Matthews / Winters Park: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty

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Explore historical trails and stunning red rock formations at this expansive park near Denver and Red Rocks.

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Matthews / Winters Park

Matthews / Winters Park, located in Golden, Colorado, offers a diverse landscape with historical remnants and stunning geological formations. Visitors can explore trails that wind through the former site of Mount Vernon, a 19th-century settlement, and enjoy panoramic views of red rock formations and the Dakota Hogback.

A brief summary to Matthews / Winters Park

1103 County Rd 93, Golden, Colorado, 80401, US
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Monday 6 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday 6 am-8:30 pm
Wednesday 6 am-8:30 pm
Thursday 6 am-8:30 pm
Friday 6 am-8:30 pm
Saturday 6 am-8:30 pm
Sunday 6 am-8:30 pm

Local tips

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited water sources within the park.
Check the Lot Spot app for parking availability, as the main parking lot has limited spaces and fills up quickly.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as some trails can be rocky or muddy, especially during winter and spring.
Be aware of your surroundings and practice trail etiquette, as the park is popular with hikers, bikers, and dog walkers.

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Getting There

Driving

From Denver, take I-70 west to exit 259 for CO-93 toward Morrison. Head south on CO-93, and the park entrance will be on your right. Parking is free, but the lot fills quickly. If the main lot is full, additional parking is available at the Stegosaurus Lot across CO-93 or the Wooly Mammoth Lot, with a concrete trail leading under I-70. There are no tolls on this route.
Public Transport

While there isn't a direct public transportation route to the park entrance, you can take the RTD Light Rail West Line to the Jeffco Government Center Station and then use a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) for the remaining 6 miles to the park. An Uber/Lyft from Jeffco Government Center to the park will cost approximately $15-25. RTD Light Rail West Line costs $3.00 per ride.
Walking

If you are coming from the nearby Origin Hotel Red Rocks, you can walk along the paved path on the south side of Colfax Avenue (US-40) to the intersection with CO-93. Cross CO-93 at the traffic light and continue south to the park entrance on your right. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

Discover more about Matthews / Winters Park

Matthews / Winters Park is a 2,461-acre open space park in Golden, Colorado, offering a blend of historical and natural attractions. The park's unique landscape tells a story of the past, with trails leading through the remnants of the 1860s settlement of Mount Vernon. This once-thriving town served as a jumping-off point for gold seekers heading to Idaho Springs. Today, only a few markers and the Mount Vernon Cemetery remain, offering a glimpse into Colorado's Gold Rush era. The park gets its name from the Matthews and Winters families, who contributed land to Jefferson County Open Space, ensuring the preservation of this area. Besides its historical significance, Matthews / Winters Park boasts impressive geological features, including ancient red rock formations and the Dakota Hogback. These formations provide panoramic views and connect the park to the neighboring Red Rocks Park. Visitors can explore over 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The Village Walk trail offers an easy stroll, while the Red Rocks Trail and Dakota Ridge Loop provide more challenging routes. The park also serves as a starting point for reaching Red Rocks Park via connecting trails. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and be aware of your surroundings, as the park is home to rattlesnakes.