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Directions:  From Denver take I-70 west to C470 east and exit at Deer Creek Canyon Road.  Take Deer Creek Canyon Road past the South Valley Park Trailhead and make a left at the park sign, onto Grizzly Drive and into the main parking area.

Deer Creek Canyon Park is a wonderful park close to Denver.  I often hike there after work in the summer time.  There are trails of all shapes and sizes but his hike is by far the longest. Just hiking to the start of the loop and back is roughly 6 miles.  Even so, this makes for a wonderful day hike, especially in the Fall.

From the parking area, take the hiker only Meadowlark Trail to the Plymouth Creek Trail.  After 1.2 miles on the Plymouth Creek trail you'll come to the junction with the Red Mesa Loop.  I prefer to hike the loop counter clockwise, this gives you the option of adding the Golden Eagle Trail to the end of the Red Mesa Loop.  Golden Eagle adds 1 mile to your trip and is certainly worth it as the views are fantastic. Head back the way you came or stay on the Plymouth Creek trail all the way to the parking lot.