Denver Parks and Recreation is proposing the addition of the donated Axton Ranch to Denver’s Mountain Park System — the system’s first new mountain park in more than 80 years.
Denver Parks and Recreation prepares for new mountain park donation
If acquired, property would be first new mountain park in over 80 years
Denver Parks and Recreation
and last updated 2021-02-11 12:25:52-05
DENVER â Denver is in the process of acquiring a new mountain park.
Denver Parks and Recreation has proposed that the 450-acre Axton Ranch property in Jefferson and Gilpin counties be donated to the City and County of Denver as part of Denver s Mountain Parks system. The property is less than an hour drive from Denver. It is adjacent to Roosevelt National Forest and near Arapahoe National Forest, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Jefferson County Open Space.
Here’s a reason^
Home to most of the Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado has some incredible natural credentials – mountains. And where there are mountains, there are valleys, streams, creeks, pine forests, alpine meadows, and all the wildlife that lives there.
It’s not small either. Colorado is the 8th largest state at 104,094 square miles. There are 11 national forests, 44 state parks, and 4 national parks within this vast area, among countless other protected areas.
Those who love to explore nature will find Colorado to be a neverending land of discovery and adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, rafting, or skiing, there’s so much to explore in Colorado all year-round.
Outdoornews
January 13, 2021
The good old days at Colorado state parks and the like, when campers could have a little slice of heaven all to themselves. That reportedly changed with the pandemic in 2020. (Photo by Brian Peterson)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Scott Fitzwilliams was supposed to be off work. But as supervisor of America’s most trafficked national forest, “you’re never off work,” he says.
So there he was Fourth of July weekend, supposed to be enjoying the serenity he had always known at a lake within White River National Forest. “Popular,” Fitzwilliams had always known it, “but usually kind of a local place.”
Increased recreation amid virus takes environmental toll
by Seth Boster, The Associated Press
Posted Jan 9, 2021 10:10 am EDT
Last Updated Jan 9, 2021 at 10:14 am EDT
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Scott Fitzwilliams was supposed to be off work. But as supervisor of America’s most trafficked national forest,“ you’re never off work,” he says.
So there he was Fourth of July weekend, supposed to be enjoying the serenity he had always known at a lake within White River National Forest. “Popular,” Fitzwilliams had always known it, “but usually kind of a local place.”
Not in 2020.
The shoreline was packed with people. Dogs ran off leash, their waste left unattended. All-terrain vehicles rumbled nearby, some off designated paths. Campfires were outlawed across Colorado at the time, including here. But that didn’t stop people with their brand-new tents.