Top 2 Hikes At Matthews / Winters Park

ByChristine

If you’re looking for a good place for a hike in the Denver metro area, Matthews / Winters Park on the west side just off of 1-70 between Golden and Morrison is an easy option.

It’s a fantastic way to go into Red Rocks park and amphitheater on foot via the trail system. You’ll find great views of the city from here as well. Here are two trail options we recommend you try out!

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Morrison Slide / Red Rocks Trail Loop

A woman stands at the beginning of a dirt hiking trail in Matthews / Winters Park near Denver, Colorado, surrounded by dry grassy hills and distant rocky ridges under a clear blue sky.

During our first visit to Matthews / Winters Park, we checked out the trail map and decided to go down the path as far as we felt like. It ended up being a very nice 3.9 miles to hike that we’d highly recommend. Here is the loop route to follow.

A man wearing sunglasses and a backpack leans against a rock on a hillside trail in Matthews / Winters Park near Denver, Colorado, with snowy patches and rugged hills stretching out behind him under a clear blue sky.
A winding dirt trail cuts through rolling golden hills in Matthews / Winters Park near Denver, Colorado. The wide-open landscape offers scenic views.

Start from the main Matthews / Winters Park parking lot heading south on the Village Walk. Continue onto the Red Rocks trail.

Then take the split up to the Morrison Slide Trail which switchbacks to the top of the ridge with gorgeous views.

View from a high point in Matthews / Winters Park looking out toward the Denver metro area, with grassy hills in the foreground and city buildings stretching across the horizon under a hazy blue sky.

You can also continue on the Red Rocks trail and circle back via the Morrison Slide, but we recommend going the same direction we did, as you complete the harder section first and then have a leisurely return.

We enjoyed the challenge of the switchbacks and views from higher up, but you could make it an out and back on the easier Red Rocks trail if you prefer.

A woman in a blue jacket and sunglasses stands at a scenic overlook in Matthews / Winters Park with views of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater red rock formations, snowy foothills, and the surrounding Colorado valley near Denver.

At the end of the Morrison Slide, the trail descends via another series of switchbacks, at which point you have an amazing view of the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.

A woman stands beside large red rock formations along a trail in Matthews / Winters Park near Denver, Colorado. The scenic overlook reveals layered sandstone cliffs and sweeping views of the surrounding foothills and plains.

Here the trail reconnects with the Red Rocks trail. You can take it further into Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to do more hiking there first if you want.

Or head back the other direction on the Red Rocks trail like we did to circle back to the parking lot we started from.

A man stands on a large red sandstone formation at Matthews / Winters Park, with golden grassy hills rising behind him under a vivid blue sky. The striking landscape showcases the unique geology and hiking terrain in the park.

If your starting point is the Red Rocks Park, you can definitely also complete the Red Rocks / Morrison Slide trail loop from that end.

Dakota Ridge Trail

Heading north instead from the parking area, you’ll cross Highway 93 to get to the Dakota Ridge Trailhead. Or you can park at the Stegosaurus parking lot on this side and be closer if this is your only destination for the day.

From here you’ll start ascending the Hogback formation. A steep out and back trail will take you to the top with great views all around and back down again in a little over 4 miles.

Here you’re on top of the ridge next to the Dinosaur Ridge visitor center and around which the numerous dinosaur fossils can be seen.

View of a shuttle bus and walking path along Dinosaur Ridge, adjacent to Matthews / Winters Park near Denver, Colorado. Visitors can hike or take the shuttle to see exposed dinosaur fossils and learn about the prehistoric history of the area.

The Basics

A group of deer grazes among rocks and dry brush on a hillside near the trail in Matthews / Winters Park. Wildlife sightings like these add to the natural beauty and hiking experience in the Denver foothills.

What: One of the many Jefferson County Open Space parks, no entrance fee, and there appears to be plenty of parking.

Where: 1103 County Road 93, Golden, CO 80401. Just south of I-70 and Hwy 40 on Hwy 93.

When: Of course it’s nicest when the sun is shining and the weather is mild, but still doable as long as the trail isn’t too snowy or icy which could potentially make some areas such as the switchbacks tricky and something to avoid. We did notice that some parts of the trail where there is probably periodic snow-melt or near the creek crossings were muddy, so that is something to consider.

A muddy section of trail in Matthews / Winters Park, likely caused by snowmelt or nearby creek runoff, winds through leafless trees and wet terrain. Hikers should expect seasonal mud in shaded or low-lying areas of the trail.

Who: Ideal for a wide range of fitness levels and age groups. We saw folks out with their kids and their dogs, ranging from those strolling leisurely along to those running down the trail and cranking up the switchbacks (way to go!). We saw several folks with crash pads so bouldering opportunities exist for rock climbers.

Why: Great opportunity to stretch your legs, get a little exercise, and enjoy gorgeous views.

How: Grab your hiking boots or tennis shoes and hit the trail! There are some informative signs with park maps at the trailhead. Choose your route and do as much or as little as you like before turning back. Some trails also allow mountain biking or horseback riding.

What To Do Next

Check out two other nearby parks with very distinct red rock fins, including South Valley Park and Roxborough State Park.

Christine is the co-founder of Never Stop Adventuring, and an avid traveler who started traveling the world as a child growing up in a military family. She even lived in Germany for numerous years. Since then she has been to 48 U.S. states, 17 countries, and traveled the U.S. in an RV for over 7 years.

With her 3 kids, the adventures continued family travel style. She has planned and coordinated travel with kids for the last 10 years and shares family travel tips and tricks, destinations, costs and even the mistakes so you can be empowered to take your own family trips with confidence!