Natural attractions #1 in Highlands Ranch

Daniels Park

4.6 · 893 reviews
Wild, expansive, and quiet.
Daniels Park, 8682 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135
Interesting facts
1

The park contains a historic log cabin built for Florence Martin, a prominent donor who helped establish the park in the 1920s.

2

The resident bison herd is managed by Denver Mountain Parks in partnership with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency.

3

The park sits on a high ridge that offers views of Pikes Peak to the south and Longs Peak to the north.

4

It is situated on land formerly used for cattle ranching, which influenced its present-day open-range appearance.

5

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed several of the existing stone amenities during the Great Depression.

6

The park serves as a migration corridor for mule deer and elk moving between the plains and the foothills.

Overview

Daniels Park is a 1,000-acre mountain park managed by the City and County of Denver, located along the Front Range in Douglas County. It features a historic bison herd enclosure, which is one of the few places in the region where visitors can view plains bison within a fenced mountain habitat. The park sits at an elevation of roughly 6,200 feet, providing panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver metro area. Trails within the park consist of natural surfaces that traverse rolling grasslands and scrub oak ridges. Several stone structures, including picnic shelters and overlooks, were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The site remains largely undeveloped to preserve the rugged character of the high plains ecosystem. It is part of the larger Denver Mountain Parks system, despite being geographically separated from the main mountain group.

Photo spot

The stone overlook structures provide elevated, clear vantage points of the Front Range mountains.

Insider tips

Bring binoculars for safely observing the bison herd from a distance.

The terrain is exposed with little canopy; wear sun protection and carry more water than you expect to need.

Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and avoid contact with prickly pear cacti common in the area.

What to avoid

Attempting to approach or feed the bison, as they are wild animals and can be unpredictable; assuming mobile phone service is reliable throughout the entire park.

Good to know

Open year-round, though access roads may be impacted by significant snow accumulation in winter.

Etiquette

Maintain a significant distance from all wildlife; leashed dogs are permitted on trails but must be kept away from the bison enclosure area.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon or early evening for optimal lighting on the mountain range and cooler temperatures.
Address
Daniels Park, 8682 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135
39.473, -104.922
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasLimited natural shade; stone picnic shelters provided by CCC.
Terrain typeRolling grasslands, ridges, and high-altitude scrub oak.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon or early evening for optimal lighting on the mountain range and cooler temperatures..

The stone overlook structures provide elevated, clear vantage points of the Front Range mountains.

Close by you'll find Cherokee Ranch & Castle, Elk Ridge Park, Coyote Ridge Park.

United States of America

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