Genesee Park
Fast Facts:
- Denver's first mountain park; acquired 1912, 1937
- Largest mountain park, at 2,413 acres
- Scenic gateway view of the Front Range
- First buffalo and elk herds reestablished in Colorado (1914)
- New: 10 acre park addition in 2007
Features:
- Buffalo overlook along I-70 (Exit 254)
- Historic 8.75-mile (14 km) Beaver Brook Trail (Exit 253)
- Chief Hosa Lodge & Campground (Exit 253)
- Braille Nature Trail, Stapleton Drive (Exit 253)
- Youth Programs, Genesee Experiential Center (Exit 253)
Overview:
Genesee is reported to be a Native American term for "shining valley." Cut by I-70, the Park is in two parts. To the south of I-70, Genesee Mountain offers a 360-degree view from its 8,284-foot (2,525 m) summit, with Mount Vernon Canyon below. Bald Mountain, at 7,988 feet (2,435 m), is a prominent point on the north side of the park. On the north, the Park reaches all the way to Clear Creek Canyon, with its lowest elevation of 6,280 feet (1,914 m) at the bottom.
Denver's largest mountain park, Genesee offers diverse visitor experiences, from group gatherings and individual picnicking to bison-watching along I-70 at Exit 254 and backcountry hiking on the historic Beaver Brook Trail.
Location and Facilities:
Genesee Park is 20 miles (32 km) west of Denver on I-70 to Exit 254 (Genesee Park Exit) or Exit 253 (Chief Hosa Exit).
Facilities in the park include charcoal grills, picnic areas, bison and elk enclosure, scenic overlook, softball field, volleyball, horseshoes, camping at Chief Hosa (fee charged), Braille and Beaver Brook trailhead, a picnic utility building by reservation only, and Genesee Experiential Center. The "Braille Trail," with interpretive signs in braille and waist-high guide wire, was designed for blind hikers. For picnic facility reservations call the Permit Office at (720) 913-0700. For information about youth programs at Genesee Experiential Center call Outdoor Recreation at (303) 370-6668.
The Denver Mountain Parks system is on the National Register of Historic Places as a multiple properties listing. All parks are considered natural areas, and all wildlife and plants are protected and preserved.