A 15-acre railroad site, steep canyon walls and trails with varying elevation gains provide clear themes for a trip to Jefferson.

Hiking and Landscapes

Steep canyon walls and a fast-flowing creek shape the landscape at Clear Creek Canyon Park. The first sections of the Clear Creek Trail run for four miles on a paved, 10-foot-wide path directly alongside Clear Creek. Climbing, kayaking and rafting are also possible activities in the park. Water conditions and access can change, so check current notices about these activities before making plans.

The ruins of John Brisben Walker's castle are in Mount Falcon Park. The Castle Trail climbs more than 2,000 feet from the east, while the 1.7-mile Turkey Trot Trail is reserved exclusively for hikers and horseback riders. In Elk Meadow Park, a challenging hike leads from the trailhead on Stagecoach Boulevard to 9,708-foot Bergen Peak; it is 4.7 miles long and climbs 2,100 feet. The Pioneer Trail connects Bergen Park and Evergreen Lake through Elk Meadow Park.

Elk Meadow Park is also a specific place to consider for wildlife viewing: within the open-space system, it is considered the place with the highest likelihood of seeing herds of elk. A sighting is not guaranteed, however. The options therefore differ in their stated focus, from a challenging mountain hike to a trail with designated uses and the opportunity to observe wildlife.

Museums and History

Hiwan Heritage Park & Museum opened in 1975, after Jefferson County Parks & Open Space acquired the property in 1974. Hiwan Heritage Park is open daily, and self-guided tours of the grounds are also available daily. Free guided tours are offered at the Hiwan Museum during opening hours. Check for seasonal notices and current museum hours before your visit.

The Colorado Railroad Museum has a 15-acre railroad site with more than 100 historic locomotives, passenger cars and cabooses. The museum also includes a replica 1880s depot museum, rotating exhibitions and an HO-scale model railroad. These different features offer several points of interest for visitors: historic railcars, exhibitions and model railroads.

Dinosaur Ridge is the site of more than 300 fossil tracks. The site was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1973 and was also named a Colorado Natural Area by the State of Colorado. This paleontological site complements the history of railroads and museums.

Visiting Hours and Practical Information

Red Rocks Park and its trails open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset. Admission and parking are free at Red Rocks Park, the Amphitheatre, the Visitor Center and the Trading Post. Access and procedures may differ on event days; check the latest park notices if you are planning a visit on one of those days.

The places and activities offer different highlights, from a paved creekside path and designated trail uses to elevation gains, museums and fossil tracks. You can take these specific differences into account when planning your stay in Jefferson, before searching for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen, Coal Creek, Alamosa County.

For the main travel overview: Colorado.