ECONOGAL

Last weekend we visited Roxborough State Park in Douglas County, Colorado. The park is to the southwest of Denver and easily accessible from the southern suburbs. But it is well worth the travel time from the northern suburbs and the rest of the state.

The most dramatic feature of the state park is the hogback ridge. This rock formation is spotlighted up and down the I-25 corridor. Other locations include Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks and the Flatirons. All previously visited. But this was the first time at Roxborough, and it should be ranked at the top.

Jutting sandstone slabs provide sharp contrast with the green prairie. The trails wind around the geological formations and provide moderately challenging side paths for those wanting views from the top. However, those wishing to stay on flatland have options with beautiful scenery as well. For those wishing more information on hogback formation please click here for a University of Colorado article from 2018.

Since we were hiking with two active octogenarians from Ohio, we chose the Fountain Valley Trail. The main trail is rated easy with the offshoots to the lookouts described as moderate. Both trips to the lookouts provided wonderful views. The Lyons lookout branch was a bit more challenging. Yet our party had no trouble. And the views are outstanding. Walking sticks are helpful, but not necessary if you stick to the main loop.

In the middle of the Fountain Valley loop sits the historical Henry Persse homestead. Two of the three standing buildings are original and the third has been reconstructed. The original stone house contains period pieces of which the cooking stove on the lower level is a gem. Both the Park Ranger and the volunteer docent on duty at the time of our visit were very knowledgeable.

Persse dreamed of developing the land. There is a small golf course development nearby, but this traveler is grateful for a beautiful piece of land set aside and protected. Roxborough State Park is a treat.

While the park website has some information, I used other sources to scout ahead. AllTrails is difficult to use without signing in. So, try either the Colorado State Park website or the blog That Colorado Couple. Both give great insight into Roxborough State Park.

Stay on the path to limit contact with slithery wildlife. While we only glimpsed a shy bull snake who eagerly sought the prairie grasses upon our approach, a more stubborn rattler stood his ground on another path rendering multiple reports to the rangers.

Mammals were scarce, although we did spot white tail deer on the way into and out of the park. We also saw one lone mule deer from the trail. The stars of the day were the birds soaring above and chattering from the bushes. A trip back during migration season would be a treat.

Get there early. Parking is limited. Arrival before eight in the morning yielded plenty of parking. But upon departure around ten, a line of cars waited for early visitors to depart. Roughly 90 cars can park at a time.

Finally, if you take the Fountain Valley Trail, I suggest you go counterclockwise around the trail. This will put you in the shade during the latter half of the hike. Furthermore, on the way down from the Lyons outlook, take the left fork down. We missed additional views from above while below the view of the prairie was the same.