Trails, Maps & Camping

Muddy Trail Education

The Ken Caryl Ranch Open Space Department with direction from the Open Space Committee (OSC) and Board of Directors, has been performing select trail closures of Cougar and Bluebird Trails over the last seven years over winter months for muddy conditions. Part of this exercise was to protect the trail surface of the newly created Cougar/Bluebird Trails. The location of the trails allowed for a managed closure with a gate and alternative routes available to access the upper trails.

Over the years the trail closures were updated with additional closure posts, chains and signs. Park Rangers did not experience many users that ignored or crossed the closings. However, problems arose with this procedure. Some issues experienced were;

  • Difficult two to three hour round trip hikes per ranger, to review trail conditions on all sections of the trail segments and to reach closures to lock chains.
  • Challenging the ranger staff with this task, especially on weekends, puts a strain on department resources for patrol and snow removal on hard surface trails.
  • While checking trail conditions, Rangers may need to hike on muddy trails or hike off trail and risk creating a social trail.
  • Residents received mixed messages; as Cougar/Bluebird trails would be closed for days but use was encouraged on other trails in the early morning hours, as conditions were more stable versus in the afternoon.
  • Residents would comment on the confusion of Cougar and Bluebird Trail closures when large sections appeared to be dry near access points, not taking into account the entire trail.
  • Resident confusion as the rangers would only close Cougar/Bluebird trails and not monitor the entire trail system.
  • Ranger performed continuous education on the KCR trail system as there are too many entrances/exits to properly close the system as other area agencies can do with parking lots and gates.

After reviewing these concerns with the Open Space Department and the Volunteer Trail Coordinators at the July OSC business meeting, it was decided that the use of the trails when muddy in sections is not as detrimental as one would think. Over a year, footprints and tire tracks will eventually smooth out and not create a large maintenance task for volunteers or contractors. Additionally, the trails have had many years now to fully pack down, harden and show the ability to recover from high use. The main concern is when trail users do not want to go through the mud and instead move to the side of the trail, causing the trail to widen and increase maintenance time and costs.

Considering the recent review, the muddy trail closures of Cougar and Bluebird Trails in the winter season will be suspended for 2024/2025. The ranger staff is planning on educating users by updating signs with QR codes and installing them at high use, potentially muddy trails areas, during the winter season. The plan will be to rotate signage and ask trail users to think twice about recreating when conditions are muddy. Please keep in mind that Ken Caryl Ranch relies on community volunteers to maintain the majority of the single-track trails and it is hard work. Please help our volunteers and the community by choosing to recreate responsibly. If you have any questions, please email me at matto@kcranch.org or call the rangers at 303.979.1876. Ext. 170

Help Protect Our Trails: Recreate Responsibly

Ken-Caryl Ranch is proud to offer a variety of beautiful trails for our community to enjoy, but we need your help to keep them in good condition! Please follow these guidelines to protect our trails from damage:

  • Avoid Muddy Trails: Ruts and hoofprints caused by hiking, biking, or horseback riding on wet trails can cause significant damage and require extensive repairs.
  • Wait 48 Hours: After significant rainfall or snowmelt, give the trails at least 48 hours to dry out before using them.
  • If You Leave Tracks, Turn Back: If you’re leaving tracks on the trail, it’s too wet. Please turn around and wait for better conditions. Horses, in particular, can cause substantial damage to wet trails.
  • Winter Use: Trails tend to be more solid in the morning but get muddier in the afternoon. Plan your winter hikes for the morning when the trails are firmer.
  • Stay on the Trail: If you encounter unexpected mud, go through it rather than stepping off the trail. Widening the trail can harm plants, contribute to erosion, and degrade the trail’s condition.
  • Choose Trails Wisely: South-facing trails dry out more quickly than north-facing ones. Be mindful of this when selecting your route.
  • Support Our Volunteers: The majority of our single-track trails are maintained by community volunteers. By recreating responsibly, you help reduce the workload on our dedicated volunteers and ensure our trails remain in great shape for everyone.

Thank you for helping to preserve Ken-Caryl Ranch’s trail system!

Trail Information

Enjoy breathtaking views and wildlife in more than 4,800 acres of foothills open space. Over 45 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails are ready for the exploration of our residents! Trails in the foothills and hogbacks are unpaved while those found nearer residential areas are generally paved and more accessible to all users. Trails are patrolled regularly.

Open Space Use ID Bracelets

Open Space Bracelets for 2025-2027

If you have a YELLOW open space ID bracelet it is no longer valid past Dec. 31, 2024. To obtain a new pink ID bracelet, which will be good until 2027, please visit the Ranch House or the Community Center during the following hours:

Ranch House (7676 S. Continental Divide Rd.)
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Community Center (1 Club Dr.)

  • Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

We have simplified the registration process and it will take just a minute to grab your bracelets and be on your way.

If you are the homeowner, you will just need a photo ID. If you rent your home or are not the owner, you can provide any one of the following as address verification:

  • A valid Colorado Driver’s License or Colorado I.D. with current KCR address.
  • A valid Colorado I.D. with current KCR address.
  • A valid property tax statement with the applicant’s name for the current KCR address.
  • A valid warranty deed with the applicant’s name for the current KCR address.
  • A valid lease/rental agreement with the applicant’s name for the current KCR address.
  • A recent utility bill (gas, water, electric, cable) with the applicant’s name and current KCR address.

Most of our trails are on Ken-Caryl Ranch Private Open Space and are accessible only to members and their guests. Open space bracelets help rangers and volunteer patrollers quickly identify residents. It is not mandatory to have an ID bracelet when using Ken-Caryl Ranch Open Space, but if you don’t have an ID bracelet, please be prepared to stop and answer questions from a Park Ranger or Volunteer Patroller.

There is no cost for open space bracelets. Bracelets are issued only two per household and can be temporarily transferred to house guests ONLY while they are staying in your home. Other guests must be accompanied by a Ken-Caryl resident.

Proper areas to display the bracelets:
• HIKER/RUNNER – On wrist, waist, backpack strap or on a dog leash handle.
• BIKER – The handlebars near the stem is best.
• EQUESTRIAN – Saddle strap in front of the leg

E-Bikes

Unauthorized vehicles are prohibited, which includes, but is not limited to, motorcycles, motorized scooters, and any other motorized vehicles. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on natural surface and paved open space, greenbelt, and park trails. Class 2 e-bikes are only allowed on paved open space, greenbelt, and park trails. Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on roads and parking lots where motorized vehicles are authorized to travel. However, “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” (OPDMD) are allowed on open space, greenbelt, and park trails in accordance with “Guidelines for use of OPDMD on properties owned or leased by KCRMD and KCRMA.”

Open Space Group Events

Any group event by Ken-Caryl Ranch (KCR) residents and/or non-residents impacting or having the potential to impact open space property and/or interfere with other open space users must complete and submit a Group Event Application Form (button below) to the MA Staff and may be required to possess a valid permit. See the Group Event Policy (button below) for more information.

Public Trail Descriptions

Cathy Johnson and Columbine Trails and South Hogback Open Space – Open to the General Public

Length:

2.1 miles from South Valley Road to Deer Creek Canyon Road

Effort:

Easy to Moderate

Features:

Cathy Johnson Trail, which also serves as a service road for the Rangers, is situated in a narrow strike valley between the Dakota and Lyons Hogbacks. The Columbine Trail creates a loop off of the Cathy Johnson Trail, climbing onto the east flank of the Lyons Hogback and connects with Jefferson County’s South Valley Park.

Contact the Rangers for more information at 303-979-1876, ext. 170 or email Matt Ōven at matto@kcranch.org

Camping

Six campsites are available for Ken-Caryl Ranch residents and their guests in the Open Space. These beautiful, private campsites are available just outside your back door! The majority of the sites are primitive backcountry sites without restrooms or water.

$65

Bradford Open Space

The Bradford Open Space can be reserved for $65 per 24-hour block of time. To use the fire pit, you must check out a fire extinguisher at the Community Center, 1 Club Drive.

Reservations must be requested in advance through our registration portal.

Enjoy Outdoors

Campsite Reservations

All campsites (except Bradford Open Space) are free and on a first-come, first-served basis but must be reserved at the self-serve station located outside at the Dakota Lodge. At the self-serve station, enter your name, address, date, campsite, and permit number on the reservation sheet in the self-serve box. Make the permit visible at the campsite by hanging it on the post’s hook.

Campsites

bradford camp

BRADFORD OPEN SPACE

Private; for residents only. Mowed area behind the restored ruins of the Bradford Perley House, which was built in 1859. Sits within mixed grasslands and backs to a historic apple orchard. Dramatic red rock formations dominate the landscape.

gothic outlook

GOTHIC OVERLOOK

Private; for residents only. Clearings A or B near the east end of Gothic Overlook Trail. The site is dominated by Gambel oak and mountain mahogany shrubs with great views of the valley and Denver.

Manor house

MANOR HOUSE

Private; for residents only. Clearings A or B south of the picnic shelter, or site C in front of the old corral in the meadow south of Little John’s Chimney Trail. (See map). Near the top of Manor House trail, this site is tucked between oaks and ponderosa pine on the edge of a meadow that fills with wildflowers in spring. Campers can view Mt. Evans to the NW on clear days.

north hogback

NORTH HOGBACK

Private; for residents only. East side of North Hogback Trail, 50′ north of the picnic shelter. This campsite lies between the Dakota and Lyons Hogbacks in a valley with mixed grasses and occasional narrow-leaf yucca clusters.

silver cliff

SILVER CLIFF

Private; for residents only. Clearing 50′ south of Bradford Trail. One of the park’s more secluded offerings. With a covering of oak and mature Ponderosa pine, campers have a southeasterly facing view of the foothills and Pike National Forest beyond.

Tin Cup Camping Site

TIN CUP

Private; for residents only. Clearing north of Bradford Trail, marked by a sign. The park’s highest campsite may take its name from a community on Colorado’s Western Slope. At more than 7,800 feet above sea level, Tin Cup has spectacular views of the open space.