roxborough with some out-of-town guests. We took the 2.2 mile hike which is very easy terrain for everyone. Unfortunately, the parking lot is small so we had to wait at the entrance gate for 20 minutes until a parking spot was vacated. All in all, a positive experience!

Our last visit was just after a good snow....the scenery is breathtaking. White snow on the red rocks....fantastic pictures! We saw 12 deer on this visit! Rangers are very helpful! Check out the movie at the ranger station...informative about the park and surrounding area!

Pretty, vwell-kept trails. Beautiful views and breathtaking red rocks. A long loop that gives you a nice hill to tackle, so you get a bit of cardio, but you can also take it easy. No dogs is a bonus :)

Over 300 million years in the making! The 60 degree slat from the sandstone Red Rocks are some of the most dramatic tucked away in these Colorado Hogbacks along the Rampart Range! Unlike Red Rocks Ampitheater, this remains in its natural state.
There are many trails of various elevations for every hiker to enjoy.
Besides the red rock formations, a variety of wild life can be seen such as Bear, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Fox, Bighorn Sheep & many species of birds.
There are State Park hosts onsite as well as a visitor center and occasional tours.
Many people hike or run these trails daily & Snowshoeing in winter can be fun! Always Cary a whistle and a water bottle and appropriate layers of clothing. This is an area that can be calm one minute and windy the next! Because of it’s location, storms build quickly!
One of the most beautiful hikes you’ll do! 300 plus years in the making!
FYI! Pets are not allowed.

This is the only place I have been where I've seen bighorn rams fighting! Just like the wildlife films where they get up on the hind legs then charge and hit each other with their horns!

Saw snakes on or near the trail twice on a hot day. That was enough for us. Beautiful scenery though and well marked trails with facilities at the bottom. Enjoy!

I've been going here for years. Although I have never lived in Colorado, Roxborough ihas been a destination spot for me for 20+ years, because of its unique and remarkable beauty. Should be on everyone's bucket list. A wonderful place to experience trails, golf, restaurants, the amazing Red Rocks Ampitheater, and a jumping off point for many mountain treks, ski resorts, alpine lakes and more.

We really loved this park. We got there at 6pm and the park closes at 8pm so we didnt get to do the whole trail. Although it does have some long uphill trails so dont forget water! Gorgeous scenery

Love the park itself but am highly irritated for the 3rd time with the way programs/walks/hikes are handled at this park. After checking the day before to find out about registering for a nature walk the next morning and being told no registration is needed (I was really checking to see if the program was still happening) I left my house this morning for the 50 minute drive to the park. Upon arrival, I could not believe being told at the visitor center "oh, that program is cancelled" !!! Unacceptable. I leave home to head for the park before their office is open in the morning or I would gladly call for a last minute check to avoid wasting my time.

The time before this, my husband and I drove separately so he could go to work afterwards. So we BOTH went out of our way to attend a program that "oh, that's been cancelled"!!

But, what a waste of time indeed. I have two other state parks that are closer to me but I like to go on guided informational walks and Roxborough offers that (if they aren't cancelled!!).

Rather than just whining about it though, if anyone at the park can make changes, here's my suggestions: Make EVERY program where registration is mandatory. Take names, phone number, emails and let participants know of cancellations. If the program leader gets sick or can't give the program at the last minute, have a back-up staff or volunteer ready to do so. It's just good business! I've worked at other parks and nature centers and you just don't leave "customers" baffled about why they keep trying to have a nice morning/afternoon/day at a park when the park staff doesn't seem to be invested in helping with that.

I feel that three chances is enough and will NOT be spending time driving to Roxborough anymore. I'm sure they won't miss me and will keep bumbling along. Good luck and I hope the same frustrating events don't happen to you!

Nestled between spectacular rock formations in the Dakota Hogback, in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, this is a delightful place to visit. Besides the scenery, which makes for great photos especially in the early morning and late afternoon, one can enjoy seeing many kinds of wildlife in their natural settings.

Great place! There isn't a bad photo to be had. Be prepared to do some hiking as there are several trails with various degrees of difficulty. Will be going back to hike the hard trails as we stuck to the medium trail. If you don't have a state park pass it's $7 to get in.

I was in Denver for the holidays and was looking for a good hike within 2 hours of Denver. Someplace that I could feel “away from it all” but also feel safe hiking alone. I had originally planned on Rocky Mt National Park, but it was closed because of the government shutdown, I was also driving a small sedan that doesn’t do great in the snow. I read about Roxborough State Park in a couple of “Best hikes near Denver” articles and decided to check it out. I’m so glad I did.

The weekday traffic between Christmas and New Years was light so the drive from Denver was a breeze, it was about 45 minutes from Stapleton. I think I was the second car to enter the park around 9:30 AM. As an out of state visitor I was a little nervous about driving my little sedan in the half inch of new snow on the park roads. I didn’t know what to expect, but even though hilly and curvy in parts I had no trouble with the snow. The entrance road dead ends at a parking lot (~40 spots, plus 3 handicap) near the visitor center [there is another parking lot just before this with about 50 spots and a restroom]. There is a self registration fee station at the entrance, but the credit card reader was out of order, so I proceeded to the visitor center. Just a heads up, the visitor center is a bit of a walk from the parking lot (~500 ft). You can either take the winding and scenic paved path or walk up the service road.

The visitor center was small and nothing fancy, but clean and cozy. They had a small gift shop with interesting books relating to the local history, geology, and wildlife, with a decent selection for children. They also had some t-shirts, postcards, and patches, etc. There were a few displays about the park, again nothing fancy. The bathrooms were clean and stocked.

The staff was friendly and seemed knowledgeable about the park. I paid my $8 for a day pass and asked about hikes. I was told I might want to avoid the Carpenter Peak trail because of snow and ice. I decided to do the Willow Creek trail to the South Rim trail (about 3 miles total). The Willow Creek trail was relatively wide and smooth with not very much elevation gain, I would rate it as easy. The South Rim trail was very nice. I was the first person on it for the day. I would consider it moderately difficult. It was moderately steep in places and also icy in spots at the higher elevations in the shade. The trail could be rocky, rooty and/or narrow in places. The views of the rock formations where beautiful and from the top you could see Denver way in the distance. I do have to say it was a little disappointing to see the houses along the west side of the valley (one of those- “dang, I hate that those houses are there, but dang I wish I lived in one of them…”).

Since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to also hike the Fountain Valley loop (~ 2 miles). This trail was wide and smooth (I think pea gravel- I saw tracks in the snow from a family pushing a stroller). I would rank it easy to moderate because it did have a pretty big hill coming back up. If you do this trail, make sure you take the short side trail to the overlook.

The only wildlife I saw was a bald eagle in the distance, a few chickadees and some LBBs (little brown birds) foraging in the bushes. I did see quite a few animals tracks in the snow, but nothing I knew how to identify.

This park compares with Garden of the Gods scenery wise. But I think I prefer Roxborough, it just seems a little more remote or wild, at least if you hike the South Rim trail and I suspect the Carpenter Peak trail. I only saw a few other people, of course, I was at Roxborough on a weekday morning in December and Garden of the Gods on a weekend in June….

Located near to Denver; convenient. An oasis in the suburbs. Good hiking but watch out for snakes in the summer! Good interpretative museum if a bit small. Helpful volunteers.

I recently spent a couple of hours in Roxborough State Park hiking with my daughter. The park is quite convening to my daughter's house in Littleton. We had just arrived in Colorado from Florida and I wanted to do a short, less strenuous hike with a gradual increase in altitude. We selected the Willow Creek Trail which is a very easy hike through woods with great views of the red rocks and slick rocks. We saw a group of three small mule deer on the gravel road in the park. There were many small birds along the trail. It would be fun place for birders and photographers. When we finished we only wished for more. There are many other trails in Roxborough. I understand that a couple of them are difficult with a serious incline. A couple of those trails were closed when we were there. There are good bathrooms and a nice visitor center where all of the trails fan off from. All in all, a very nice experience.

This is a wonderful place to hike especially with children. During a hike some children came across a snake which they believed to be a Rattlesnake. Upon approaching the snake I knew it was a Bull Snake. Due to my prior experience with reptiles I handled the snake and used it as a training exercise with the children which was appreciated by the children and parents alike.

Beautiful state park with scenic views of downtown Denver, fantastic rock formations (like at Garden of the Gods - really amazing), and an easy, well maintained walking trail. There is a nice covered area near welcome center to rest and have a picnic after 2 mile walk. There is an old house and other interesting features at the park. Stop at the Welcome Center. Nice, clean indoor restrooms and a drinking fountain. Highly recommend. Only 40 minutes from downtown Denver - easy drive.

Colorado State Park is the park that justifies the cliche 'It takes your breath away'. Gorgeous red rocks, varying elevations, animals here and there. Many hikes and activities, especially educational trips for school children here. The only drawback is the gravel road for two miles between the entrance and the Guest Center.

Jeffco Open Space Parks are fabulous for walking, mountain bike or equestrian riding, or just meditating. This park has amazing red rock formations. It's quiet, a place where you can hear yourself think, if you're a hiker or meditator. I highly recommend it, especially during the day, during mid-week, as the weekends tend to get a little crowded.

Come and play, enjoy, revive, relax, explore! The inviting, beautiful scenery will take your breath away. Enjoy a hike, take photographs, listen to birds, find animal tracks, be a child again or an amazed adult. This is truly a phenomenal Colorado park.

We love to hike, especially when natural beauty or history is involved. Combine them and we are even happier. We decided recently to take in Roxborough State Park for the first time. We first took the Fountain Valley Trail through some gorgeous rock formations, past a historic homestead, and were able to get beautiful views of Denver in the distance.
We then took the Willow Creek Trail. Not as interesting as the Fountain Valley Trail but still some lovely scenery.
This is a great place to hike. Be aware that due to wildlife, dogs are not allowed in this park.

I liked the park as it was less crowded than Garden of the Gods. It was $7 to gain entry to the park for the day. We were only there a short while as we aren't big hikers/walkers since my partner had a knee replacement a few months ago. The walk to the overlook from the main parking lot was very easy to walk and had a great view of the park. Not sure the $7 was worth it as we didn't really do much other than snap a few photos and leave.

The hiking and snow shoeing are both great. The trails are in excellent condition and well maintained.

We hiked one trail here. It was shady in spots, but this is still not in the mountains so it's really high plains. The rock formations rivaled Garden of the Gods in many ways. Daily use fee is currently $7

I only had about 2 hours to hike, so I only made it halfway up to Carpenter Peak. The scenery was beautiful and the weather was great. The visitors center has a lot of interesting info on the area and I was able to buy a pin there. Only down side is that I was paranoid about mountain lions because of the signs in the park (probably a good thing haha).

So close to Denver and so fascinating. Easy hikes with great views of fascinating rock formations. Beautiful wildflowers, grassy meadows, LOTS of gambol (scrub) oak. Take your camera. It is a state park and thus requires an entrance fee but it is well worth it.

Beautiful and relaxing hikes with many different levels for all ages. Will definitely return again!!

This lovely park is close to Denver and Littleton and is worth going for a walk on any nice day of the year. Lots of nature to view!

Beautiful spectacular park. Fun Hiking but no dogs. Small well done museum. Located near Denver. Great photo opportunity especially at twilight.

Great hiking. Beautiful views. Can get busy so may need to go very early, or plan to wait in line. Carpool.

The park is like a compact version of Garden of the Gods, but without the drive to Colorado Springs. When you have out of town visitors who want a "Colorado Experience," with the drive, take them to Roxborough. The walkways are well developed and can be used most times of the year.
The information center is good without being overdone (TMI)
For biking enthusiasts, the road into the park from Rampart Range Road is not paved and not suitable for road bikes.

This is by far my favorite state park so far. I've only done the cabin trail, several times, but it's so beautiful and is a great easy hike. Excellent for photographing wildlife. I was told by a local that there are bears out here in the evenings. There are lots of snakes and other reptiles here. There are many rattlesnakes, you'll probably see one if you're here long enough. I've seen countless deer and other woodland creatures too. It is all framed in by the majestic rock formations that are just as good - if not better - than Garden of the Gods. There's a nature center after the main parking lot with bathrooms. After the pay booth to get in there's a mile of washboard gravel road before it is asphalt once again.

This place is just down the road from here so I’ve visited many, many times in all seasons. I’ve hiked all the trails and they each have they’re special beauty. Carpenters Peak has great views of Roxborough, downtown Denver, Pikes Peak, and more.

My only complaints are no dogs are allowed and no bikes are allowed. The dog part I can kinda understand due to wildlife but many other parks in the area allow them so I think they could be there if given the chance. As for the bikes not being allowed I think that’s ridiculous. Bikes have no more impact than hiking shoes.

Quiet and beautiful - a hidden gem. Great for hiking and photography. As much as I love the country and nature, one of my favorite things is the view of the Denver skyline as you're leaving the park.

Trails to fit all abilities. The road into the park is washboarded so a little rough on sedans. Beautiful views and shade for many sections of the trails

Like Garden of the gods in Colorado Springs but not as crowded. It was very hot when we went in June. We would have stayed longer if it were cooler. I suggest going early or late in the day. We saw 2 deer right by the visitor's center. Make sure to stop and pay the $7 park fee. We saw one car just drive on by because there wasn't an attendant. It's important to support these parks so they will be there for future generations. By the way, there is a lot of poison ivy on the narrow trials so beware if you are allergic like me.

This is a must see State Park. Great if you are into hiking. Suggest that you at least hike the trail by the visitor center. There is a $7 fee to enter. Highly recommended. See my pictures.

My wife and I stopped our for a few hours before a show at the Red Rocks, and it was well worth it! The windy trails opened up to some amazing views. The staff in the office was very friendly.

We did the Fountain Valley hike. Great hike and not too hard - I am really out of shape - but the views were awesome.

Some accident of geography and microclimate created this natural wonder. What a beautiful place to spend some time hiking and experiencing nature.

Have sunscreen and water for sunny summer days, and be aware that dogs are not allowed.

We took a walk with our two boys grandchildren age 7 and 5 and it was great. The trails are very good to walk on and the scenery was great. They got a little tired as my wife and I were moving along. There are benches to sit down and it was an overall great hike.

We had a brilliant visit to the park and a couple of great hikes. It's a fabulous attraction and place to visit but, as a visitor don't worry about comparing to GOTG. Just count yourselves lucky that you have two such great and diverse attractions. The lack of vehicles at Roxborough is a major plus and and it's just beautiful - the paved roads at GOTG allows access to those with disabilities so there's a place for both. Well worth a visit BUT signposting to the park should be greatly improved

Roxborough State Park is one of the best state parks in Colorado and is located about 25 miles southwest of Denver. The beautiful red rocks formations are on par with Garden of the Gods but are in a natural setting without tour buses and traffic. Hiking trails are available for all levels with Carpenter's Peak being the most strenuous. I have been visiting this park for 20 years and always see something new. Good for families as well. My kids loved hiking here and stopping by the visitors' center.

Loved it! It was like Garden of the Gods without the huge crowds of people. When we arrived in the morning, it was mostly us and local senior citizens out for a walk. We saw deer and a turkey crossed the path right in front of us. The rock formations are wonderful and the Fountain trail is a nice, easy 2 miler. The only place to picnic is right in front of the visitor's center, which wasn't private and relaxing enough for us.

Roxborough is a beautiful State Park with a variety of hiking levels, terrain, views, and opportunities to explore in nature. It's fairly close to the southern urban areas of Denver, but has retained a feeling of "wilderness" and natural splendor untainted by the encroaching housing developments hidden behind it's rock walls. Geologically it's an amazing array of vertical, red stone, which make for a very dramatic landscape. You have many choices of trails for hiking, and a Visitor Center with hands-on exhibits and a great book store. The rangers are always friendly and helpful, and there are programs to involve all ages. There is a fee ($7 per car). Bring water and a hat for shade, wear sunscreen, and be alert for wildlife (mountain lions, black bear, and rattlesnakes are often seen). A wonderful place for birding, plein aire painting, and refreshing your soul. The trails vary from a dirt road, narrow dirt path, or rocky trail climb. There is an "easy" trail that gives you a spectacular view of the rock formations, and even some areas of wheelchair access. Make sure you read the description of each trail before venturing out, to make sure you choose the best fit for your ability. Watch out - the trails can be very muddy after a snow or rain. The South Rim trail is mostly out in the open with few trees, so bring sun protection. Walking sticks come in handy, and if you go walking there in the winter, wear ice cleats (like Yaxtrax) and/or bring ski poles for safety on the icy trails. Pack a lunch, and make a day of it. Check out their special celebrations when they open the historic building down one of the trails, and have fiddle music, costumed interpreters, and cider.

The red rock formations are exquisite! There are several hiking trails, from beginner to advanced. Watertown Canyon is nearby, and you can walk or bike up to the stroncjaStrontia Springs Reservoir, and view Big Horn sheep along the way!

Go way back in history and imagine where ancient Indians passing through these prairie lands to feed and graze. Amazing mountainous structures that are unique and memorable. A great place for the whole family to visit and enjoy.

It was a great place for spending three hours outside during the light winter in Colorado. The weather was great. There was some snow. We went there early afternoon. Because of short winter day in December, we had not much time, but it was enough for us. We spent over three hours walking-hiking around, using the largest loop trail.
I've loved the red rocks, their great formation and surrounding hills. There was a nice view towards the city of Denver. On grassy hills, there was a lot of deer or elk(I am not able to recognize them). Up in the sky the bald eagle was circling around.
There is a great lookout terrace in the middle of trail. You have to hike there for about 10 minutes. It's worth to do it! On our way to the terrace, we had to watch for icy trail.
I recommend this place for everyone.
RomanP
Because of close to the sunset, some of the rocks were in shadow. Some of them were very red because of the sun. I am sure this spot must look great also in the morning, when the sun is on the other side of the park. In the future I have to visit this place again.

Thoroughly enjoyed our trip/ hike in Roxborough State Park. Parking was ample. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable about the various trails in the park. Had a wonderful morning of hiking on two of the easy trails since we had young children with us. Would definitely do again.

This is a beautiful park that I visit all the time in regard of the seasons. I'd say that it's my favorite state park in Colorado. The views there are breathtaking and it offers great hiking opportunity of various difficulty. It's never too crowded inside but sometimes there's a long line waiting to get into the park. Parking spaces are limited inside and the Rangers do not allow parking in undesignated parking lots.

The only thing I don't like is that the park opens too late (especially in the summer) and closes earlier. It's said to protect the animals. Come on, what's wrong with offering animal watching opportunity?

This local state park is great for families or those who want to experience Colorado hiking without traveling far from the city. Great vistas. As some have commented one does need to be aware of their environment as there is wild life and poison oak near the trail.
Hey its part of the adventure. I have been hiking the trails for years and have not ever had a negative run in with plant or animal. A must do for your Denver bucket list.

we hiked the Fountain Valley Trail on a sparkling day and wow what a beautiful hike. I am not experienced or necessarily in great shape but I was able to do the 2.3 miles. Bring water. We did see mule deer right on the trail and we stared at each other for 10 mins at least.
Planning to return here again next time in Denver

Hiked with a friend today and so glad we did! Weather was beautiful and a parks volunteer staff were on property - we got a tour of the Persse homestead (thanks Gary) and was accompanied to a lookout (thanks Daniel) to discuss the archeological significance of the land and rock formations. What started as a hike ended with some great interaction and education. Highly recommend!

Roxborough State Park is a gem that is just south of Chatfield reservoir that everyone who lives in the Denver area should put on their "must see" list. The Park has a wonderful theatre which shows a short film documenting the history of the Park. You should view this before picking out which trail to hike on.

Decided to do something outdoors while our guests were here.

We decided to Roxborough State Park since it was close, about 20 miles away. We all piled in to the oversized SUV and headed south. Very easy to find. The entrance fee is $7.00 per vehicle, so load as many people as you can in to the car/ truck/SUV.

They do have a visitors center with bathrooms and water fountains just in case you need to fill up your water bottles.

There are many signs before you enter the park and while inside that say that the park closes at 7PM and that the gates are locked when the park is closed.

They have free maps at the visitors center that show you the various trails and approximate times it may take you to get to/from various points. Along the loop we took there were two scenic overlooks that we walked to. The trails are very easy and well maintained. No tree roots or other things that may make you trip and fall.

This was not the most strenuous loop, but we did have guests that came from sea level so this was good enough for them.

This is a nice little state park and if you are looking for something to do outdoors that is not too hard this would be a great place to go.

Roxborough is not far from Denver but makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. This park has several different trails with several degrees of difficulty. Check out the Fountain Valley Lookout and Lyons Lookout - you won’t be sorry.

Get there early - you may have to wait to get in.

The area is beautiful with rock formations in all directions. You can do a short 2 hour hike and feel like you've gotten away from it all. Rarely is the park crowded. If it's not a weekend, you'll have the trail to yourself.

We took our grandchildren here over spring break. It was nice because you were able to see how long each trail was before you left. It gave you and idea of how long it would take. The kids loved it and so did we.

for a really breathtaking scenic easy Sunday afternoon hike/walk Roxborough can't be beat!! No pets allowed so actually it's wonderful as you don't have to deal with people and dogs all day!! Great place for a light walk not too hilly. The scenery and small wildlife is hard to beat. Great for bird watching or taking photos.

Great place to hike! We even saw deer when we first arrived! The trails are nice and easy. This is one that younger kids can do. I wish that they allowed dogs on the trails!

Day use only state park with good hiking & amazing views, marred only by encroaching development! Varied hiking trails includes easy half mile to moderate/challenging 6.4 mile hikes. You decide how much you want to take on! We hiked both Fountain Valley & the South Rim trails (on 2 different weekends in Oct). Fountain Valley is an easy, mostly flat & paved hike, and the South Rim a bit more of a challenge (not paved) but nothing too strenuous. Even had a few early risers running this trail! Appreciated the benches along the way to rest & enjoy the views! We saw a host of wildlife ranging from mule deer to various species of birds! At the top, and on the way up / down the South Rim trail we had gorgeous panoramic views of Denver, red-rock formations, and fall colors (mid-Oct). Roxborough has a nice Visitor Center with clean facilities and refill stations. We plan on returning to take on Carpenter's 6.4 mile trek to 7,160 foot Carpenter's peak. And while we had no problems finding parking at 0800, by the time we left around 1000, the parking lot closest to the visitors center was filling up. In the summer I can see that being more of an issue but for our Oct visits it was not an issue.

My wife and I just moved to the Denver area. After visiting Roxborough State Park we decided to look for a house to buy in this area. The trails are fairly easy and not too long. Even in the winter this is a fun place to visit.

been a couple times for a nice hike. easy trails. beautiful scenery and easy to get there. no bikes or pets. lots of wildlife to see. has a nice learning center and gift shop too. very interesting to see and learn about the park. really cool

Roxborough... close to home and a great place to hike. Buy the State pass and enjoy all of the close-by hiking in the front range.

We attended a wedding here and it was fantastic. The views were breathtaking.
they only let 100 cars in so sometimes there's a wait but the rangers went above and beyond to make sure we got in and up to where we needed to be. Had a bit of a hike in a suit which wasn't fun but they have a cart to take you part way.

Wonderful place for a quick hike or a longer one! They have some really easy trails! Beautiful setting right in the foothills and really close to the metro area! Respect park rules! No dogs allowed.

Have gone to Roxborough and returned many times. Recommend going, especially during the summer. Go enjoy yourself.

This is a very pretty park with lots of different picturesque views. Yes there is wildlife we saw moths fluttering in the wetlands, a deer hanging out, and dragonflies and such. The visitor center is nice. We got caught in the rain and took shelter on the visitor center. The ranger turned on the movie for us which was cool. What can you do? Stay to the trail, hike and take pictures. Read up on the history of the place and interact at the visitor center. We had to pay $7.00 for a parking pass and exact change or a check only as payment to be aware. The is a large strip of gravel road, drive careful and a car wash later is probably in order. The trails are well done and well marked.

This is a nice place to hike - easy hiking - with beautiful scenic backdrop. Good place to take visitors - there are even old buildings you can see and walk around.

This was the perfect stop for our afternoon arrival in Denver. The drive from the airport took about 45 minutes. We spent about an hour and 15 minutes at the park. The views are great, and it's perfect for adjusting to the elevation.

Nice easy hikes with nice scenery and if you are lucky some wildlife. Sometimes they are closing the trails to let the vegetation grow back, would check before you go. Parking lot gets full so go early.

This is a fantastic park with a good variety of hiking trails from easy to hard. Spectacular views of amazing red rocks, the Denver metro area and the mountains. The people working in the nature center are very friendly and helpful. Our kids loved the park and all the stuff in the nature center. I highly recommend this park to anyone.

Great park for nature enthusiasts and hikers of varying skill levels. Absolutely gorgeous scenery and well-groomed trails. Be aware that the parking lot is small and there are no pets or bikes allowed on the trails. Not necessarily a bad thing, it's nice to not have to watch out for manic cyclists or dog droppings, however, this is one reason we don't frequent this park more often is because it is really hard for me to leave my dog at home while I go for a walk without him.

I enjoyed a solitary hike throughout the park taking amazing photos as I went. While there were many other hikers, all of us enjoyed the peace and solitude without distracting or disturbing each other. The scenery is breathtaking. Even the drive into the park is awesome!

Beautiful trail with 360 degrees view of the red rocks. Part of the trail is through woods and part in open plains. Jus amazingly beautiful. There are 3 trails options: easy, moderate and advanced. Highly recommended.

Well maintained and groomed, however it could use more parking. You can stay on the paths or venture of road. There is a lot of wild life to see and photo opportunities...

Very close to my house and never knew this fantastic place was there. When we were there it started to rain but we really didn’t mind. We did have to leave but will be back very soon to really take a good hike.

Roxborough State Park is truly a hidden gem that must be experienced in-person to fully appreciate all that it has to offer. Gate is attended by a Park Ranger who collects entrance fees and is available in case of emergency.

Roxborough is known for its red rock formations and no photograph has been able to fully capture the grandeur this park has to offer. There are low impact hiking trails available for those looking for a nature stroll and more strenuous trails available for those in need of workout.

Please note, dogs are NOT allowed, and for good reason. Encounters with wildlife are likely here. Snakes, deer, elk, etc are common encounters. Also a beautiful location for bird watchers.

Expect plenty of picture-taking opportunities. Roxborough's dramatic red sandstone formations provide the perfect mountain foothills experience for those looking for something closer to the city.

Stroll, relax, breathe our clean air and exhale your cares away.

This is a great place to see red rock formations and hike. The hikes can be short or longer so good for families and all levels of hikers.

This is a really beautiful place. The main loop is easy - mostly flat and wide gravel trail with some steeper side trails that take you to overlooks you should not miss. Highly recommend Roxborough for when you want to stick closet to home.

The red rocks are awesome. The visitor center is fun. Trails are good. Just watch out for the poison ivy that lines some parts of some trails. When hiking with young ones, go for the wide trail to the north, which is poison ivy free.

Visited on Free Friday after Thanksgiving and we arrived just after opening. Beautiful park with lots of different levels of hiking. It was a little muddy and icey in the shade so we had to turn around on a few trails since we didnt have the correct gear, but absolutely beautiful area. It would be a great place to come when better prepared. Great place for a picnic at the visitor Center. THey even let you borrow walking sticks! When we left at around 1:00 pm there was a line of cars to get in and the rangers were only letting cars in as cars came out--- so get there early.

We've been here many times because it's close in and a great place to partake in a scenic hike or trail,run for a workout. I've never been dissapointed and a great place to visit across all seasons.

One of the best state parks close to Denver with hiking trails that range in distance and difficulty. Great for spotting wildlife, enjoying autumn leaves, and spring wildflowers. Plenty of shade trees and benches to rest and enjoy the quiet. Visitor's center offers hiking sticks to borrow, clean restrooms, and activities for kids as well as helpful Rangers and volunteers.

Moderately easy park to explore by trali on foot. Unique red rock formations. Good visitor center with video of the history and geology of the area.

Love going to Roxborough State Park. At the end of a long day, to hike, relax, enjoy the peacefulness, and take pictures. Highly recommend it!

Roxborough is a beautiful gem on the southside of Denver that has red rock formations on par with Garden of the Gods. Make sure to arrive early if it's a busy day as parking can be tight.

Loved hiking here with friends. Busy trails however and no dogs allowed🙁. We were there on a day schools had field trips.

Beautiful venue for all levels of hiking ability and time constraints. Birds, wildflowers, stunning scenery and above all peace. A bit of heaven in our backyard!

Oct 2014.... I never knew this trail was there. Went with two friends, and it was so beautiful. The views from the top, you weave in and out of trees and open areas. we are active people so this was comfortable, one of our friends was not used to that altitude, so he needed more breaks. We made it to the top and the view was worth it. Be prepared with food, water, poles. They say watch out for snakes and mountain lions OH MY. Just be prepared. There is a park cost to gain entry. The lady at the visitors center was so sweet. Highly recommended this hike for anyone locals or tourist. Well worth it.

We went on a short hike here; scenery changed as we walked; there were a few overlooks to take pictures. Maybe an hour or so for hike.

I love going to Roxborough State Park. At the end of a long day, it is relaxing, a great way to unwind. I highly recommend it!

Very nice park close to Denver/Littleton area if you don't wish to venture too far away from the metro area. Rock formations are interesting and the trails are well-maintained and fairly easy. Mountain lions and bear reside in the park as well as numerous rattlesnakes but you'll be find if you stay on the trails and use common sense. Beautiful, peaceful park.

Have spent a good amount of time in Roxborough hiking with family and friends. In addition, I've volunteered here with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado maintaining the trails. There is good opportunity to see wildlife. I've never found the park crowded even though it is close to the city. Certainly a great place to pack a lunch and spend an afternoon enjoying the gorgeous Colorado weather.

We decided to check out this park because its natural beauty. There are several trails to choose from and of course for the time you want to spend exploring the park. The longest trail is about 3.1 miles (carpenter's trail), it will takes you all the way to the top pick of the park and then gives you the option to continue for about 3.3 miles more to get to the canyon views. If you choose to visit please make sure you are aware that the park closes it's doors@800pm with no exceptions. Also there is a limit parking of about 100. Once filed you are allow to enter till somebody else leaves, (we had to wait 25 min to enter@1130am). There are not bathrooms or water supply on trails, only at visitor center. Please make sure you carry at least one bottle of water, you will need it. Please allow time and enjoy its wonders!!

This is a great spot to go on some low elevation, less-strenuous hikes with great views of rock formations. The park is beautiful year round with a good deal of parking and a ranger/visitor/welcome center out front. Be aware you must pay to enter the park ($7 per car unless you have a State Park pass). Have the right change because if the kiosk to pay is not open, you just do "honor system" style and put your money in a little packet at the entrance with your license plate number (and a sticker on your car).

We went on New Year's Day and it was not too busy, though the parking lots were about half full. The ranger station offers up cold beverages for $1 donation, in addition to their free advice on how and where to go. There is a white board with counts of recent sitings of various wildlife, including the last date they were seen and on which trail. We ourselves saw big bunches of deer, including giant bucks, on three different occasions on our 40 minute hike.

Great place for short hikes. It has an ADA accessible trail and several easy and medium ones. $7 dollars will get you in. Pass is good until the next day at noon.

Roxborough State Park is a gem close in to Denver and is deserving of a visit. The red (due to iron deposition)sandstone outcroppings are from the Fountain Formation. This same formation extends from Garden of The Gods in Colorado Springs to Red Rocks, west of Denver, to The Flatirons in Boulder. Roxborough State Park has hiking trails from easy to moderate. You might see mule deer, red fox, eagles and other wildlife during your visit. Be sure to check out the Visitor Center to learn about area history!

What a great place to take in the beauty of Colorado; we saw dozens of deer, hundreds of birds, and spent less than about 15 minutes driving through the Park.
Definitely worth the short drive from Denver.

Such a beautiful park! We only had a short amount of time to hike around so we went straight to the Fountain Valley Trail, a short loop trail that starts from the Visitor's Center. We had splendid weather and the views were just wonderful. The trail was easy (close toed shoes are still recommended) and there were options to go up a few small hills to get a view of the area. There were plenty of families on the mostly flat trail that morning as well. Great place for a hike!

Roxborough is a very nice hiking location if you’re looking for something within 45 minutes of Denver. We rented a car and hit the road and it was an easy drive to the park. Fate was with us as it happened to be Colorado Day, so admission to the park was free! I will also mention that they have a tip jar and I highly recommend giving a bit if you can- the facilities are well kept, clean and well staffed.

The front desk was extremely helpful and provided us with a great two mile hike option along with a self guided tour. The trail was well marked and there were 20 stops along the way that provided great information at each stop. It was raining lightly for most of the hike but the main trails were gravel so we had no issues with our feet. I wore tennis shoes and had no problems at all... even with the look out tributaries being steeper and dirt.

The look outs were really the main attraction... the views were amazing even with the weather. The rock formations were spectacular and it was super cool to see the different ecosystems along the trail. We also saw lots of wildlife - mule deer with babies (!) along with squirrels, field mice and many birds.

All in all, I really think this is a great hiking option for those who don't have an entire day to devote to hiking. We were on the road by 9ish and back in Denver by 4pm... perfect timing for attending a concert the same day!

The rock formations are amazing but kinda dissapointed... we rode our motorcycle out here and it is a dirt road going into the park. So, you really can't just drive through the park like I had hoped. Going to the gated community you can tell them you are going to the golf course and they will let you in. That was a nice view of the backside of the park, with downtown Denver in the background.

You feel like your way out in the wilderness but actually your only minutes from the greater Denver metropolitan area. Lots of locals don't even know about the place and you would have to be well informed as a tourist to find it.

Don't let the proceminity to the city fool you however. This park does have plenty of deer which means they also have mountain lions. in addition there is lots of other wildlife and coyotes are abundant so come to visit with all of that in mind. Bears are common so careful what you leave in your car and be mindful of the food in your pack. Make sure you take out what you bring in. Leaving trash for the bears is not a good thing. If you want to avoid the animals midday is your best bet. Early morning and late night is when the animals are more likely to be seen.

Great place to visit just be aware of your surroundings as all times.

We had a very nice loop walk through this park. Nice views and beautiful rock features. We also saw 4 deer during our walk.

While visiting our daughter in Denver, we spent a morning at this state park. Wow! Just outside the Denver metro area, this park delivers a high quality hiking and natural experience. Get there early in the day, before parking lots fill up and trails get crowded. There are several trails, ranging from very easy to moderately strenuous. Views are truly outstanding, and exhibits cover nature and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. No dogs allowed. On hot days, there are benches in shady areas where one can enjoy a cool and relaxing pause. At the visitor center, there are several picnic tables where one can eat and enjoy the natural ambience. The vibe is low key, active and family-friendly. If hiking, be sure to bring plenty of water, and wear hiking footwear. While hiking, stay on trails (we saw a ranger catch people who had gone off-trail to film a video). Drones not allowed. At the visitor center, you can get a brochure that explains various aspects of the natural surroundings on a particular trail (along the trail, there are signs that point out plants, trees, etc).

Roxborough State Park is a beautiful place to hike. There are several trail to choose. We enjoy the South Rim Loop Trail which is about 3 miles long and rated moderate. There is a beautiful gift shop/ranger station which has restrooms. You will not be disappointed with a visit here.

I guess I should have read up on the state park we chose. I was expecting more of a driving opportunity. It's only a couple miles long and then you have to park and get out and hike. We just walked the 1.3 mile easy loop. It was the middle of the day so there wasn't much wildlife moving in the heat. Had I read up a little better, we might have gone later when the heat was more tolerable. There is a small visitor's center that was interesting to stop at and read about the local wildlife. There are also examples of taxidermied local animals.

Really beautful place to hike with several trails for different levels of experience. It's a very short trip from downtown Denver making it a really nice place to visit and take in the scenery.

My sister in law takes us to this park every time we visit her in Denver and we can see why. The rock formations, views and wildlife make it a perfect place to walk in a fairly urban area. The interpretive center is good, too. I think families would enjoy it.

This quiet park reminds me of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs; the red rock formations are similar. There are trails ranging from 2 miles to over 8 miles in length, suiting various levels of fitness. The visitor center has some nice displays, restrooms, and walking sticks that you can borrow to use for the day. The red rock mountains are stunning. While not very far from downtown Denver, not too many people know about this park, so the trails are uncrowded. Lovely, quiet place to spend some time, looking for birds and enjoying the red mountain scenery.

I felt so serene as a bean with the beautiful scenery. Its a fun easy peasy hike great alone or with the entire family. Beauty truly awaits around every corner!

Moderate one hour to magnificent view of front range. Hike down naturally much easier. Bring water and be prepared for weather change.

This is a great place! Go and see it! The rock formations are stunning along the Front Range. The hikes are of all types from gentle to challenging. I do recommend Carpenter Peak for those with stamina.

My issue remains the state park staff. If it is quiet with very few visitors, they seem to function okay. If it’s just a little busier, dealing with the staff should be avoided. I feel like the state park staff resent visitors and just wish the park would never be visited. So. If it’s a busy day, enjoy your day and navigate the state park staff as best you can. One big bonus are some of the volunteer docents and guides who can be super helpful and outgoing.

The park website can be helpful to see and witness planned activities. The weekends are busy and parking can be challenging to impossible (yes, they close the park when the lot fills). The under utilized south park trails which connect with the Douglas Co open space are wonderful and offer more solitude.

This is the only place I’ve seen a mountain lion in the wild. I’ve also seen bear and rattlesnakes there too. It’s safe, but in the spring and summer, don’t wander away from the trails. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and you may be very pleased!

There is gorgeous color there in the fall and spring. Lupine, Wild Iris and Plum in spring. Aspen and Cottonwood in fall.

This land was saved by the people of Colorado in the 1980’s as a park and it is special. There are population pressures on this park given its proximity to Denver, but it’s still a great place. It is no wonder why it used to be a travel destination for Denver’s upper crust. The first step in saving more park space is seeing the amazing places we already have!

And if the state park staff are having a better day, please encourage them and give them some kudos! I hope everyone can have a great time at this park including the state park staff!!

Love most of the state parks in CO. We took a weekday off in July and had the Carpenter Peak trail nearly to ourselves. We were able to do 6.2 miles in two hours, and it's a moderate to difficult walk.
There are great views and the visitor center is modern with a water filter for your bottles.

We did a short family hike here on recommendation of friends who live in Denver. It was perfect for a half day hike to see some amazing rock formations. When you get to the trial head, go towards the left for the best views. After you get to the furthest point, the return doesn't gave much in terms of views, so if you have little ones, you can just do a shorter hike on the one side and turn around rather than doing the whole loop. On a clear day, you can still see downtown Denver from here!

Awesome park with easy trails. Definitely do the loop and make it up the Lyon Lookout - worth it! :) It was beautiful in the winter and we can only imagine it’s beauty in the summer! Add to your list!

A nice jaunt! I am new to Denver. Still getting used to the altitude and was looking for an easier hike to get outdoors and see more of the area. I would say I'm in moderate shape. This is a peaceful spot, although I did go on a weekday morning. It is $7 to get into the park, well worth it. I hiked the Fountain Valley trail loop, took about 45-60 minutes. Slightly uphill at some parts but not bad at all. Be sure to stop at the Lyons overlook along the way, just a little ways up a hill on the Fountain valley trail. It has an overlook built out on the rock formations. I also walked around the Willow Creek trail after that which took about 30 mins. Overall peaceful and serene place with amazing red rock formations.

Roxborough is one of the more unique geological sites in the country. The rock formations are beautiful red rocks. There are several hiking trails that wind through the rocks or can take you to the top of several mountain peaks. Watch out for rattlesnakes.

Nothing SPECTACULAR about the park, but it offers an "out of the way" feeling while being close to Denver. Pretty views of the city and foothills.

Take the Fountain Valley Trail - around 2.20 miles length. You will have access to take pictures of ragged rock formations which are really cool. The full trail involves a walk down (on rock side) and a walk up on the non-rock side). Great state park to visit.

We had just a few hours of free time on a recent visit to the Denver area and stopped by Roxborough State Park for an afternoon hike. We hiked up Carpenter Peak which was the longest trail. We saw lots of hikers hiking down as we made our way up, but the top was almost deserted. The views were gorgeous. The hike was marked as strenuous but we'd categorize it as more moderate.

Easy parking here and lots of varied levels of terrain. I like to do trail runs here and Carpenter Peak provides a nice but challenging mid-distance run. It also is a nice place for a day hike with the family. Easy drive from Littleton and the southern part of the Denver metro area.

When people come to visit me in Colorado, and they haven't much time but want to get that "mountain" experience, I take them to Roxborough State Park. Within 30 minutes you can go from downtown metro Denver to a magical place filled with fabulous rock formations. The main hiking trail is a level path that takes you on a one mile loop. It's perfect for those who have not done a lot of hiking -- especially at altitude. The southern trail takes a more circuitous route over more hilly terrain -- but it still a great hike for beginners. The Park Ranger Station is filled with lots of information about local flora and wildlife. I often try to imagine what it was like when the Native Americans lived in and around this mystical and magical place. I also remind myself that these rocks have been here for thousands of years -- and yet they still stand as an invitation for us to come and explore! You can either brown bag it for lunch or at the end of your hike you can go over to the Arrowhead Golf Course Clubhouse (a public golf course) and have a nice breakfast or lunch -- which overlooks the rock formations of the Park.

I’ve been hiking Carpenters Peak for years and absolutely love it. Takes about 1:20minutes to hike up. My 10 & 12 year old boys have joined us. It is a big hike for them but if you bring snacks and water they will enjoy it too.

This is a gorgeous pocket park that is easy to get to, especially if you live in the south Denver Metro area. It doesn't look like much from the main entrance but after you drive the mile-long dirt road around the hog back, you will be rewarded. It's every bit as picturesque as Garden of the Gods in CO Springs, and Red Rocks park. There are a few very easy hiking trails, and a not-too-strenous climb to the summit of Carpenter's Peak.

Great place to spend a couple of hours. The park is one of the best maintained in the state of Colorado. It's absolutely stunning with the flat irons.

The state park has been here for many years and yet I always run across locals Denver area who had no idea it exists. It is somewhat limited for some; no bikes, no pets and over a mile of bumpy dirt road at the entrance. But the sheer beauty and peacefulness is hard to find this close to home.

Easy hiking with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Roxsborough feels remote and private although just 30 minutes from the bustle of Denver

Just to get this in up-front, no dogs or bikes are permitted in the park. So, if that was your plan, this isn't the right park for you. Also, this park is extremely focused on leaving a minimal footprint on the environment - which is great. But that also means that there are very few parking spots in comparison with other parks of a similar size. So, if you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday, do arrive early. I arrived at 9:30am on a chilly November Saturday and the primary parking lot was already full.

OK, so now that the disclaimers are done, this park is wonderful. Some compare it to Garden of the Gods due to the red rock formations. That's pretty accurate. However, this park has maintained a much more natural environment and has done a far better job protecting the natural features of the park. Nature appreciates that. Actually, before I even arrived at the visitors center, I saw two deer mating - a first for me!

Once you get into the park, there are a good number of trails to chose from. Many are easy to moderate giving a wide number of options. I will certainly come back soon and in different seasons so see how the environment changes.

In a 2 mile hike, I have never seen so many diverse ecosystems...breathtaking cliffs and hogbacks, views of the eastern plains, rolling hills, and a marsh area! Saw deer, birds of prey, toads, and several species of small mammals.

Spent a week in the area and enjoyed every moment. Used the area as our base for a visit with friends. Serenity and drop dead gorgeous views all within hikes that very from easy to moderate. Flora and fauna abound at this gem of a park. Best experienced early or late as temps and sun can be harsh. Ranks far better in my opinion than Garden of Gods which was overdeveloped decades ago.

Not to far south from downtown Denver is a great park with amazing views and geology. There are different hikes for all levels and ages. Kids will have a blast walking, running and looking for wildlife. Highly recommend visiting for splendor near the city.

There are multiple trails to choose from of all lengths and difficulty. Some have more shade (can be important), some with more view. Most any time of day a hat is helpful. Parking is at a premium. On a busy nice weekend day, get there early or you may have to wait at the entrance. One car let in as a car leaves. It is a two+ mile drive to the Park Information Center and Trail Heads. Once you get close, take the first available parking spot.

Nice easy hike with some of the best views on the Front Range. 3 mile long spine of incredible Red Rocks.

The south rim, 3.4 mile walk took about 1 1/2 hours. It was wonderful. Great views. Moderate to east walk and has to be a top favorite we've done. Be sure to do that one.

Carpenter Peak hike taken with several families of various ages (7-50's) and stages of ability. The views and wild life from beginning to end are like no other. The reward for your hike is the most amazing view to the west of the continental divide as far as the eye can see and to the north east best view of Denver. Take plenty of water and take plenty of rest. Be ware of the changing weather conditions toward the afternoon in the spring through fall time. It' s one of the best kept secrets of Denver. Also if less strenuous and still lovely views take the South Rim trail. Can be done in less than an hour if trail conditions are good. Take time to enjoy the rock formations.

We went here on the recommendation of a friend during a recent trip to the Aurora/Denver area. We had no idea what to expect but were pleasantly surprised. As you hike the main loop you're rewarded with gorgeous 360 views! We got there late in the day with just a couple of hours to closing. We spent a little time in the visitor center which was really interesting. I never would have expected sea life fossils here!

The ranger loaned us an interpretive guide for the trail which made it much more interesting. It explained some of the natural things we saw as well as some of the old buildings and the history of the property. I highly recommend asking for it. We got back from our hike after the park closed so we left the guide under the mat. The gates are closed after hours but you can still get out after closing as the gets are motion sensitive (We were afraid we were spending the night when we pulled up to them!)

If you're in the area, this park is definitely worth a visit!

Roxborough is stunning, even for Colorado resident accustomed to natural magnificence. Red rocks and hiking and wildlife and close-enough-to-town, makes this a special place for visitors.

Spend a lovely afternoon following trails amid the Red Rock formations in Littleton, CO. The reception area is new with clean bathrooms, snacks, and activities for children. We picnicked outside on a sunny terrace. The trails are well marked and maintained. The vista are incredible. Lovely spot to enjoy Colorado's natural wonders.

Very nice trails, clear signs, magnificent views!!!! Definitely recommend all trails!!!!

The only reservation - on the Carpenter Peak trail there is a way to do a loop if one takes USFS 800 trail back - DON'T. It's boring, not scenic at all. Not too bad, just not worth your time unless you are doing a long run and need the extra miles.

I loved this place, not far from town and it is beautiful . It is nice escape from Denver. Worth your time

Lovely location. Lots of birds and wildlife to see. We were worried about the mountain lions but didn't see any! Take your camera and a light lunch for a picnic

What a beautiful hike! Amazing from start to finish. This two mile + hike includes awesome overlooks and serene meadows. Although the hike is relatively easy don't underestimate the amount of energy it will take on a hot day.
The vistas start right at the parking lot and continue all the way full circle. The staff at the ranger station offer insight and encouragement. If you have the chance include this hike on your agenda

Took a hike on a pretty morning in August. The trail was nice and we'll maintained and the views very pretty!

You will have to pay a State Park fee to enter. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to the information center. Stop at the information center where a ranger will give you a good overview of the different trails so you can make a choice based on your ability and time available. Based on the information they gave us, we took the South Rim trail. It is a narrow trail, wide enough for one person at a time. I would highly recommend you wear sturdy shoes, as it is a moderate hike and has some uneven surfaces. It has some shaded areas but a lot is in the open. There are great views along the entire trail. We saw quite a bit of scat on the trail but didn't see any wildlife. There were a few people on the trail but it wasn't crowed.

What a surprise; we were introduced to this State Park by another website and had the time to visit while we were in the Littleton (Denver) area. What A Treat !! If you have been to the Garden Of The Gods in Colorado Springs, this is equal to OR even better. We walked the 1.5-hour circle Fountain Valley loop trail; it was easy with a few inclines and rest stops. Most of it was in the sun ( not much shade), so take water and sunscreen. The price has gone up to $10, and cash is required as the CC machine is nonoperable. Enjoy.

If you like Red Rocks, you will like Roxborough State Park. One of many good reasons to buy an annual park pass. Different difficulty levels of hiking make this a perfect place for a brisk stroll or a climb up a mountain trail. The various rock formations and deer and other critters and plenty of bird life make it interesting as well.

Roxborough State Park has a great circle hiking route that takes you through several life zones from hot plains to the cooler shadier side ot the hogback. A bonus is the rock formation at the moment you turn and look west at the far end of the loop. Hint: it looks like George Washington. The loop trail is approximately 3 miles long.

Wow is a word you hear a lot when you visit this state park famous for its red sandstone columns and pillars. Incredible vistas, diverse wildlife habitats and a very ingenious interpretive pavilion that utilizes one of the stone columns as its back wall.

This park is always fantastic. We saw a doe and her fawn, a snake, a frog, so many birds, a male deer and narrowly avoided a rattle snake on the south rim trail. The trails at this park are amazing, but you definitely need to keep vigilant. This time of year it doesn't matter what time of day it is, the rattle snakes are out.

Awesome! I used to hike there with my kids. Now I hike there with my kids and grandkids. There is an easy trail/relatively short from the (very cool) nature center, or more difficult/longer trails.

Love this park. We'll be back often. Visitor center, parking, wide trails, are all great. The best thing is the amazing red rock cliffs. There is a view of downtown Denver off in the distance, about like at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Sunset was amazing. I'd share photos, but all I took was videos.

This is a fascinating park , weird geological outcrops of rock , safe paths , didn't see any snakes 😕 Take some water wth you !

The scenery in Rox State Park is absolutely astounding. I go here frequently to relax and let nature inspire me. The park is equally tranquil and full of beautiful sites in all directions. Check it out!

Used to live in Roxborough Park. Fantastic place. Loved walking the trails at the State Park. Beautiful!!

Not much there other than the walks. Nice rock formations to view. Some history markers and lots of wild flowers.

Grab a trail map and explore this fascinating place with unparalleled scenery. Take a hike through this natural place of beauty, ecological diversity and serenity. Bring your camera to capture wildlife and lovely vistas.

This place is just south and west of Denver proper. Quick to get to and an easy hike. $7 for a day pass. There are more beautiful places in the mountains, but for how quick you can get here this is a great place for early afternoon outing.

Easily accessible, mostly flat. Winding paved trails. Rock formations are incredible. Must have 100 characters so i am still typing.....

This park has easy to challenging hiking trails and great naturalists who take you on a seasonal nature tour. There are also nature photography classes. There are old homesteads to explore and lots of wildlife. There is also a special event at Christmas time. Tours and classes require reservations. The moonlight hikes are very popular - bring your camera. Several deer often appear in the meadows during the twilight. The views are breathtaking.