Meyer Ranch Open Space
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Closest City / Town(s): Aspen Park & Conifer, Colorado
Driving Directions:
 | From Denver, head west into the mountains on Highway 285 for approximately 16 miles. |
| Jump off on the exit that is located 0.5 miles before reaching Aspen Park (the exit is on the right-hand side of the highway). |
| Go beneath the overpass and park in the parking lot immediately in front of you (The lot is actually off of the beginning of South Turkey Creek Road). |
Hiking Distance: There are a number of different loops that you can hike throughout the park. The route described on this page is approximately 5.0 miles roundtrip.
Description: Meyer Ranch Park is one of Jefferson County Open Space's crown jewels. Hiking in the area offers great wildlife viewing potential and a sense of solitude. There is a nice picnic area located 0.5 miles away from the main parking area. Just follow the Owl's Perch Trail up to the picnic facilities. Also, the area provides wonderful sledding possibilities during the winter months, all within eyesight of the parking area.
As for the best hiking opportunity in the park, take the Owl's Perch Trail for .8 miles. Take a left at the intersection with the Lodgepole Loop Trail. Stay on the Lodgepole Loop Trail for another .2 miles. Next, hang a left on the Sunny Aspen Trail. After .5 miles you will run into the Old Ski Run Trail. Take this trail all the way to the top of Meyer Ranch Open Space.
Worth Noting: Meyer Ranch was initially homesteaded back in 1870, by the McIntyre family. The McIntyres used the property as a base ranch for their agricultural operation.
Part of the property was actually cleared during the 1940's and used for skiing. At that time, the area was referred to as Mount Lugo. Mount Lugo had a single tow rope that provided just over 150 vertical feet of ski terrain. The old ski area is now covered in new-growth aspens.
Meyer Ranch Open Space is named after the former owners of the property, Norman and Ethel Meyer. The couple originally purchased the property in 1950 and subsequently utilized it for ranching purposes.
Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger image:
Grasses of Meyer Ranch
Meyer Ranch Aspens