Home › Colorado › Golden › Matthews / Winters Park
Matthews / Winters Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,190 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Matthews / Winters Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This scenic park features trails for hiking, biking & equestrian use, plus trees & a creek.
What runners say about Matthews / Winters Park
“There are clean restrooms at the main trailhead, and all the trails are well marked and easy to follow.”
“This is a great natural area with lots of different trails with beautiful views of the red rocks amphitheater area which is conveniently located right iff of I-70”
“There isn’t much shade on the path, but there are a lot of wildflowers in the summer.”
“About 3 miles will get you to the overlook that looks over Red Rocks Amphitheatre, trails are well marked and maintained.”
“Overall it is a great, moderately tough, hike that is good for people of all ages.”
Desert terrain featuring huge red rocks. You can even hike into Red Rocks from the trail. This is a great place to go when it's wet or cold in other parts of Colorado. There is not a lot of shade. One of my favorite places to trail run because of the gorgeous views and unique rock.
Beautiful county park that functions as a backdoor trail system into Red Rocks. All the views and then some with 98% less tourists. Highly recommended for day hikers or trail runners. About 3 miles will get you to the overlook that looks over Red Rocks Amphitheatre, trails are well marked and maintained.
Easy drive from just about everywhere in Colorado. Ample parking, trail guides available at the entrance. Public restrooms, picnic tables and a rolling creek to check out. Beautiful views, steep trails (at times) and separate trails for mountain bikers. Plus a graveyard with old tombstones to find.
Beautiful, peaceful park (when we went today we didn’t see another soul). There are probably more challenging paths to take than the trail I did, but it’s also great for those like me who aren’t natural athletes! Sweet stream with an equally sweet bridge over it.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a great natural area with lots of different trails with beautiful views of the red rocks amphitheater area which is conveniently located right iff of I-70”
“From the parking lot take the trail up, stay to the right on Red Rocks Trail which merges with Morrison Slide Trail and you’ll climb up to the “summit.”
“” Great views of the front range, early morning on most weekdays is generally the best time to do this loop.”
“There are clean restrooms at the main trailhead, and all the trails are well marked and easy to follow.”
“If you bring dog, please be a decent human and pick up your dog’s💩 and not leave it to bake in the sun.”
“From the parking lot take the trail up, stay to the right on Red Rocks Trail which merges with Morrison Slide Trail and you’ll climb up to the “summit.”
“There isn’t much shade on the path, but there are a lot of wildflowers in the summer.”
“About 3 miles will get you to the overlook that looks over Red Rocks Amphitheatre, trails are well marked and maintained.”
Plan your run at Matthews / Winters Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitejeffco.us
- Phone+1 303-271-5925
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Golden
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dakota Ridge Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 514 reviews
Hiking area with kid-friendly trails and scenic views, including red rocks.
Rooney Road Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 285 reviews
Hiking area with trails for all skill levels, bike paths, and a pedestrian bridge.
Apex Park Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 374 reviews
This starting point for hiking & biking has parking, restrooms, a bike pump & info board with maps.
William Frederick Hayden Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,280 reviews
Scenic mountain park & wildlife habitat with a multi-use trail system, plus restrooms.
Apex Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 592 reviews
Horse riding, biking & hiking trails wind through forests, streams & steep grades to hilly views.
Coyote Gulch Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 248 reviews
Vast park with a baseball area, picnic tables, benches, swings and slides, plus views of the Red Rocks.