Get mountain top views without having to climb a mountain at Daniel’s Park in Sedalia, CO. Daniel’s Park, best known for its bison herd and sunset mountain views, is part of a 12,000-acre open space and the Denver Mountain Park system.
Bounded on the edge of Highlands Ranch to the north and Castle Pines to the east, the park is popular for those living along the southern half of the Front Range. From hiking and biking to bison viewing and beautiful views, there is plenty of fun packed into this small park.
History of Daniel’s Park
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Daniel’s Park is home to historic ranch buildings and is said to be the site where Kit Carson himself made his last campfire in 1868. What used to be a working ranch, the park still showcases its history with several buildings – the red barn and silo- representative of early 20th century rural architecture. Long before it was a working ranch, prior to 1864, Daniels Park Road was called the first Territorial Road that led travelers from south of Denver to Colorado Springs.
Beautiful views
Daniel’s Park is one of the best spots for sunsets in Denver and mountain-top views of Colorado’s Front Range. Vista views from the park are enjoyed as it is perched high above the Front Range, expanding as far as the eye can see – from the tip of Pike’s Peak to Long’s Peak and beyond. Cityscapes of downtown Denver’s skyline and the Denver Tech Center appear as tiny pin drops amongst the expansive views of the entire Front Range.
Activities
Beyond the views, there is plenty to do and see at Daniel’s Park.
Biking/Hiking Trails – While the park does not have an extensive trail system, it does provide a few trails for walking, running, and biking. Walk as little as 0.2 miles or as far as 5.4 miles along the park’s trail system. The park’s trail starts at the Shelter House and extends to atop of the bluff, on up to Grigs Road, and eventually connecting with the Douglas County East/West Trail.
Bison herd – Daniel’s Park is home to Denver’s second bison herd. The existing herd at the well-known Genesee Park became too large, the herd had to be split in two. Roughly 20 bison were relocated to Daniel’s Park and today the herd roams the 800+ acres set aside for the residents. A large fence line protects visitors from the bison but makes up-close viewing possible. The bison herd is one of the main reasons this park sees so many visitors.
Tip: while the bison can be viewed from both sides of the road, they typically are found grazing in the area of the park directly across from the street from the Shelter House.
Tallbull Memorial Grounds – The Tallbull Memorial Grounds is an exclusive ceremonial site with several Indian organizations. The section of the park is fenced off and gated and is only open to the public during Native American powwows. There is an annual powwow that is held every Labor Day weekend for the public to attend.
Getting there
From Denver, take I-25 south and take the exit for the Castle Pines Parkway (exit 188). Turn right on to Monarch Blvd and continue on Grigs Road until it intersects with Daniel’s Park Road. The main parking area is found near the intersection of Grigs Road and Daniel’s Park Road.
Details
Address: 8682 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135,
Phone: 720-865-0900
Season: Year round
Website: douglas.co.us/dcoutdoors/parks/daniels-park
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