Search routes & places
Matthews/Winters Park


Log in and send us updates, images and resources

Matthews/Winters Park

A JeffCo Open Space Park with over 12 miles of easy, intermediate, and difficult trails on elevations between 6,042 feet and 6,788 feet. Panoramic views and access to adjoining Dinosaur Ridge and City of Denver Red Rocks Park for distinct paleontology and geology.

Important Jeffco Park Use Updates Jan-Dec 2025:
  • All users of Jeffco parks (both free trips and paid for courses) must carry with them a copy of the CMC-Jeffco Permit or a yellow permit tag 
  • The permit can be found at this link
  • Permit tags can be picked up at the CMC Basecamp office (T-Th 10am-6pm) 
  • ONLY ONE GROUP may use a trail system at a time. Group size is limited to 14 participants, including guides/instructors. 
  • A trail system includes that entire area of that park - ie, if a group begins a hike on the east side of North Table, another group may not hold another hike on the west side of North Table.
  • Blackout dates - No CMC trips may take place on the following dates: 
    • Memorial Day Weekend - May 24-26; Father’s Day – June 15;  Juneteenth – June 19; Independence Day Weekend – July 4-6; Labor Day Weekend – Aug 30-Sept 1 

This 2,461-acre JeffCo Open Space Park is located west of CO 470 and north of CO 74/Morrison Road. The Dakota Ridge South Trail is designated mountain bike only. Parking areas to access trails include the Matthew/Winters Park Trailhead on the west side of County Rd 93 south of I-70, the Stegosaurous Lot on the east side of County Rd 93 south of I-70, and the Rooney Road Trailhead parking lot for William Frederick Hayden Park at Green Mountain at 1000 S. Rooney Road, Morrison, 80465. Refer to the Jefferson County Open Space website for closures and park regulations.

Dakota Ridge Trail: 4.25 miles, 750 feet of elevation gain

Access this trail from Stegosaurus Lot just south of I-70 exit 259 or from two places along Rooney Road. All trailheads start with a climb up to the top and then the trail follows along the top for about two miles one way. Minor scrambling in a few places and the trail can get slightly lost among rocks or snow. The southern extension of the trail is for bikes only and adds another mile loop.

  • Suitable Activities: Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing
  • Snowshoeing Category: Beginner
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Land Manager: Jefferson County Open Space
  • Parking Permit Required: Other
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 14
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 14
Map
  • https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/9376/MatthewsWinters-Park-Map?bid==3DId=3D3D
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Matthews/Winters Park - Geologic Overlook Trail
  • Matthews/Winters Park - Dakota Ridge Trail
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.