At a Glance
This is a true locals’ park: a generous slice of rugged outdoors and a great place to get your hike, bike, or equestrian groove on. It’s not the best stop for a family trip, unless you urgently need to drive a wedge between some teenagers and their electronics. RVs will want to avoid the West Access (address below), with its multiple-switchback approach and tiny parking lot.
What to Love
You’ll find craggy bluffs and sweeping meadows, huff-and-puff challenge trails beautifully maintained, wildflowers and wildlife in generous measure. According to SummitPost.org, the park is a-swarm with breeding ladybugs in late summer.
Centennial Cone Park also enjoys a connection, via Mayhem Gulch Trail, to the Peaks to Plains Trail (new P2P trail sections opening 2017 – follow progress here).
Where to Sleep
Not here – the park is day use only. We can’t add much to SummitPost.org‘s lodging roundup, except to note additional options: boondocking and camping near Idaho Springs, RV parks in Golden, and the Chief Hosa campground as mentioned in our coverage of Genesee Mountain Park.
Good to Know
If you visit on a weekend, first check Jefferson County’s website for that weekend’s designated use. Park trails are exclusively for hiking/horseback (or) mountain biking, by alternating weekends. Restrictions are ranger-enforced, with fines.
Be aware of seasonal hunting and wildlife protection closures.
According to its website, the park has two access points: North Access at 4306 Camino Perdido , Golden ( horse trailer parking permitted), and West Access at 2234 Douglas Mountain Road, Golden (no horse trailers allowed).
Local hikers report substantial rattlesnake activity in the park.
Traveler Reports
Trail Report by DayHikesNearDenver.com – Elk Ridge Trail at Centennial Cone Park
Area Report (comprehensive) with photos by SummitPost.org – Centennial Cone
Area Report by Trail and Park Reviews – Centennial Cone Park, Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado
More to Explore
REI’s MTB [Mountain Bike] Project – Centennial Cone Park
Video by Cara Lopez Lee – Hiking Mayhem Gulch – Centennial Cone Park, near Golden, Colorado
Other Destinations in this Region
Information is provided in accordance with our Terms of Use and does not include all local conditions, regulations, or hazards. Please do your own research before and during your travel, especially for the safety of yourself and children.
