Matthews/Winters Park

Trip

Hiking – Matthews/Winters Park - Dakota Ridge Trail

A pleasant hike that visits every section of Matthews-Winters Park and crosses over onto the Dakota Ridge. The rocky terrain has panoramic views of Denver and the foothills. The loop hike is 5.9 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet.

  • Fri, May 15, 2026
  • Bobcats Section
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 5.9 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,800 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-2.2

 Depending on conditions and the group, the hike should last about 3.5 hours or so. This is a popular park, so expect people and mountain bikers, again depending on conditions.

If the trails are muddy due to rain, the park may be closed. The trip will be cancelled if weather conditions are not good.

For more information on the hike see the following web sites: https://www.jeffco.us/1292/Matthews-Winter-Park

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/colorado/dakota-ridge-and-red-rocks-trail-loop?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

This is a CMC Bobcats trip, but everyone is welcome. The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long. Our trips tend to be faster-paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops. We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenge, discovery, and camaraderie. We don’t have dues or elections and we invite ALL CMC members to sign up for any Bobcat trip. (For more information on the Bobcats section see https://www.cmc.org/groups-sections/special-interest-sections/bobcats-section)

Meet at the Matthews-Winters Parking area at7:30 AM. We will start on the hike at 7:35 (NOTE: if the parking area is full, you can park at the DOT Stegosaurus parking area just off of I-70, on the SE side of Highway 93.)

Route/Place

Matthews/Winters Park



  • https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/9376/MatthewsWinters-Park-Map?bid==3DId=3D3D
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

I always recommend hiking poles, but not required.

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