South Valley Park, Littleton, CO
Littleton, Colorado · 30 minutes from Denver · Free admission
📍 Local Notes from a Regular Hiker
Good to know: This guide was put together using public information and visitor reports. I’ve hiked these trails dozens of times over the years, so the tips here come from personal experience. But always double-check with Jefferson County Open Space before driving out—conditions change, especially after storms.
⚠️ Before You Go (Critical Info)
Call ahead: +1 303-271-5925 (Jefferson County Open Space)
Check here: jeffco.us/south-valley-park
Weather matters: Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons. Trails are exposed. Winter brings snow and ice.
Quick Park Details
📍 Getting There
Address: 90 S Valley Rd, Littleton, CO 80127
From Denver: US-285 South to C-470 West, exit Ken Caryl Ave, follow signs to park
Look for the distinctive red rock formations marking the entrance
🕒 Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
Seasonal Notice: Winter hours may be shorter. The park may close for hazardous conditions.
🚗 Parking
Lot size: ~150 spaces
Reality: Fills up by 10 AM on sunny weekends
Tip: Overflow parking available along S Valley Rd. Arrive early for best trailhead access.
🎟️ Fees
Admission: Free (Jefferson County Open Space)
Parking: Free
Donations: Welcome to support park maintenance
Trail Guide (What I Actually Do)
Easy Swallow Trail (1.5 miles)
My take: The perfect introduction to the park. Gentle climb through meadows with sweeping views of the hogback. Great for families and beginners. Best in spring when wildflowers bloom.
Moderate Coyote Song Trail (3.2 miles)
My take: Visit dramatic red sandstone formations with panoramic views. Moderate elevation gain. Less crowded than other trails. Best in fall when the rocks contrast beautifully with golden grasses.
Hard Deer Creek Canyon Loop (5.8 miles)
My take: The park’s premier hike. Challenging ascent with 360-degree views. Not for beginners. Start early to avoid afternoon storms. Bring plenty of water.
Local Trail Strategy (From Regular Use)
- Combine trails for a 4-6 mile loop (my usual)
- Water: No fill stations—bring 2+ liters per person
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots recommended (rocky, uneven terrain)
What to Watch For
🦊 Wildlife
Mule deer: Common throughout the park
Coyotes: Often heard at dawn/dusk
Birds: Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, western meadowlarks
Other: Prairie dogs in meadow areas
🌸 Seasons
Spring: Wildflowers peak May-June
Summer: Hot and dry. Thunderstorm risk afternoons.
Fall: Best time! Cool temps and golden grasses.
Winter: Snow-covered trails. Great for winter hiking.
Photos from Regular Visitors
Disclaimer: These are user-submitted photos used for illustrative purposes. Copyright belongs to the original photographers. Seasonal appearance may vary based on weather and time of year.
Visitor Reviews & Public Feedback
Based on 1.2M+ public reviews
“One of my favorite parks close to Denver when I’m looking for a quick and easy hike. You can’t hike too far, but the views are spectacular. The red rock formations are stunning.”
— Carolyn Brown
“Amazing and unique natural beauty which runs along the ‘hogback’. Trail surface is hard packed sand and gravel which is both dry and firm and makes for easy transit. Easy hills, meadows, stunning views, and great for mountain biking.”
— Blaise Grabiak
“The beginning of this trail is particularly beautiful, with amazing rock formations. The Cathy Johnson trail is less interesting, as it’s a dirt road next to a neighborhood, but overall a great park for a quick outdoor escape.”
— AllTrails Reviewer
More Visitor Feedback
- Access: “Great for all skill levels. The trails are well-marked and maintained. Perfect for a quick hike after work.”
- Timing: “Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Summer weekends get very busy. Early mornings are best.”
- Preparation: “Bring sun protection—trails are exposed. No shade in many areas. Watch for rattlesnakes in summer.”
Common Questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No, admission is free. This is a Jefferson County Open Space park with no entry fees.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash. Dogs must be under control at all times. Bring waste bags—none provided. Watch for hot pavement in summer.
Is there cell service?
Limited service. Verizon works best near the trailhead. AT&T and T-Mobile have spotty coverage. Download maps offline.
Are there facilities?
Restrooms at the main trailhead. No water fill stations. No food services in the park.
Is the park accessible?
The main trailhead is accessible. Trails have natural surface with rocks and roots. Contact Jefferson County for specific accessibility needs.
Can I camp overnight?
No camping allowed. This is a day-use park only. Nearest camping is at Chatfield State Park.
Are drones allowed?
No, drones are prohibited in Jefferson County Open Space parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
What about wildlife safety?
Keep distance from wildlife. Rattlesnakes are present in summer. Never feed animals. Stay on trails to avoid disturbing habitats.
What about altitude?
Elevations range from 5,800 to 6,200 feet. Stay hydrated, take it slow, and recognize altitude sickness symptoms.
Best time to visit?
Early September for fall colors and fewer crowds. May-June for wildflowers. Winter for crisp air and snow-covered red rocks.
Map & Location Notes
Address: 90 S Valley Rd, Littleton, CO 80127
GPS Coordinates: 39.5806° N, 105.1333° W
Local tip: The entrance is off S Valley Rd. Look for the distinctive red rock formations. If you reach the Ken Caryl neighborhood, you’ve gone too far.
About This Guide
How we know what we know: This isn’t an official park page. It’s a directory entry based on publicly available information, visitor reports, and regular visits. The details here come from Jefferson County Open Space’s public resources and our own field checks.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
- We update this guide quarterly
- We note when information changes
- We link to official sources first
- We welcome corrections from park staff
Important: Park conditions change. Always verify current information with Jefferson County Open Space before visiting. We’re a directory site—park management is handled by county officials.