Roxborough State Park
Tilted red sandstone fins, foothill trails and a National Natural Landmark just southwest of Denver.
About Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park in Douglas County protects a dramatic band of red sandstone slabs tilted steeply skyward, the same rock that forms Red Rocks and the Garden of the Gods. It sits a short drive south of Littleton, about 25 miles from downtown Denver, and feels far more remote than its location suggests.
About 15 miles of trails wind through scrub oak, prairie and ponderosa pine. The Fountain Valley Trail loops past the tallest formations and the historic Persse homestead, while the climb to Carpenter Peak rewards you with views across the red rocks to the plains and Chatfield Reservoir.
Roxborough is a day-use, pet-free park focused on quiet nature study, which keeps wildlife sightings high and the atmosphere calm. The light on the rocks at either end of the day is the main event for photographers.
One of the best backyard escapes near Denver, with close to 4,000 acres of dramatic red-rock formations just southwest of the city. Wildlife ranges from mule deer to black bears, and the park runs regular programs alongside the usual hiking and trail running — the red rock holds warm light well past when it's faded elsewhere on the Front Range, extending your golden hour window here.
History
The area's best-known early promoter was Henry S. Persse, a New Yorker who bought land here in 1889, when it was called Washington Park. He renamed it Roxborough Park after his family's estate in Ireland and envisioned a grand resort with a hotel and golf course, but it was never built. His stone house survives as Persse Place, part of the Roxborough Park Archaeological District.
The state began acquiring land in 1975 to create the park. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980 for its geology and ecosystems. The upturned Fountain Formation sandstone is roughly 300 million years old, eroded from the Ancestral Rocky Mountains and later tilted on edge when the modern Rockies rose.
Photographing Roxborough State Park
Best light: The sandstone fins glow deep red-orange when low sun hits them, so aim for the first and last hours the park is open. Park hours (listed as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) can cut off true sunrise and sunset in summer, so spring, fall and winter often line up better with golden hour. Fresh snow on red rock in winter is spectacular.
Shots to look for
- The tall fins along the Fountain Valley Trail with scrub oak in the foreground, shot wide
- Telephoto abstracts of the tilted rock layers and textures (100-400mm)
- Looking down on the red rock spine from the Carpenter Peak trail with the plains beyond
- Fall color in the scrub oak (rust, orange and gold) framing the sandstone in October
- Mule deer or other wildlife among the rocks with a long lens
Photo tips
- Gates and parking are limited; on busy weekends arrive at opening
- Stay on trail: off-trail travel is restricted to protect the sensitive habitat
- Watch for rattlesnakes on warm days
- Bring a polarizer to deepen sky color against the red rock
- Cell signal is very limited, so download maps beforehand
Know before you go
- Pets are not allowed in the park; confirm current rules with CPW before bringing an animal
- A Colorado state parks pass or daily vehicle pass is required
- Park hours are limited and gated; check CPW for current open and close times
- Groups of 10 or more need advance approval
- The visitor center is the main trailhead hub; check its hours for maps and exhibits
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed at Roxborough State Park?
Roxborough is known as a no-pets park to protect wildlife and habitat. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife's current rules before you go.
What's the best easy hike at Roxborough?
The Fountain Valley Trail is about 2.3 miles round trip and passes the park's signature red rock fins and the historic Persse homestead.
Do you need a pass to visit Roxborough State Park?
Yes. Every vehicle needs a Colorado state parks pass or a daily vehicle pass, and walk-in visitors need an individual pass.
Featured in: Photography Spots Near Denver
Combine it with
Waterton Canyon · Chatfield State Park · Red Rocks Park · Deer Creek Canyon Park
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: cpw.state.co.us · en.wikipedia.org · gazette.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.