Evening Loop Hike - O'Fallon Park
Details
Let's enjoy an evening loop hike in this beautiful Denver Mountain Park! We will hike the lower loop, part of which has recently been designated as the Winston K. Walker Loop, and if time permits, venture to the recently restored chimney.
CONTACT: Bernard at (303)-229-2419
ATTENDEE LIMIT: 14 Hikers.
SIGN-UP: Please RSVP yes only if you definitely plan to come. If you change your mind, please update your RSVP. By joining this group you agree to the Policies and Terms of this group.
NO SHOWS: If you No-Show to 2 events, you will be removed and banned from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to attend.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL: Do not sign up if you:
- are sick with, or have tested positive for COVID-19.
- have been in contact with a person who is sick with, or has tested positive for COVID-19.
- are not feeling well, or have any other infectious disease.
MEET: Please arrive early to prepare to hike and for introductions as we will start hiking at 5:00 pm.
WHAT TO BRING: Typical gear, jacket, water, snacks, etc.
DISTANCE/GAIN: 3.1 mi RT. Elevation gain: 534 ft. (Level: Moderate).
NOTE: The trail gains over 425 ft in the first 0.8 miles. MAP
DOGS: Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.
Denver Mountain Park Regulation:
16.3.8 Dogs brought on to Trails must be restrained by a leash no longer than six (6) feet in length. Operators of Human-Powered Devices on Trails are not allowed to have a dog on leash while operating or riding Human-Powered Devices.
DISCLAIMER: Hiking is risky. Every year people are hurt and killed because they go beyond their abilities, get lost, or bring the wrong gear. I am not a professional guide. You are responsible for yourself. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear and conditioning required. And lastly, anyone choosing to hike with our group should carry personal medical insurance and a CORSAR (Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue) card in case of an emergency.
HISTORY: Martin J. O’Fallon’s 1938 donation of 860 acres was one of the last major additions to the Denver Mountain Park system. This donation connected Corwina Park on the creek with Pence Park to the south. Together the three parks comprise 1,487 acres of contiguous parcels. Most of the park acreage is open space that protects and sustains the Bear Creek corridor including wetlands, riparian forest, open meadows, watershed, and evergreen forests.
O’Fallon is a favored spot for family picnics along bear Creek. Consequently, it fills up quickly especially weekends during the summer months. O’Fallon Mountain Park has an extensive system of trails. It is possible to hike east to Corwina Park or west to Pence Park. O’Fallon also provides access to the Bear Creek Trail. All trails in O’Fallon are closed to mountain bikes and hiker only except the Bear Creek Trail which traverses the park from Corwina Park to Pence Park. There is no mountain bike access to the Bear Creek Trail from the O’Fallon Park trailheads.
Picnicking and restroom facilities are available in the central portion of the park with nearby parking.
The old Bear Creek Road which is closed to motorized traffic provides a short hike to an iconic stone fireplace (missing its roof) visible along Bear Creek and which commemorates Mr. O’Fallon’s donation. O’Fallon is also a favorite spot for fishing along Bear Creek.
More information about Denver Mountain Parks:
RMPBS - Colorado Experience: Denver Mountain Parks
Evening Loop Hike - O'Fallon Park