Meyer Ranch Park — Attraction in Aspen Park

Great place to hike and bike. You'll often even see folks from the adjacent neighborhood on horseback. A short drive from Denver and easily accessed from US285 means that this little park is heavily used. "Dude/Bro" downhill bikers go elsewhere. You will be unhappy with the crowds and you'll scare all other users.

For newbie mountain bikers there are multiple loops that allow you to create a ride that is as long or short as you like. The Lodgepole Loop at the bottom of the hill has three switchbacks and if you ride it in clockwise direction from Owl's Perch you'll get a long, mellow, downhill that takes you through a beautiful aspen grove and then into dense lodgepole pines. There is a section that crosses a tiny dry-most-of-the-time creek with three stairs. That's the most technical part of the ride. The entire loop is just over a mile and a perfect trail for introducing new riders to the sport.

As riders increase in skill and endurance, they can move up to the Sunny Aspen Loop which features more rocky terrain and steeper ascents and descents. There's also a nice little shelter at the top of the loop where the trail intersects with Old Ski Run Trail. This 1 mile long point-to-point trail features more technical (read: "rocky") terrain and some steeper sections.

At the top of Old Ski Run is another little .5 mile loop. Ride it counter clockwise and you'll get three tight switchbacks going uphill and then a nice winding downhill back to the start. This is a great place for more experienced riders to practice their slow bike skills - ascending through switchbacks. The downhill from here back to the parking lot is a blast. Lots of tricky spots as well as some smooth, loamy cruising. Watch your speed and keep an eye out for other users. You are not qualifying for the US Olympic Mountain Bike team nor will you max your heart rate monitor.

The only thing that would make this place better is more trails. It would be great if the trail continued up the mountain beyond the top of the Old Ski Run Trail.

Also, because this is so heavily trafficked by hikers it is recommended only early in the morning or late in the afternoon for bikers. Be aware of families, horses and pets. Bikers yield to all other trail users! Slow down, stop, say hello and enjoy this great JeffCo...

This was a great hike for us and the dog. Great views but mostly beautiful pine/aspen forest. Went on a sunny winter day with some snow/ice on the ground. Started on Owl's Perch Trail from the parking lot and then transferred to Lodgepole Loop Trail which gets you in the forest. From here decided to take Sunny Aspen Trail so we could get up to the top via Old Ski Run Trail. Elevation goes up and down and overall was a great hike. Solid workout. It was a beautiful so it was a little busy but not to the point of never being alone. During the hike we encountered a few polite mountain bikers as well as some other dog hikers. Totally free to the public and...

This is one of my most favorite places in the whole wide world. It is such a perfect loop. It's just long enough with just enough of an incline to be a good workout without ruining you for the rest of the day with exhaustion. Also, it's not too far from Denver yet you're able to get back in the woods and really feel like you're away from it all. Also, I love that once you get up on the trail you're really protected from a lot of the wind and elements. It gives this place a serene, peaceful feeling. This place is like a little Slice of...