Facility Overview
The Matthews / Winters Park Parking Lot and Trailhead serves as one of Jefferson County Open Space’s premier portals to the scenic Colorado Front Range foothills. Located just off County Road 93 (Hogback Road) between Golden and Morrison, this spacious open-air surface parking facility provides direct access to expansive hiking, trail running, and mountain biking networks. Laid out in a paved and organized loop configuration with clear stall markings, the lot accommodates standard passenger cars, large pickup trucks, and full-size SUVs. Because the facility is entirely uncovered and open-air, there are no vertical clearance restrictions or low headroom barriers, making it an excellent choice for vehicles carrying rooftop ski boxes, roof racks, and tall mountain bike racks. Designated accessible parking stalls are also situated near the primary trail staging area and informative park kiosks.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Nestled right against the iconic Dakota Hogback, Matthews / Winters Park sits in an enviable strategic hub along the boundary of Golden and historic Morrison:
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Located less than 2 miles south (a 5-minute drive or accessible directly on foot/bike via connecting trails like the Red Rocks Trail), making this lot a popular scenic staging ground for visitors exploring the foothills prior to concerts.
- Matthews / Winters Trail System: Immediate, zero-footstep access to scenic loops including the Village Walk Trail, Morrison Slide Trail, and the rigorous Dakota Ridge Trail across County Road 93.
- Dinosaur Ridge: Just 1.5 miles south along Hogback Road, offering world-famous dinosaur tracks, geological exhibits, and interpretive visitor centers.
- Historic Downtown Golden: Situated approximately 4.5 miles north (an 8-to-10-minute drive), featuring the Coors Brewery tour, Colorado School of Mines, independent craft breweries, and Clear Creek walking paths.
- Downtown Morrison: Around 2.5 miles south, packed with charming local bistros, western taverns, and post-hike dining options.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to the trailhead parking lot is exceptionally smooth and direct. The entrance sits directly on County Road 93, located just seconds south of Interstate 70 (Exit 259) and the intersection with US-40 and C-470. This intersection serves as the gateway to both the Denver metropolitan area and the I-70 mountain corridor. Egress follows a single primary access road with clean sightlines onto County Road 93. While this is primarily an outdoor nature trailhead without direct urban rail connections, regional RTD bus routes and park-and-ride facilities exist nearby along the Morrison Road and Federal Center corridors. Cyclists also enjoy easy connections through the regional paved trails and the Hogback road corridor.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Free Public Parking: Maintained and operated by Jefferson County Open Space with no entry, parking, or permit fees.
- Clean Vault Restrooms: Permanent on-site vault toilets situated near the trailhead entrance.
- Information Kiosks & Trail Maps: Comprehensive display boards featuring topographic trail maps, park rules, wildlife notices, and trail condition updates.
- Designated ADA Parking: Marked accessible spaces located on level pavement adjacent to the restroom and trail entrances.
- Trash & Pet Waste Receptacles: Multi-stream disposal stations and dog waste bags to support Leave No Trace trail practices.
- Bicycle Staging Area: Plenty of room at the vehicle for unloading mountain bikes, pump-up, and gear adjustment before hitting multi-use singletrack.
Ideal For
- Mountain Bikers & Trail Runners: Direct launch point for challenging technical loops like Dakota Ridge and the Morrison Slide.
- Everyday Hikers & Dog Walkers: Leisurely terrain along the Village Walk Trail and scenic foothill outlooks.
- Red Rocks Concertgoers & Tourists: Early-day outdoor recreation enthusiasts looking to combine morning foothill hikes with evening shows nearby.
- Geology & History Enthusiasts: Visitors exploring the geological transitions and historical homestead traces of the Mount Vernon settlement.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Because Matthews / Winters Park is one of the most accessible and celebrated open space properties along the Front Range, the parking lot regularly reaches 100% capacity on peak weekend mornings between 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM, as well as on warm summer afternoons. Visitors are strongly advised to arrive early (before 8:00 AM) or visit during mid-afternoon on weekdays to easily secure a stall. Parking is strictly permitted in designated stalls only; parking along County Road 93 or on adjacent road shoulders is strictly prohibited and subject to ticketing or towing by local law enforcement. In winter and early spring, monitor local Open Space alerts, as muddy trails are periodically closed to protect the natural surface.
