Date Hiked: October 21, 2025

Distance: 1 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation: 5,500 ft

Managing Agency: Douglas County Open Space

Fee: None

Directions:

From Santa Fe Drive near the town of Louviers, turn west onto Kelley Ave and right onto North Main Street. Follow North Main Street for about half a mile to a small trailhead on the right just past where the road crosses over Plum Creek.

Hike Description:

On a sunny weekend in late October I was out hunting for a nice hike during the cottonwood part of fall color season, heading from Denver down to the Castle Rock area. For years I’ve driven down Santa Fe Drive (Hwy 85) towards Sedalia and Castle Rock and noticed the sign for Dupont Park. This time I decided to go check it out. On the way to Dupont Park, I saw a small trailhead under some of the most magnificent golden cottonwood trees that I’ve ever seen…no exageration.  What I stumbled upon was the Dupont Open Space and Trail.

This relatively new addition to the Douglas County Open Space system consists of a short trail connecting Dupont Park with North Main Street. The trail also has two spur trails that access Plum Creek and loop back to the main trail. Although this hike is short, the Cottonwood Trees in this area are tall and packed together creating a golden canopy that is a delight to hike under.

When it comes to fall colors, these are some of the best in the area.