Facility Overview
Hine Lake Parking serves as the primary outdoor access point for visitors enjoying Hine Lake and the broader Robert A. Easton Regional Park system in southwestern Littleton, Colorado. Situated at 6325 S Van Gordon Way, this open-air, ground-level surface parking lot is maintained in partnership with the Foothills Park & Recreation District. The lot features clearly demarcated paved stalls oriented for easy pull-in and back-out maneuvering. Because it is an open-sky outdoor facility without overhead beams or structural low-clearance overhangs, it easily accommodates high-profile vehicles including full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, vans, and vehicles outfitted with rooftop kayak racks, canoe carriers, or mountain bike mounts.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Located on the eastern fringe of the Dakota Hogback and Front Range foothills, this parking area places visitors steps away from recreational activities and local community destinations:
- Hine Lake & Loop Trail: Direct access right from the parking apron to the paved multi-use pathway encircling Hine Lake (approx. 1.1-mile loop), popular for walking, jogging, and wildlife viewing.
- Robert A. Easton Regional Park: Adjacent within a 2-minute stroll, featuring expansive multi-sport athletic fields, baseball diamonds, and a children\'s playground.
- Westridge Greenbelt: Directly linked to regional cycling and pedestrian trail systems connecting south towards Chatfield Reservoir and north to Bear Creek Lake Park.
- Local Dining & Retail: A short 5-minute drive (approx. 1.5 miles) to retail and casual dining centers along Belleview Avenue and Simms Street.
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Located roughly 10 miles to the northwest, making this scenic lake a peaceful pre-concert walking stop for day-trippers heading toward Morrison.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via South Van Gordon Way, positioned between West Belleview Avenue to the north and West Quincy Avenue/Coal Mine Avenue corridor to the south. The location offers quick vehicular access to Colorado State Highway 470 (C-470), situated approximately 2 miles west, allowing travelers across the Denver metro area and mountain corridors to reach the lake quickly. Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus routes run along key arterial roadways nearby, though personal vehicles, bicycles, and rideshares are the primary means of reaching the trailhead.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Paved surface parking lot with designated standard and ADA-accessible stalls.
- Direct barrier-free access to paved, stroller-friendly lakeside trails.
- No vertical clearance limitations, ideal for vehicles with sports equipment racks.
- Trash receptacles and pet waste stations located at the trailhead entrance.
- Benches and scenic viewing areas overlooking the water and mountain horizon.
- Free public day-use parking for park and trail visitors.
Ideal For
- Anglers seeking convenient shore fishing along Hine Lake.
- Dog walkers, runners, and fitness enthusiasts utilizing the perimeter trail system.
- Families visiting the nearby playground and open recreational green spaces.
- Birdwatchers and photographers taking advantage of Front Range mountain vistas and wetland wildlife.
- Youth sports teams and spectators attending weekend matches at Robert A. Easton Regional Park.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. While spaces are generally plentiful during weekday mornings and early afternoons, the lot can fill rapidly during sunny weekend mornings, peak evening dog-walking hours, and during youth soccer or baseball league games at the adjoining park. Overnight parking, camping, and motorized watercraft are prohibited under local district park regulations. Visitors are advised to lock vehicles and keep personal gear out of plain sight while enjoying the trails.
