Deer Creek Canyon

About the Park

Enjoy hiker- and equestrian-only trails in Deer Creek Canyon Park, or mixed-used trails for bikers looking for steep and rocky terrain. In 2018, the over 13 miles of trails in Deer Creek Canyon will connect to nearby Hildebrand Ranch Park via the Black Bear Trail.

Be sure to check out Jefferson County’s website for the most up-to-date information about the Black Bear Trail and any closures in the park.

Park Information and Trail Map

History

The area was a popular campground for Ute and Arapaho tribes. The first homestead in the area was in 1972 by John Williamson. The Glen Plym Ranch and the Couch and Clark homesteads make up the majority of the park. Jesse James, Chief Colorow, and Alfred Packer frequented the area.

A firing range for African-American Buffalo Soldiers from Ft. Logan was established on the Couch property in 1898. Samson, an African-American minister, discovered gold and silver on the southeast face of what is now Sampson Mountain. Jefferson County purchased the original 1700+ acres of Deer Creek Canyon Park in 1989.

The Black Bear Trail was originally proposed in 1994, and a grant from Lockheed Martin in 2014 made the land acquisition and trail construction possible. Due to open in 2018, the Black Bear Trail will connect Deer Creek Canyon Park and Hildebrand Ranch Park.

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