Jefferson County Open Space

Jefferson County Open Space

North Table Mountain   This popular biking spot is one place where an electric wheelchair user might find it easier than a hiker.  The flush toilets are ADA compliant, but the first .8 mile of trail is very steep.  You might get away from the traffic noise once on top, but neither the signs nor brochure give you an idea of where best to go.  ProTrails gives details of trail length and this Walk With Fred video is excellent.

Wheelchair accessible easy hiking Pine Lake Trail at Pine Valley Ranch, Jefferson County Open Space CO
0.6 mile wheelchair accessible Pine Lake Trail at Pine Valley Ranch, Jefferson County Open Space CO

Pine Valley Ranch Park

Wheelchair AccessiblePine Valley Ranch is highly accessible with fishing docks, a 0.6 mile wheelchair accessible trail around pretty Pine Lake and picnic shelters.  The Narrow Gauge Trail runs beside the North Fork of the South Platte River and could be managed by wheelchair if Jeffco would cut the weeds growing in the middle of the trail.

HikerwithcaneIf you can hike without a walker, the very narrow, but level and easy North Fork view trail goes half a mile beyond Pine Lake to a bridge where you can come back on the Narrow Gauge Trail.  Snow and ice cover the trails in winter and early spring.  Parking lot: N39° 24.463′  W105° 20.825′.

Accessible paths and picnic shelters at Pine Valley Ranch Park, Jefferson Co. Open Space.
Accessible paths and picnic Shelters at Pine Valley Ranch Park
Weeds growing in easy hiking Narrow Gauge trail at Pine Valley Ranch Park Jefferson Co. Open Spac
Weeds growing in Narrow Gauge trail at Pine Valley Ranch Park


South Table Mountain, Golden

Mullein at sunset, easy trail at South Table Mt., Jefferson Co. Open Space, CO
Mullein at sunset, easy trail at South Table Mt., Jefferson Co. Open Space, CO

Unfortunately the regular closing of the access road from Quaker St. to the top of the mesa renders our favorite part inaccessible for wheelchairs.

HikerwithcaneHikers looking for an easy walk on the south side of the mesa can park in the small lot on Golden Hills Rd. a little west of Quaker Street.  GPS: N39° 44.844′  W105° 11.031′  Walk north a short way and then take the narrow path to the east which goes to the dirt road.  Staying on the road would take you to the State Patrol training area and some NREL property, but first you reach a wide, crusher fine-based  foot and bicycle trail .  This has the same panoramic views as North Table Mt., but without the traffic noise and fumes.  You are likely to see deer and hear coyotes and meadow larks, but be watchful for rattlesnakes.  It is a great place for sunsets.  Addendum Sept, 2013: Jeffco Open Space is creating 3 miles of accessible trails on South Table Mt.  Once it is done, I will change this entry.

Lair O' The Bear Park from easy walking Creekside Trail, Jefferson County Open Space Colorado
Lair O’ The Bear Park from easy walking Creekside Trail, Jefferson Co. Open Space CO

Wheelchair AccessibleLair O’ The Bear is a small, lovely park by Bear Creek.  There is a little noise from Highway 74, but it is pretty quiet in the middle of the week.  The park has accessible toilets, picnic tables, and a fishing deck.  The pretty Creekside Trail and part of the Bear Creek Trail are wheelchair accessible and easy walking.  Dipper Bridge is now closed because of flood damage.    The normally easy Bear Creek Trail going west from Dipper Bridge is often icy in winter.   There is a new accessible fishing platform near Ouzel Bridge.
Here is a description with photos by Deb Stanley from Examiner.com