Trail Information:

Trails in the foothills and hogbacks are unpaved while those found nearer residential areas are generally paved and more accessible to all users.  Safety information regarding wildlife is posted at the main trailheads. Please follow open space use rules at all times. Trails are patrolled regularly. For more information, call the rangers at 303-904-0249.

Cathy Johnson Trail and South Hogback Open Space - Open to the general public.

Length: 2 miles from South Valley Road to Deer Creek Canyon Rd.
2.2 miles from South Valley Road to South Valley and Valley Parkway intersection.
Effort: Easy to Moderate

Features: Cathy Johnson Trail, which also serves as a service road for the Rangers, is situated in a narrow strike valley between the Dakota and Lyons Hogbacks.  The Columbine Trail creates a loop off of the Cathy Johnson Trail climbing onto the east flank of the Lyons Hogback and connects with Jefferson County’s South Valley Park.  In the spring and summer, wildflowers adorn the sides of the trails and in the fall, the Gambel oaks turn a brilliant golden orange. Wildlife sightings could include mule deer, numerous songbirds and raptors like red-tail hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles and turkey vultures soaring near the hogbacks. If you are lucky you may get a glimpse of a bobcat.

Hogback Trail and North Hogback Open Space – Private, Residents only.

Length: 2 miles from Ken-Caryl Avenue to Dutch Creek Trail. 
Effort: Easy to Moderate

Features: The Hogback Trail (also a service road) is very similar to Cathy Johnson Trail but is situated in the strike valley north of Ken-Caryl Ave.  From the Hogback Trail one can explore the Lyons Hogback to the east using the Lyons Hogback and Ridge Trails.  Near the highpoint of the Hogback Trail is a sheltered picnic table. Across from the picnic table, on the east side of the Lyons Hogback, are the remains of an old lime kiln used during the construction of the Bradford/Perley House.

The Ridge Trail, as the name implies, follows the rocky spine of the Lyons Hogback and offers views in all directions.  Primitive conditions make this a challenging but popular mountain bike trail.  The Lyons Hogback Trail dips and climbs along the length of the hogback making connections to other trails to the east and west.  Wildlife viewing could include mule deer, coyotes, and various raptors.

Bradford Trail – Private, Residents only.

Length: 3.25 miles from end of North Ranch Rd. to Beacon Hill Trail
Effort: Moderate to Difficult

Features: Bradford Trail wraps around the north and west edges of North Ranch before climbing steeply into the foothills.  Along the way, trail users travel through Bradford Park which offers picnic areas, swimming, tennis, horseshoes, and volleyball.  Also in the area is the Bradford House, registered as a National Historic Site and built by Major Robert Bradford in the mid-19th century. Ever since a 1967 fire, all that remains of the Bradford House are the exterior walls and foundation. Portions of the Bradford Trail follow Bradford's toll road. The passage was so steep that few travelers used the road, but those that did paid $1.50 toll.  Connections to Manor House Trail can be made via Stove Prairie and Domino Trails. Wildlife frequently seen include mule deer, cottontail rabbits, mountain bluebirds and other songbirds.

Shaffer Trail – Private, Residents Only.

Length: 2.2 miles from Manor House Trail to Massey Draw.
Effort: Moderate to Strenuous

Features: Shaffer Trail meanders south over rough terrain to Massey Draw.  The trail is relatively isolated and quiet giving the user a sense of being somewhere much wilder than on the edge of a major metropolitan area.  Near the junction with Massey Draw, Gothic Overlook offers spectacular views of the rugged canyon, the Valley and the plains beyond. Wildlife includes mule deer, porcupines, pine squirrels and possibly mountain lions and black bears.

Massey Draw Trail – Private, Residents Only.

Length: 1.2 miles from Brannon Gearhart Park to top of trail.
Effort: Strenuous; some hand work required over rock outcrops in mid-canyon.

Features: Massey Draw is one of two major drainages at Ken-Caryl Ranch; the other is Dutch Creek.  Massey Draw is an ephemeral stream which originates in the foothills west of the valley and cuts through a short, steep, rocky canyon before entering the Valley.  Several springs in the upper reaches of the drainage sustain enough stream flow in the winter to create spectacular ice falls through the canyon. Aspen groves add to the fall splendor at the top of the trail. Wildlife includes black bears, golden eagles, prairie falcons and hawks.

Colorow Trail – Private, Residents Only.

Length: 1.5 miles from the Manor House Trail to Massey Draw Trail.
Effort: Moderate

Features: Colorow Trail parallels the toe of the foothill slopes and is relatively flat. The trail is located west of Carriage Hill, Deerwood Vista and Barrington Ridge neighborhoods. This trail provides connections to popular trails accessing the foothills such as Massey Draw, Lost Canyon and Manor House Trails.  Wildlife includes mule deer, coyotes, northern harriers and mountain bluebirds.

Manor House Trail and surroundings – Private, Residents Only.

Length: 2.3 miles from Manor House parking lot to top.
Effort:  Strenuous

Features: The trail, which also doubles as a service road, starts at the historic Manor House which was built in 1914 by the cattle baron and newspaper publisher, John Shaffer. From the Manor House the trail crosses a large prairie dog colony before ascending steeply into the foothills.  The bottom half of the trail traverses open side slopes that offer dramatic views of Chatfield Basin to the southeast.  Further up, vast Gambel oak shrublands provide a colorful landscape in the fall. From the top near the picnic shelter, other trails continue on to Tin Cup (the highest point on Ken-Caryl Ranch at 7,855 feet), Little John's Chimney and Beacon Hill. Little John's Chimney is all that remains of a hunting cabin used by John Shaffer.  On the summit of Beacon Hill, one can see a metal flag pole that John Shaffer used to signal friends and staff at the Manor House.  For a different experience, consider a loop back to the Valley by connecting with Bradford Trail via Tin Cup or Beacon Hill Trails. One can also return to the Valley via Shaffer and Lost Canyon Trails.  Wildlife viewing includes mule deer, elk, blue grouse, wild turkey, Abert’s squirrels and coyotes.

Dutch Creek Trail – Private, Residents Only.

Length: Half mile from end of North Ranch Rd. to Hwy. C-470.
Effort: Easy to Moderate

Features: Upon entering the canyon section the trail follows along Dutch Creek, which usually runs year-round. Along the stream banks, one passes thickets of Gambel oak, chokecherries and hawthorn. Fragrant blossoms of wild plum provide a special treat for hikers in the spring.  Some say markings found in the rocks of the canyon are evidence of ancient European travelers visiting the area some 2,500 years ago.  Listen for the distinctive call of the canyon wren which is fairly common in the canyon.  Other wildlife includes great horned owls, hawks, rattlesnakes and bobcats.

Lost Canyon Trail- Private, Residents only.

Length: 1.3 miles from Colorow Trail to Shaffer Trail.
Effort:  Moderate to Difficult

Features:  Built in 2006, the trail provides the easiest grade for accessing the foothills of Ken-Caryl Ranch.  Trail users experience a variety of habitat types including grassland, foothill shrubland, foothill riparian, aspen groves, and mixed conifer forests.  Wildlife includes mule deer, spotted towhees, chickaree, blue grouse and black bear.

 
Click here for a Ken-Caryl Ranch Community Map.