Reynolds Park is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system. Located a few miles south of Conifer, off Hwy 285 on S. Foxton Road, it is a foothills park geared for families, groups, and the casual hiker. The network of trails on the west side of the road offers hikers and equestrians anything from a short, level loop featuring wildflowers in the summer, to a longer, higher elevation trail featuring a panoramic view of Pike National Forest. There is a nice picnic area along Casto Creek, where you can enjoy a barbecue in the warmer months.

I took my children hiking at this park over their Thanksgiving break from school. We hiked the Eagle’s View Trail via Elkhorn and Raven’s Roost. It’s about 2 miles of climbing until you reach the apex. This is the southernmost part of the trail, and just when you are wondering where the "eagle's view" is, it suddenly opens up over undulating miles of Pike National Forest. In the distance, you can see Pikes Peak, a 74-mile drive away. This is a good place to let the kids rest and have a snack. You will enjoy open views for about ¼ mile until you are once again among the trees. Continue along the loop which joins with Oxen Draw Trail, and back down to the parking lot.

Caution: Even though the park was dry when we were there, Oxen Draw had several areas covered in ice. Beware of such conditions in the colder months, especially during thaw/freeze cycles.

While I thought this was one of the easiest hikes I’ve done in the mountains, the kids thought it was “challenging, but not too hard.” With only about 900 feet of elevation gain over 4+ miles, it’s ideally suited for the casual hiker. The trails are wide, well-groomed, and well-marked.

In the warmer months, make a day of it and plan to picnic at one of the tables near the bubbling creek.