South Valley Park is an open space park in Jefferson County Colorado. Consisting of 995 Acres this park sits in a unique valley on the west side of a rock uplift called the Hogback. The park has numerous red rock formations similar to the rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheater or Garden of the Gods, just smaller. There are two separate parking lots at the park. The north lot is large and has lots of space, while the south parking spot is smaller but still has a good number of spots. Restrooms are available to hikers at both parking lots. The upper parking area also has picnic spots available after your hiking journey.
There are 7.7 miles of Trail available in the park. The trails create a variety of different loops of varying lengths. Most of the trails in the park are rated as easy with a few sections that are rated moderate because of the increased steepness. All Trails has eight different trails listed for this open-space park. Connector trails also connect this park to other open-space properties including The South Hogback Open Space and Deer Creek Canyon Park.
1. Swallow and Coyote Son Trail
Distance: 2.2
Elevation Gain: 190 feet
Min Elevation:
Max Elevation:
Casual Hiking Time:
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This trail is the most scenic trail path to follow at the park. As you walk the two trails that make this 2.2 mile loop you are consistently among the red rocks that make this park unique. This is a great trail for kids or friends that are just starting to get their hiking legs going. You will want to start in the north parking lot for this trail. I like taking this loop in a clockwise direction, getting the steepest climbs out of the way early on the Coyote Song trail and then having a more gradual climb as you return to the parking area along the Swallow Trail.
There are a lot of birds that hang out in the bushes and rocks along this trail. If you bring a pair of binoculars you can spot the birds by looking for holes in the rock that have white streaks bellow them. Yes, the bird poop will help you find where they are nesting and help you find them. Be sure to leave there nests alone and enjoy them only from a distance.
2. Coyote Song and Valley View Trails
Distance: 3.2
Elevation Gain: 341 feet
Min Elevation: 5769
Max Elevation: 6035
Casual Hiking Time: 1:08:12
Rating: 4 Stars
South Valley Park is a great place to escape from the city, hide out behind the hogback and enjoy a nice hike along beautiful red rock formations. I started from the north parking lot by hiking down the valley on the Coyote Song Trail. This trail is a well maintain compressed gravel trail with lots of room for passing other groups. The scenery is amazing and with a mostly downhill grade, it is pretty easy hiking.
Once you reach the south trailhead you hike back up the road a way to connect with the Valley View Trail. This is the steepest section of the trail and you are walking on the shoulder of the road. The Valley View Trail is paved asphalt and has a gentle slope up to the parking lot where you started. The road walk and paved path are why I only give this hike 4 stars.
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