Trails & Open Space
It’s our purpose to significantly enhance the quality of life of Adams County Residents, enrich communities, and inspire with our dedication to trails and open spaces.
Our Trails
- Go west from the South Platte River Confluence to Sheridan where it connects to the Jefferson County Trail, which connects with Little Dry Creek Trail at Mile 3.88.
- Access the trail at the following locations:
- 55th Ave. and Lowell Blvd.
- Twin Lakes Park
- Little Dry Creek Open Space
- Lowell Ponds Open Space
- Engineers Lake
From Clear Creek Trail (mile 3.88) at 64th Avenue to Lowell / 69th (trail continues under City of Westminster management).
From Washington Street East, follow along Coronado Parkway to the South Platte River at Steele Street Park near 78th Avenue.
- Trail extends from Denver boundary north to 136th Avenue. South Platte River Trail is the major regional trail for the Denver Metro area. Following the South Platte River from the Chatfield Reservoir into Adams County, it is also part of the Colorado Front Range Trail.
- Access the trail at the following locations:
- Riverdale Regional Park
- Elaine T. Valente Open Space
- Steele St. Trailhead
- Engineers Lake
Open Space Properties
Elaine T. Valente Open Space
Little Dry Creek Lake Open Space
Pelican Ponds Open Space
Sandhofer Open Space
Willow Bay Open Space
Open Space Sales Tax
Adams County Open Space Sales Tax is celebrating 20 years. Over these years, more than 538 projects have received funding, totaling more than $212 million dollars invested into parks and open space across Adams County.
The Open Space Sales Tax was approved by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 1/5 of one percent sales tax authorized through 2006. In 2004, voters approved an increase to ¼ of one percent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase, and extended the sales tax through 2026. In 2020, voters approved a permanent extension of the Open Space Sales Tax.
Proceeds from the sales tax benefit parks, recreation, trails, and open space projects countywide. Funds are distributed in three ways:
- 2% is allocated to administration costs
- 30% is distributed back to the jurisdiction where the tax was generated
- 68% is awarded through a competitive grant program.
Additional Trails & Open Space Resources
Advisor Board
Additional Resources