Settlers' Park / Red Rocks

Click the map above for a larger PDF map (1.97 MB).

LOCATION

West end of Pearl Street at its junction with Canyon Boulevard.

Please check for temporary or seasonal closures or advisories.

PARKING

Parking lot at trailhead.

TRAILS

Red Rocks Trail is 0.5 mi; 300ft. This area is actually a network of short trails.  Starting at Settlers' Park, Red Rocks Trail goes north past a historic marker and  gains a rocky ridge.  It follows the ridge, and goes to the saddle to the right of the spectacular fins of Red Rocks. The trail continues down the ridge to end at Centennial Park in the mouth of Sunshine Canyon on Mapleton Avenue, west of the Mount Sanitas Trail Head.

ACCESSIBILITY

This area is identified as being popular with people using wheelchairs. See the  Trails Accessibility Guide (TAP) 2.56 Mb.

BUS CONNECTIONS

An RTD bus passes very close to this trailhead. See Bus connections in English, Autobuses en español.

RESTROOMS

None (A set of multiple restrooms located approximately 0.25 miles north in Eben G. Fine Park).

PICNIC FACILITIES

Three picnic tables and two trash cans at trailhead.

BIKE REGULATIONS

No bicycles are allowed in this area.

DOG REGULATIONS

All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, dog control requirements vary from trail to trail, so carefully watch for dog regulation signs at trailheads and trail intersections, and check the Dog Regulations by Area page before your trip. On most OSMP trails in this area, dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times unless they meet the voice and sight control standard and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Dog excrement removal is required by law. A dog station is available to aid in the collection of dog excrement.

WILDLIFE

Black bears, mountain lions and mule deer are inhibit this area.

HISTORIC INFO...

Settlers' Park got its name because it was thought to be the location of the first permanent camp of American settlers in the Boulder area. The group pitched their tents at the base of the sheltering Red Rocks on Oct. 17, 1858.  A group of about 24 men heading toward Cherry Creek-Auraria gold strikes broke away from their wagon train because one of their members, Captain Thomas Aikins, thought that the "mountain looked right for gold" in the foothills west of the Boulder area. Red Rocks was purchased in 1920 and 1926.

Before You Go

Please know OSMP rules and regulations.

Please study our six Leave No Trace" Principles to protect the land.

Dog owners: see our special dog page.

Hikers and climbers: Please be aware of all area closures.

Mountain bikers: Follow this link for trails where you can bike.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 October 2012 09:14