Centennial Cone Park
Park Map (pdf) | Hiker/Biker Alternate Use Schedule 2010(pdf) | Hunting Closure Information | Park History (pdf)
Notices
- Elk Range Trail and surrounding area under Seasonal Closure (see link below).
- Hunting Closure effective December 1 through January 31 every year.
Park Vision
The vision for Centennial Cone Park is primarily oriented to maintaining the natural processes that dominated the landscape prior to Open Space's acquisition of the area. The land is valued for the habitat it provides to elk, mountain lion and other species and is managed to ensure the continued use of the landscape by these species.
History
Centennial Cone Park was acquired in 1999 with voter-approved Open Space Bond funds. Located north of Clear Creek Canyon, nearly to the Clear Creek County line, the park is valued for the habitat it provides to elk, mountain lion and other species. The natural surface trail system is designed to offer visitors a backcountry-type experience of relative solitude.
Hiker/Biker Use Schedule
Trail users have endorsed options to reduce conflict on new and developing parks. At Centennial Cone Park, Open space has implemented an alternating use schedule to separate hikers and bikers on the weekends. The Alternating Use Calendar illustrates that even-numbered weekend dates allow mountain biking; while odd-numbered weekend dates provide for hikers. Equestrian use is allowed on any day. Enforcement of the alternating weekend use schedule was implemented in the Spring of 2006.
What's Nearby
Bikers or hikers that find themselves arriving at Centennial Cone Park on the "opposite" day when their mode is not allowed can find recreational options nearby at the following locations:
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Elk Meadow Park
White Ranch Park
Elk Management
Preserving our natural resources at Centennial Cone Park is a primary objective for Open Space and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Limited elk and deer hunting in December and January each year provides a herd population that is in harmony with available habitat. In addition, management of herds by hunting helps to maintain historical migratory patterns, as well as minimize urbanization of the elk and deer. Seasonal closures may also occur during the elk calving period to ensure that a certain portion of the park has minimal disturbance by humans.
Hunting Closure Information
Seasonal Closure Information
Plan the trip
Centennial Cone Park is one of the largest parks in the Jefferson County Open Space system. The park offers visitors a vast, backcountry-type experience. When setting out to enjoy this expansive park, plan accordingly for your own health and safety.
- Have adequate water -there is no drinking water available on the park
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions; a cool, overcast morning could rapidly change into a beating sun and warm temperatures by mid-day. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent from spring into fall, and there could even be snow in July.
- Limited shade exists; wear a hat and use sunscreen. Many of the trails have little or no shade. This is good to melt snow and dry out trails in the late fall and early spring, but it can make your trail experience more intense. Another reason to have adequate water.
- Travel with a friend. Because of the size of the park, it is recommended that you visit Centennial Cone Park with a trail buddy. Or at least let someone know when you are leaving and expect to return.
- Carry a cell phone; always a good tip whenever you are enjoying a Jefferson County Open Space park, however realize that reception may not be available in all areas.
- Understand what to do if you encounter a bear or mountain lion. Taking part in trail activities in a natural setting, you assume liability for all risks associated with visiting this Open Space area. Be aware that bears and mountain lions live in this area. Wildlife Encounter Information is provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Open Space.
Getting There
North Access -- Horse Trailers permitted. Take Colorado Hwy. 93 north from Golden approximately one mile to Golden Gate Canyon Rd. Travel west about 8 miles to Robinson Hill Rd. Travel west about eight miles to Robinson Hill Rd. Turn left and continue to Camino Perdido, the north access road into the park. The trailhead is approximately one mile to the south.
West Access -- No horse trailers allowed. From West U.S. Hwy. 6 and State Hwy. 93 west of Golden, travel west on Hwy. 6 about 11 miles. Turn right at Hwy. 119, and travel about 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Douglas Mountain Road and travel about one mile to Centennial Cone Road. Turn right and travel and go about a mile to Centennial Cone Rd., the west entry to the park.
It is your responsibility to know and obey Open Space rules and regulations. Users assume liability for all risks associated with visiting this Open Space area. Responsible use protects this resource for all citizens of Jefferson County.
Last Modified: Feb 5, 2010 11:52 AM
