One of the Denver-area backyard jewels, Roxborough State Park is just a short drive southwest of Denver.
With close to 4000-acres, Roxborough State Park is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities, and a variety of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer. Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, trail running, photography, bird watching, or one of our many programs and events. Whether you are new to the outdoors or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, Roxborough State Park has an opportunity for you.
Preserve Nature: To preserve Roxborough's natural resources, no pets, drones, camping, mountain bikes, horses, rock climbing, fires, or marijuana are permitted in Roxborough State Park.
Backcountry camping
While there is no camping at Roxborough State Park, there are several options for camping in the Denver area. The closest backcountry camping is located on the Colorado Trail at Lenny's Rest in the National Forest. Parking overnight in Roxborough is not allowed.
(Updated: 1/29/2022 2:24 PM)
Biking
We do not allow bikes on Roxborough's trails.
Birding
Roxborough is designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) by the Audubon Society and is a great place for bird watching. We also have a variety of naturalist guided hikes for all ability levels.
Camping
We are a day use park and do not have camping.
Cross-country Skiing
Available with appropriate snow conditions on designated trails only, no off-trail skiing.
Education Programs
We have many guided nature activities scheduled. View the upcoming program and events! We also have volunteer-guided school and youth programs that can be requested by viewing Education Programs.
Hiking
Visitors can take in all of Roxborough's geological wonders via a series of trails for every level of hiker. The trail system consists of 9 trails, totaling approximately 14 miles. The trail system connects to Douglas County Open Space Trails , Pike National Forest Trails , Waterton Canyon , and the Colorado Trail. Pedestrian traffic is the only designated use, which includes hiking, walking, running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on designated trails, with no pets permitted . Hikers are reminded to stay on designated trails, off trail travel is not permitted.
OHV Riding
OHV's are not allowed in the park.
Picnicking
Roxboroughs has 8 small picnic tables on the Visitor Center patio. Visitors are welcome to bring a lunch and eat at one of the small tables on the patio or at a bench along the park trails. Remember to Leave No Trace and to take your trash with you.
Rock Climbing
The Formations are made up of a fragile composition and are very dangerous. Therefore, rock climbing is not permitted at Roxborough.
Sledding
Sleds are only allowed for transporting children over the snow and must remain on designated trails, same as all other activities.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is allowed on designated trails with appropriate snow conditions. No off-trail snowshoeing.
Wildlife Viewing
We have many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We have an abundance of birds, fox, and mule deer with occasional sightings of bobcat, mountain lion, and black bear. While you many not see all the wildlife in the park there are always signs of their presence on the trail.
Winter Activities
The scenery is quite dramatic when snow covers Roxborough’s ridges and spires. The myriad of animal tracks in the snow tell the stories of wildlife's winter activities. Novice and advanced cross-country skiers and snowshoers enjoy recreating on the gentle trails. The next time there is a measurable snowfall in the Denver area, head to Roxborough. Do not wait too long after the snowfall because many of the trails are exposed and snow melts quickly-- often within one or two days of the snowfall.
