The Denver Mountain Parks System
Although scattered in four counties, the Denver Mountain Parks make up a cohesive system of significant lands connected by watersheds, forests, sensitive ecosystems, trails, and scenic drives. Each park has its own distinct character, but the system as a whole shares an audience, uses, geography, character, and historic integrity. These similarities offer a way of organizing the parks according to the roles they play in the larger system. Below you will find the mountain parks categorized into different groups ranging in size and features.
The Denver Mountain Parks system is on the National Register of Historic Places as a multiple properties listing. All parks are considered natural areas, and all wildlife and plants are protected and preserved.
-
The Stars
Many of Colorado's most significant landscapes are within the Denver Mountain Parks system. These iconic landscapes draw more than two million visitors to Denver and the region each year, who often travel thousands of miles to enjoy our Star parks.
-
The Hearts
The Hearts are the core of the Mountain Park system. Each has a distinct natural setting; each offers a distinct recreational experience. Beautiful, rustic buildings and shelters are integral to each of these parks.
-
The Picnic Parks
The Mountain Parks were established to provide scenic outings close to home for Denver area residents, and picnics quickly became one of the most popular activities with park visitors. Picnicking is still a favorite pastime, especially in these picnic parks.
-
Bear Creek Area Parks
- Little Park
- Corwina Park
- O’Fallon Park
- Pence Park
- Bell and Cub Creek Parks
-
The Gateway Parks
- Fillius Park
- Bergen Park
- Turkey Creek Park
-
Conservation/Wilderness Areas
Some of the most scenic and important lands in the DMP system were intended never to be developed. Prominent mountaintops, forested ridges, steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and narrow riparian corridors in these areas provide critical wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and dramatic scenic backdrops.
- All other parks and wilderness tracts