• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
    • Year-round
      • Brewery Tours
      • Casinos & Gaming
      • Colorado Brands
      • Federal Lands
      • Food & Dining
      • Ghost Towns
      • Gondola & Chairlifts
      • Hot Springs
      • Mine Tours
      • Museums
      • Paintball
      • Public Parks
      • Scenic Drives
      • Shopping
      • Sports Teams
      • State Parks
      • Train Rides
      • Transportation
      • Wildlife
      • Zip Lines & Aerial Parks
    • Spring, Summer & Fall
      • Amusement Parks
      • ATV Rentals
      • Biking
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Drive-In Theaters
      • Fishing
      • Golf Courses
      • Hiking
      • Horseback Riding
      • Rock Climbing
      • Tubing & Paddling
      • Waterfalls
      • Whitewater Rafting
    • Winter
      • Cross Country Skiing
      • Dog Sledding
      • Ice Climbing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Ice Skating
      • Skiing & Snowboarding
      • Sleigh Rides
      • Snow Tubing
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Events
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Lodging
    • Budget Hotels
    • Historic Hotels
    • Luxury Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Cabins & Glamping
    • Casinos with Lodging
    • Dude Ranches
    • Hot Spring with Lodging
    • Wineries with Lodging
    • Campgrounds
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Lodging
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park southwest of Denver.

Roxborough State Park – Roxborough Park

FacebookTwitter

Nestled in the red rocks near Denver, Roxborough State Park is a designated Colorado Natural Area and a national natural landmark. Over 3,413 acres house a unique community of plant and animal life. The landscape is best described as the intersection of plains grasslands and the thick Front Range forests.

One of the most notable features of the park is the Fountain Formation. Tilted red sandstones rise out of the ground at a 60-degree angle as the result of billions of years of erosion and uplift. The park’s elevation ranges from 5,900 to 7,280 feet with plenty of hiking trails for all abilities throughout.

National Natural Landmark

Sunrise over red rock formations
Sunrise over the unique red rock formations in Roxborough State Park. Photo by: Michael Levine-Clark

This unique geological landmark is a great example of beautiful sedimentary formations within Colorado’s foothills. Roxborough preserves fossils, important hogback exposures, odd-weathering sandstone, and at least two rare plant communities all within the confines of a state park.

Designated as a natural landmark in 1980, the state park was also recognized as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site and a National Archeological District. It remains open to the public year-round for a day-use entry fee.

Golden trees in front of small rocky hill
Fall colors at Roxborough State Park near Denver, CO. Photo by: Michael Levine-Clark

The rocks are the same kind as those found in the Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks. There’s an abundance of wildlife thanks to the park’s unique ecosystems. A combination of landscapes can be found along the foothills, including grasslands, shrublands, mountains, and forests.

You’ll find a number of terrific hiking trails, as well as a visitor center and a small gift shop at Roxborough. The state park provides remarkable sightseeing and wildlife spotting opportunities close to Denver. The only entrance is located just south of Littleton and west of Highlands Ranch.

Activities

Roxborough State Park Fountain Valley Lyons Overlook Panorama
Fountain Valley panorama from the Lyons Overlook. Photo by: Footwarrior

Birding –ย As a designated Audubon Society Important Bird Area, Roxborough is filled with cool spots to bird watch and plenty of trails for watchers to wander.

Camping – None available, day use only. The closest camping is just north in Chatfield State Park at one of their 197 campsites.

Fishing –ย Also not allowed on the park’s property, but if you head to Chatfield there is a large reservoir for fishing and boating.

Hiking –ย The park has almost 15 miles of trails for foot use only. There is also the Roxborough Ride, an accessible way of touring the park.

  • Fountain Valley Overlook (0.5mi) – A nice short walk starting at the Visitor Center with great views of red rocks, Dakota Hogback and Lyons Formation.
  • Fountain Valley Trail (2.3mi) – A loop through some of the most captivating land in the park. The top of the loop winds past some early 20th-century buildings. It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. The Visitor Center offers an informational book to bring along with 20 numbered pages that coincide with numbered markers on the trail.
  • Lyons Overlook (1.3mi) – Short walk takes you right to the middle of the Fountain Formation.
  • South Rim Trail (3.0mi) – Begins at the Visitor Center and guides you through a variety of habitats. There are remarkable views of the Fountain, Lyons and Dakota formations.
  • Willow Creek Trail (1.4mi) – A gentle trail known for its wildflowers and abundance of birds that are attracted to the nearby scrub oak.
  • Carpenter Peak (6.4mi) – Just over six miles, this round-trip hike leads to the highest point in the park. It has moderate to steep terrain and spectacular 360ยฐ views from the top. Keep an eye out for golden eagles.
Large golden tree next to a hiking trail on a sunny day
Family-friendly hiking trail in Roxborough State Park. Photo by: Steven Harbula

Visitor Center – Has a small gift shop, a theater showing short informational movies, and a few wildlife displays. It’s open from 9 am-4 pm on weekdays and until 5 pm on weekends.โ€‹ The bathrooms remain open until the park closes.

Winter Recreation – Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on designated trails, conditions permitting. Once the Denver area receives a quality snowfall, make your way to Roxborough within a couple of days to ensure it doesn’t melt.

Getting There

Road leading into a state park with cool rock formations
Road leading into Roxborough State Park, the only vehicle access point. Photo by: Wally Gobetz

From Denver, take US-85 South for about 18 miles to the Titan Parkway exit. Titan Rd will shortly turn into N Roxborough Drive, which leads you directly into the park.

There is only one way in and out of Roxborough with no other vehicle access throughout the park. Each hiking trail starts at the Visitor Center trailhead, where this is limited parking. This is a popular state park, so keep these things in mind and head out early if you’re planning on exploring for the day.

Note that due to the delicate nature of the park’s landscapes, they do not allow dogs, campfires, climbing, biking, camping, flying a drone, or smoking of any kind. There is a dog daycare located near the entrance that offers discounts if you show your state park entrance pass.

The Visitor Center is open 9am-4pm on weekdays and until 5pm on weekends.
Inside the Visitor Center.
Most of the hiking trails begin from the Visitor Center.
Looking south back towards visitor center from the Fountain Valley Overlook.
An upscale residential community has Roxborough State Park as their front yard.
The Fountain Valley trail loops around for about 2 miles.
Looking towards the Dakota Hogback formation.
The Dakota Hogback is younger than the red sandstones.
Heading up to the Lyons Overlook.
The Fountain Valley Trail loops around at a former hotel.
Caution: Rattlesnake country.
A few old buildings that were part of the original ranch at the turn of the 20th century.
Henry Persse built this home and invited guests to enjoy the natural wonders. His plans were to turn the area into a resort, complete with a grand hotel, golf links and guest cottages.
Inside the Persee house.
The living room.
The house offers tours a few times throughout the summer.
The walk back takes you through the red rock.
Visitor Center is a short hike from the parking area.
Outside the Visitor Center.
Looking south from the Fountain Valley Overlook.
Looking north along Fountain Valley.
Dakota Hogback formation.
Lyons Overlook.
Looking south from Lyons Overlook.
There are plenty of relaxing benches along the trail.
The former home of Henry Persee, who invited guests to the area at the turn of the 20th Century.
Lush grasslands and ecosystems keep the wildlife abundant.
Looking south at Lyons Overlook.
Two rock formations. The one on right is older.

Details

Address: 4751 East Roxborough Dr, Roxborough Park, CO 80125

Phone: 303-973-3959

Season: Year round

Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily, earlier in the winter months dependent on sunlight

Fees: Yes, daily vehicle fee or annual pass

Pets: Not permitted in the park

Designated: 1980

Acres: 3,413

Ownership: State

Map: Roxborough (PDF)

Website: cpw.state.co.us/… | nps.gov/…

Latest in Roxborough State Park

Eldorado Canyon Sunrise Colorado State Park

10 Stunning State Parks around the Denver Metro

When strolling down 16th Street Mall or sitting in Coors Field, it may feel like youโ€™re…

10 Stunning State Parks around the Denver MetroRead More

nordic skier at devil's thumb ranch

Top Nordic Ski Areas & Trails by Denver

Wintertime in Colorado is one of the best times to play outside. With snow-covered peaks and…

Top Nordic Ski Areas & Trails by DenverRead More

roxborough state park

4 Cool Colorado Winter Experiences

With stunning snow-capped peaks, pristine snow-packed trails, and seemingly endless blue skies, thereโ€™s no denying that…

4 Cool Colorado Winter ExperiencesRead More

View more Roxborough State Park articles

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. โ€”and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • 15 Summer County Fairs in Colorado
  • 20 Cool Colorado Winter Activities To Try
  • 5 Reasons to Visit Mesa Verde this Winter
  • Things to do at Colorado’s Pikes Peak
  • Things to do in February in Colorado

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Cheers! Mile High Happy Hour shares showcases Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Ski Resorts
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks
  • Train Rides

Copyright © 2023 ยท Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise