Wear comfortable shoes for hiking Green Mountain trails in Lakewood, Colorado.
Green Mountain, located in Lakewood, Colorado, is home to William Frederick Hayden Park, a 2,400-acre recreational area featuring three trailheads that lead to five popular trails. Situated between two distinct regions, Green Mountain rests between the Great Plains short-grass prairie ecosystem and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The area geology consists of sandstone, volcanic rock and petrified wood. Wildlife species include meadowlarks, mule deer, rabbits, bluebirds, coyotes, black-tailed prairie dogs, hawks and rattlesnakes.
Rooney Trailhead
The Rooney Trailhead is close to C-470 along Rooney Road on the west side of Green Mountain. The parking lot is the largest of the park's three parking areas and has restrooms. Upon arrival, take a short walk up to cross the C-470 pedestrian bridge to access the trailheads for Green Mountain Trail and Rooney Valley Trail. The Green Mountain Trail attracts mountain bikers to challenge their skills on the seven-mile loop with a 1,200-foot elevation gain. Bring a hat for sun protection, as Green Mountain imparts little opportunity for shade. After your trail adventure, stop by the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center located at Alameda and Rooney Road to learn about fossils of the area and visit the gift shop.
Utah Trailhead
Found along West Alameda Parkway and on the south side of Green Mountain is the Utah Trailhead. Access to the John O. Hayden Trail is located here and begins with a steep incline leading to the summit of Green Mountain. The Green Mountain Trail intersects the Hayden Trail twice, once near the trail base and also at the top of Green Mountain, allowing a short jaunt to the 6,800-foot summit landmark, a radio tower. The Hayden Trail ends at the summit. You can return by the same trail or explore other trails located at the top, such as the 1.3 mile Summit Loop Trail or the 0.9 mile North Access Trail. The parking lot is small at this location, and no water is available. Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the park is open year round for day use.
Florida Trailhead
Discover the Florida Trailhead at West Alameda Parkway and Florida Avenue on the southeast side of Green Mountain. This trailhead is a popular entry point because of its close proximity to the city of Lakewood, and it is easily accessible for after-work mountain bikers, runners and hikers to gain entrance to the Green Mountain Trail, a loop that offers varied up and down terrain. The Green Mountain Trail and all other trails offer outstanding views of the distant Denver metropolitan skyline, the monolithic rock outcroppings of Red Rocks Park and the snowy-peaked Rocky Mountains. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash - a rule that is strictly enforced.
Tags: Green Mountain, Green Mountain Trail, Mountain Trail, Hayden Trail, Lakewood Colorado, side Green
