With capacity limitations still in place indoors in the Mile High City, Denverites are flocking to the outdoors more than ever. To provide more space for outdoor activities, Denver’s Park and Recreation Department (DPR) recently announced that Axton Ranch, a property in Gilpin and Jefferson counties, is set to become the first new Denver Mountain Park acquired in more than 80 years.

The 450-acre parcel of land is less than an hour drive from Denver and is adjacent to Roosevelt National Forest and near Arapaho National Forest, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and Jefferson County Open Space. The acquisition will join over 14,000 acres of contiguous public lands.

The outdoor space features mixed conifer and aspen stands, meadows, ponds, a small creek, and a historic trail constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps providing access to nearby Mount Thorodin and Starr Peak. Axton Ranch will be the first new Mountain Park in Denver’s system since the donation of James Q. Newton Park in Conifer in 1939.

DPR intends to designate the property as Axton Ranch Mountain Park soon after closing. The designation process will ensure that the new park is protected from future development and real estate transactions. Once a park has been designated, it can only be used for park purposes and that cannot be changed without approval by Denver’s voters.

DPR indicated a future master plan effort will be conducted to help determine the long-term vision for Axton Ranch Mountain Park to include environmental education and programming opportunities for adults and children to experience and connect to nature. In addition to passive recreational programming, DPR will focus on forest health, wildlife habitat conservation, wildfire mitigation and watershed stewardship. 

Denver is known for its high number of parks and greenspaces. If you’re looking to own a home with easy access to the outdoors, give Metrowest a shout – we’d love to discuss your options!