History

The ranch originally was a stop for pack trains traveling between Denver and Leadville. Between 1913 and 1942 the park was operated as a dude ranch named “Idylease.” Visitors stayed in 14 cabins and enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, croquet, hiking and tennis.

The Reynolds family home served as the main lodge. Jefferson County Open Space acquired Reynolds Ranch in 1977 from the Matthes-Reynolds family. A portion of the land, and the buildings and ranch house were donated by Eva Dell Reynolds. Other portions of Reynolds Park were purchased in 1980 from John and Vivian Tekler, and 2001 from Open Lands Inc. In 1977, Reynolds Park was listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Sites.