Directions:  

From Denver, take I-70  west to C470 west to 285 South to Conifer.  Head North on 73 and the park will be on your left. 

Hike Description:

Flying J Ranch is a great, quiet hiking location in between Conifer and Morrison.  The trail is a simple loop but has a 4 mile hike making it a bit more than just a leisurely stroll through the woods.  The trail weaves in and out of thick pine forest and open grassy meadows.

There are 2 access points for this trail, the main parking lot and the lot off of 73.  I suggest the 73 lot as it adds a bit more to the hike and the meadow that you start off on is simply stunning.  Start on the Junction House Trail and follow this for .6 miles through meadows and across boardwalks until you enter the forest and reach the Shadow Pine Loop.  I suggest doing the loop counterclockwise as you will gain elevation first while you still have most of your energy.  The trail is mostly through dense forest but every now and then you get a pleasant aspen grove or a viewpoint of the surrounding foothills.  All in all, this is a great hike and one that not many people know about.  Beat the summer heat in the forest while you are beating the summer crowds as well.