Conifer, Colorado, stands along Highway 285, about 35 miles southwest of downtown Denver. An unincorporated community, Conifer is part of Jefferson County, which administers several local parks and open spaces with walking trails. Spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and a temperate climate -- 255 days of sunshine annually, and average temperatures between 30 and 74 degrees -- make the area ideal for outdoor recreation.
Beaver Ranch Byways
- Conifer operates a community park called Beaver Ranch. This 450-acre open space has six miles of trails that range in difficulty. Bikers and horseback riders also use the trails, as do cross-country skiers and snowshoers during winter. The park’s other recreational offerings include disc golf, a dog park and zip lines. As with other local parks in the area, you might see elk herds browsing in the meadows.
Jefferson County Jaunts
- Jefferson County, home to Conifer, operates several parks and open spaces in the area. A few miles north is the Flying J Ranch Park, where a three-mile loop trail takes you through forest, meadow and wetland environments. You can snowshoe along the trail during winter. A former working ranch northeast of Conifer, Meyer Ranch Park has four trails that wander through stands of aspen trees. After the fall colors have peaked and snow covers the ground, strap on your cross-country skis. Reynolds Park, about five miles southeast of Conifer, has the Eagle View Trail, which takes you to a vista overlooking numerous mountain peaks. Horseback riders also use the trail, but mountain biking is restricted.
State Park Scenes
- Staunton State Park, six miles west of Conifer, has numerous trails ranging from easy to difficult, with round-trip lengths from just under 2 to more than 11 miles. Most trails are open to bikers and equestrians as well as hikers, but a few are exclusively for people on foot. During the winter, you can ski or snowshoe in the park. Depending on the trail, you might see granite cliffs, waterfalls, wildflowers and historic buildings, along with wildlife. Staunton State Park is open for day-use only, and hours vary throughout the year. You must purchase a state park pass to enter.
High Altitude Hiking
- Most of the walking trails in and around Conifer are between 8,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level. If you aren’t used to high elevation, pace yourself. Drink a lot of water. Use sunscreen; because of the altitude, you can receive a nasty burn even on overcast days. Temperatures and weather change rapidly in the mountains, so wear layers, check the weather report and watch the sky. Finally, respect wildlife and keep your distance. Even though they don’t have antlers, cow elk can seriously injure people they perceive as a threat to themselves or their calves.
