Type: Trail, Loop
Difficulty: 5 / 10
Altitude: 6,100 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 1,200 ft / 1,200 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Cycling, Hiking, Running
William Frederick Hayden Park is the second largest park in the City of Lakewood, covering approximately 2400 acres of open space. The steep terrain includes a challenging system of multiple-use trails and breathtaking views of the Metropolitan Denver area and the dramatic Front Range of the Rocky Mountains from the 6800-foot summit. Three peaks above 14,000 feet also are viewable. The park provides a unique venue in an urban setting for many recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and paragliding. It is located on the far Western edge of the City of Lakewood at the edge of the foothills between US 70 and Colorado C470.
There are basically three trail heads ? one on the south-southeast (Florida) , one on the south (Utah) and one on the west side (Rooney) of the park. This following description is based on starting your run at the west trailhead located just off of C-470.
The loop can be run either clockwise or counter-clockwise as it is wide enough to allow passing traffic. It is suggested to run counter-clockwise as the hill climbs are more gradual. From the South Rooney Road trailhead, cross C-470 over the pedestrian bridge. From here the singletrack trail starts and continues around the south side of the mountain through rolling grasslands. After approximately 3 miles you will encounter the Utah Trailhead (on Alameda). Continue on the singletrack climbing a few small hills over the south shoulder of the mountain. A short downhill will take you to the third Florida Trailhead (on Alameda) at 3.4 miles. From here follow the trail which will turn into a gravel road and climb to the top (5.25 miles). Here is where you can really appreciate the views of Denver. Run past the antenna climbing a little higher on the road. People frequently see herds of deer here which was long ago was home to herds of buffalo. On the northwest side of the mountain the gravel road will start to descend steeply (5.75 miles) all the way back to the pedestrian bridge and crossing C-470 back to your car. See aren't you glad you ran it counter-clockwise?
There is an alternative singletrack descent that will allow you to miss some of the gravel road downhill. It will be an unmarked trail on your left (at apporximately 5.4 miles) just before you start the descent on the gravel road.
There are a few time that you might want to avoid this trail: on the weekend as there are many mountain bikers, right after a rain as the clay-like mud is rather sticky, and in the heat of the (summer) day as there is no shade on the entire loop. This makes a great winter trail runs as it dries quickly after a snowstorm.
Three main trailheads provide parking and access to the park. These are located on West Alameda Parkway at West Florida Drive and West Utah Avenue and at Rooney Road a half mile north of Alameda Parkway. The park is open all year. Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Florida and Utah Trailheads: From I-25, take 6th Ave. west. Drive approximately 6 miles to Kipling. Take Kipling south for 2 miles before taking a right on Alameda. Stay on Alameda for 3 miles until you see a parking area on the right.
Rooney Trailhead: From C-470, take the Morrison exit and travel west. Turn right on South Rooney Road, toward the speedway. Pass under C-470, turn right to Alameda Parkway and follow it as it veers left. A small trailhead parking area is on the left.
Comments
colomarathoners@earthlink.net said ...
Definitely one of the best trails so close to Denver!
The two primary trailheads (Rooney & Florida/Alameda) are conveniently located exactly halfway around the loop from each other. (3.2 miles.)
The northern half of the loop has all of the severe incline/decline (including the bomber 4x4 gravel road on the west side), and the southern half has much less severe, rolling terrain.
So if you are looking to keep the elevation changes to a minimum (or conversely looking to get in some awesome hill training), do an out-and-back on the southern half (or northern half respectively). Both options will still give you a great 6.4 mile run.
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