Directions: 

From Denver, take I-70 east to E-470.  Take E-470 south to Quincy Ave.  Follow Quincy Ave east, past the entrance to the County Fairgrounds to the trailhead on the left.  

Hike Description:

The Pronghorn Natural Area is a pleasant open space park in eastern Aurora.  The park represents a natural prairie landscape with tall grasses, a small creek, historic structures, and a relatively easy 1.4 mi (one way) hiking trail.  

From the parking lot, the trail heads north descending a gentle slope down to a historic wind mill.  From here, the trail climbs a hillside providing sweeping prairie views.  The trail soon crosses a small creek.  As you gain elevation heading north the Front Range Mountains come into view.  Soon the trail veers to the east and climbs a hill more steeply.  When you reach the top of the hill, the trail flattens and follows the hilltop to the east.  The views from the top of the hill are beautiful.  

The trail continues downhill and reaches a small road however, the top of the hill is a good place to stop and turn back.  This makes for a nice and easy 2.8 mile out and back hike. 

The northern section of the Pronghorn Natural Area is a nice hike when you want to experience a little bit of the eastern plains without driving too far from Denver.