Overview :
On the west side of Denver lies a hidden gem of a hike (or ride, if you like using a bike). Locally known as the Green Mountain Open Sp... more »ace, the sign on the south end of the trailhead reads “William Frederick Hayden Park” — “a rose by any other name …” While the terrain is cross hatched with a variety of trails, the route I chose is just over four miles in length, with an altitude gain of about 740 ft (highest point is 6885 ft). This is an excellent place to bring your out of town guests who would like to see the city and the front range without experiencing anoxic shock. Because the trails are smooth and wide, small children and dogs will find this trek a pleasure. In the spring wildflowers abound.
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. This is the “Florida” trailhead because it is across the street from where Florida Drive exits onto Alameda Pkwy. About 1000 ft farther down the road is the “Utah” trailhead. Directions for this hike begin at the south end of the Florida trailhead. ... If you're coming from another part of town, google the directions for Green Mountain Open Space. less «
Green Mountain Open Space
Overview : On the west side of Denver lies a hidden gem of a hike (or ride, if you like using a bike). Locally known as the Green Mountain Open Sp... more »
Tips: Be sure to bring water for yourself and your dog — dogs must be on a leash. If it’s cool, bring a jacket, because the winds at the summ... more »
Take this guide with you!
- 1. Download the EveryTrail app from the App Store
- 2. Search for the Green Mountain Open Space guide
- 3. Enjoy your self-guided tour
Points of Interest
The trailhead is large, and because this is a popular destination in Denver, busy. At the south end of the parking lot is a large information board. Begin here with the Green Mtn trail as it heads south out of the trailhead; turn right on John Hayden trail; turn right on cutoff to Green Mtn trail; turn left on Green Mtn trail; continue to the summi... More
This is the first turn. Go right onto the John Hayden trail. It stays level for a while before you begin to climb. After a while you won’t know you’re anywhere near the city. Enjoy the solitude.
This trail junction may be a bit confusing. The John Hayden trail take a sharp right turn. You need to continue straight ahead onto the Green Mountain trail cutoff. You’ll be traveling, essentially, north so you can join the main Green Mountain trail to the summit.
Turn left here. You can see the top of the radio antenna just past the first rise. Aim for it and climb.
This is the only manmade feature on mountain, other than the pile of rocks at the summit. Not much to look at, but it’s a good reference point. Should you wander off the path, find the tower and head for it. From here follow the “road” down; you’ll be able to find your way back. Otherwise, this is just an interesting feature, behind which you’ll fi... More
From the top you can look west at the ridge running from the Dinosaur Park in the south to Hogback Park in the north. Above and beyond them, I-70 disappears into the front range of the Rocky Mountains. To the east Denver’s panorama fills the view (unless the smog conspires against you as it did for my picture). Of course, be sure to have your pictu... More
On your descent to the trailhead, continue past trail split 3 and on down Green Mtn trail instead of returning the way you ascended. Bear right at this trail junction. The distance is about the same, but the view and terrain are different. You’ll exit the trail at the north end of the Florida trailhead parking lot.
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