Date Hiked: April 5, 2024

Distance: 2.25 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation Min/Max: 5,570 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 39.76234, -105.09464

Managing Agency: Jefferson County Open Space

Fee: None

Directions:

From I-70, exit onto Kipling Street and head south to 32nd Street. Turn east on 32nd and park along the street at the eastern edge of the park near the intersection of Dudley Street.

Hike Description:

The main event at Crown Hill Park is the paved trail around the lake, which is about one and a quarter miles.  This loop can be accessed at various parking areas north and south of the lake.  However, I suggest accessing the lake from the northeastern most trailhead on 32nd Ave and Dudley Street. Starting at this trailhead allows you to explore the eastern part of the park as well as the lake.  The eastern part of the park is more natural and the trails weave through open meadows and cottonwood stands.  Including the eastern portion of the park adds to the mileage for about a two and a quarter mile hike.

The park doesn’t really provide maps or trail signs so if this is your first time visiting, I recommend just exploring.  All the trails lead to the lake and all trails lead back to the various trailheads.  From the trailhead work your way south and west and eventually you want to pop out at the lake and follow the paved lake loop around the western edge of the lake.  As you loop back to the eastern area, leave the paved trail and explore the forests and meadows.  Keep on taking the trail option that leads away from the lake and you should find the trail that follows the eastern fence and the boundary between the park and the cemetery.  You are treated to great views of the Tower of Memories, a local landmark located in the adjacent Crown Hill Cemetery. This trail will take you back to the northeast section of the park and back to the trailhead on 32nd Ave.

Crown Hill Park is a wonderful resource for West Denver and a park that you’ll visit frequently if you live in the area.  If you don’t, it is still a great destination for an easy hike close to the city, but with a nice natural feel…more of a hike than just a walk in the park.