Wheat Ridge: Nature, Trails and History

Wheat Ridge offers open spaces, opportunities for nature watching and historic buildings. A seasonal outdoor pool and amenities at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center also add to the recreational options. As you plan your trip, you can choose your own focus among riverside trails, protected areas and cultural sites.

Green Spaces, Lakes and Trails

Wheat Ridge has 300 acres of open space, including primarily the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt along Clear Creek. The Greenbelt runs through the center of Wheat Ridge. It is home to numerous native plants and wildlife, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. This central green space brings nature and recreation together without being associated with a specific loop trail.

At the western end of the Clear Creek Trail are four small lakes formed from reclaimed gravel pits. A 1.5-mile path with a fine-gravel surface runs through the designated nature preserve at Clear Creek. Bicycles are not permitted on this path, except for bicycles used as ADA mobility devices. This restriction applies to the path described here. When planning your route, check the current use guidelines.

Parks and Birdwatching

The wetlands around Kestrel Pond in Crown Hill Park are a wildlife refuge and home to migratory waterfowl. In a suburban setting, Crown Hill Park offers a diverse bird population and recreational opportunities by the lake. The Crown Hill Trail also follows the shoreline of Crown Hill Lake.

The Bass Lake Boardwalk is 550 feet long and features viewing platforms and a bird-watching station. All facilities are accessible. This boardwalk can be distinguished from the described route along Crown Hill Lake by its length, viewing platforms and bird-watching station. Wheat Ridge’s designated nature preserve is also home to the Ute Ladies’ Tresses Orchid, a plant species federally listed as threatened.

The Crown Hill Garland Trailhead is located at 9357 West 26th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033. As park and access information may change, check it before your visit.

Historic Buildings

Wheat Ridge Historical Park includes seven significant historic buildings. The Baugh House illustrates the history of one of the earliest surviving examples of agricultural settlement in the Front Range region. The Soddy is a National Historic Site and is considered the oldest house made of tall prairie grass this close to the mountains.

Another story of a historic building concerns the former Red Brick House: It was a Sears-Roebuck kit home that Bert White built for his wife, Etta, with the help of his sons, Leonard and Frank. These houses tell different stories: the Baugh House represents early agricultural settlement, while the Red Brick House highlights the construction method and the White family.

Seasonal Recreation

Anderson Pool is a seasonal outdoor pool in Wheat Ridge, operated by the city’s parks and recreation department. Its listed features include a 180-foot water slide. Since it is a seasonal amenity and schedules may change, check the schedule for your travel dates in advance.

The Wheat Ridge Recreation Center offers a variety of programs and facilities for people of all ages and abilities. If you are planning to use a particular program or facility, check current offerings in advance. This can help you choose based on the topics that matter to you during your stay: open spaces and nature, historic buildings or seasonal recreation.

Discover more destinations: Arvada, Golden, Evergreen, Coal Creek, Edgewater, Lakewood.

For the overview of the wider area: Jefferson.