Colorado Trail Spotlight - Elkhorn Loop Trail @ Reynolds Park

Reynolds Park offers over 2000 acres and 17 miles of trails for your enjoyment. Located about 45 minutes southwest of Denver, in Jefferson County, it’s easily accessible via Highway 285. 

Elkhorn Trail Loop is connected to the more popular Eagle’s View Trail Loop, but cuts out about 3 miles and significant elevation gain. Elkhorn is much more suitable for young children, covering about 1.5 miles (the Jefferson County website states that the trail is only .9 miles, but my Apple watch logged 1.5+ miles – I’m assuming my watch logged the jaunt from the parking lot to the actual start of the trail.) and 200 feet of elevation gain.

According to AllTrails, this hike is best used from May until October. Perhaps most users would prefer that time of year, but our family loved checking out this trail in January. Being our first snow hike, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but I’m so glad we dove right in because it was so enjoyable. Everett loved experiencing the snow crunch beneath his boots, and watching clumps fall from the trees after gentle breezes passed by. The crisp air enveloped us as our hearts beat faster from the workout and the excitement.

When visiting in the winter months, be prepared with layers and proper footwear – there is no walking around the snow and ice along many portions of the trail.

Everett hiked the whole way on his own, which took his little legs just over an hour. We had that time to soak up the fresh air, the forest-y feels, and the cool weather. This is definitely a mountain hike that allows you to feel like you got lost in a Jack London novel. I love red rock formations and open space, but there is just something so grounding about roaming the woods that makes my heart so incredibly happy.

The trail was well marked, so we didn’t need to bust out a map or our phones.

Elkhorn Trail Loop @ Reynolds Park

13649 South Foxton Road

Conifer, CO 80433