Spring in White Ranch
March 16, 2010 posted by Brent - All Mountain Sports
Filed under Colorado Hiking, Outdoor News, Spring Break, Trips
NEAR GOLDEN – Hikers who don’t mind putting up with some snowy trails and a bit of mud will be rewarded with signs of Spring and some amazing views of Denver with a visit to the White Ranch Open Space Park in Jefferson County.
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White Ranch is home to lots of wildlife, open meadows, forested foothills, a pristine canyon, buttes, and interesting rock formations. Some 18 miles of multi-use trails are located here. This time of year, many of those trails, especially those in shadow, are still snowy and icy. Hiking poles and yak tracks for your boots are advised.
The park is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system. According to the official park web site, White Ranch is named after Paul R. White. His family homesteaded a portion of the land in the early 1900′s and operated it as a cattle ranch. Some relics from those days are scattered about and make for some nice photo-taking.
During your visit, make sure you take advantage of a several panoramic points that offer sweeping views of the Great Plains and Denver.
Getting There
East Access — take Colorado Highway 93 north from Golden 1.7 miles to west 56th Avenue. Turn left (west) on Pine Ridge Road and travel about 1 mile to the east parking lot.
West Access — take Colorado Highway 93 north from Golden approximately 1 mile to Golden Gate Canyon Road. Travel west approximately 4.1 miles to Crawford Gulch Road (Highway 57). Follow the signs to White Ranch Park.
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