South Valley Park, Jefferson County
Red sandstone fins and foothills meadows just off C-470, with Red Rocks-style scenery minus the crowds.
About South Valley Park
South Valley Park is a 909-acre Jefferson County Open Space park just west of Ken Caryl, tucked against the foothills off C-470. Upturned red sandstone of the Fountain and Lyons formations rises out of meadows dotted with juniper and Gambel oak, giving it a feel some liken to a miniature Red Rocks.
The park has about 8 miles of trail. A popular 6.2-mile figure-eight links Coyote Song, Prairie Falcon, Grazing Elk and the hiking-only Swallow Trail with only about 600 feet of gain, and Rattlesnake Gulch connects to neighboring Deer Creek Canyon Park.
The trails are gentle and the park draws fewer visitors than some of Jeffco's busier parks, making it a good choice for an easy sunrise outing or a snowy winter walk.
Nearly 1,000 acres of dramatic red sandstone spires and hogback formations in the foothills southwest of Denver, with well-maintained trails that stay level enough for an easy sunrise or sunset outing without much elevation gain. The rock takes on real color at both ends of the day; climbing on the formations themselves isn't allowed, so plan your composition from the trail rather than counting on getting above the rock.
History
People have used this valley for a very long time. A Folsom spear point found in the park suggests occupation as early as about 10,000 years ago, and fire pits and stone tools have also been found, along with a burial dated to roughly 1,900 years ago. The red rocks themselves are much older: the Fountain Formation sandstone formed from sediments shed off the Ancestral Rockies, later tilted upward along the Front Range. Jefferson County Open Space established the park in 1999.
Photographing South Valley Park
Best light: Sunrise and the first hour after are the money shots, when low eastern light makes the red sandstone glow against the darker foothills. After a fresh snow, the red-and-white contrast is outstanding, and fall turns the Gambel oak orange and red.
Shots to look for
- Sandstone fins along Coyote Song Trail with juniper in the foreground, 16-35mm
- The overlook from Grazing Elk Trail looking down on the rock formations and valley
- Snow-dusted red rocks against blue sky the morning after a storm
- Gambel oak in autumn color framing the spires with a mid-telephoto
Photo tips
- The park opens one hour before sunrise, so you can be in position for first light
- Swallow Trail is hiking-only; the rest is shared with bikes and horses
- Watch for rattlesnakes in warm months and stay on trail
- Check Jeffco Open Space alerts for muddy-trail or wildlife closures before you go
Know before you go
- Hours run from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
- Dogs must be leashed
- Stay on designated trails; the area has sensitive archaeological and natural resources
Prints from South Valley Park
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the South Valley Park loop?
The popular figure-eight using Coyote Song, Prairie Falcon, Grazing Elk and Swallow trails is about 6.2 miles with roughly 630 feet of gain.
Are dogs allowed at South Valley Park?
Yes, on leash.
Featured in: Easy Colorado Hikes With Big Views
Combine it with
Red Rocks Park · Roxborough State Park · Littleton · Evergreen
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · denvergazette.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.