Favorite Running Routes
Apex Mountain Park
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
This park offers extremely varied terrain. From the high desert feel of the lower section of trails, to the mountain forest feel of Grubstake Loop to the lush vibes of the Pacific Northwest on Enchanted Forest Trail, you are sure to find what you are looking for. It's the perfect area for getting a good amount of vert in 5-10 mile routes.
Other Favorite COlorado Routes
Centennial cone park
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
Go big or go little. Centennial cone offers the ability to do either. A short loop from Mayhem Gulch Trail can be just what the doctor ordered, but sometimes you need a to get in a long run and the full loop around the cone is a great fit for that!
Lookout Mountain Area Runs
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
This area has a mix of ownerships and parks. Some of the property. Some of Chimney Gulch is owned by Colorado School of Mines, some trail is on Golden Property and Some is in Jeffco Parks. The runs included in this section start at either Windy Saddle Park or from downtown Golden.
Matthews Winters Park
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
Matthews Winters is a perfect place to get in a pre or post work run. Easy access to a great five(ish) mile loop with rewarding views of Red Rocks. Feel like a little more of a challenge? Add in Dinosaur Ridge for a bigger loop with plenty of gain!
Morrison Area Trails
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
Just a few miles south of Golden, Morrison has some great trails to offer. Mount Morrison is a killer climb with a little scramble at the top. Mount Falcon and Lair o' the Bair Park may be more well known for mountain biking, but some runner only trail segments, miles of trails and plenty of vert make both of these parks secret gems for runners.
Mount Galbraith Park
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
If you want to "run" the most technical trail in Golden, Mount Galbraith's Nightbird Gulch Trail has just what you are looking for. Want something more chill? Head up to the Cedar Gulch Trailhead...just be prepared to share the trail with all of your closest friends from Denver on the weekends!
South Table Mountain Park
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
This park is often viewed as the little sibling of North Table, but don't sleep on South Table. Jeffco Open Space completed substantial trail building projects on South Table in 2020 and 2021. Now offering as many miles of official trails as North Table, South Table is a mecca for runners who like a little challenge on the way up, but enjoy some flat, fast miles once the summit is achieved.
White Ranch Park
Open: 1 Hour before sunrise - 1 hour after sunset
Start your run at the top of White Ranch and you are in for a nice mountain run. Start at the bottom and you will definitely hit your vert goal for the day. White Ranch is a really great spot to get in a BIG day, but certainly offers bailouts or smaller loops as well.
