Date Hiked: October 28, 2022

Distance: 1 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation Min/Max: 5,550 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 39.76212, -105.10342

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 in the designated parking areas near the high school.  This is the quickest access to Kestrel Pond, but there are various other parking lots and areas around Crown Hill Park that you can use to access this area.

Hike Description:

Kestrel Pond is located within the Crown Hill Park Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in the northwest section of the much larger Crown Hill Park.  The Wildlife Sanctuary is open for access from July 1st through February 28th in order to protect the wildlife.  When open, the hike through this area and around Kestrel Pond provides a quieter and more natural experience compared to the many people who recreate in Crown Hill Park every day. 

If you access the wildlife sanctuary from the east, then enter the gate near the gazebo on the northwest shore of Crown Hill Lake.  The trail will quickly take you to a boardwalk over the wetlands habitat, this is a great place to relax and spot some birds and other wildlife.  The boardwalk leads to a narrow trail than follows the south shore of Kestral Pond.  Hike along and through the cottonwoods to circle the pond and return to the starting point.  The trail at the western portion of the pond is engulfed in cottonwoods providing a shady spot to relax on the provided benches. 

Needless to say, with the abundance of cottonwood trees in this part of the park, the best time to visit is in the fall, but summer and the beginning of winter are also wonderful times to enjoy this sanctuary for local wildlife…and local hikers…