South Valley Park

South Valley Park sits in the Ken Caryl area, technically Jefferson County but a 12-15 minute drive from Highlands Ranch and the closest red-rock landscape to north DougCo. The 995-acre Jefferson County Open Space property covers 7.7 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, with terrain that wraps around dramatic red sandstone spires and the back side of Lyons Hogback. Jeffco describes it as having "dramatic red sandstone spires and stunning views of craggy outcroppings," and that's accurate; this is the same geology that makes Red Rocks famous, in a less-crowded park 10 miles south.

The Coyote Song Trail is the introduction. Out-and-back through the central meadow, easy gradient, well-marked, the route most reviewers recommend for a first visit. The Lyons Back Trail spurs off Coyote Song and climbs up over the red rock formations themselves; this is the trail to take if you want elevation and views over the front range. The Swallow Trail wraps the other side of the rock and is where you'll spot the namesake swallow nests stacked in the cliff faces. The Cathy Johnson and Columbine trails connect the park to the Ken-Caryl Ranch foundation's adjacent open space, opening up longer loops for trail runners and mountain bikers.

For DougCo families looking for a real foothills hike without the Roxborough State Park entrance fee or the Red Rocks tourist load, this is the move. Free to enter (Jeffco Open Space, no fee). Two trailheads: the north trailhead on South Valley Road has restrooms, picnic tables, sign boards, and trail maps; the south trailhead on Deer Creek Canyon Road has fewer amenities but easier access from the Highlands Ranch direction.

Dogs are allowed on leash, which makes this one of the better dog-walking foothills parks in the area.