Roxborough State Park

Roxborough State Park is a state park of Colorado, United States, known for dramatic red sandstone formations. Located in Douglas County 20 miles (32 km) south of Denver, Colorado, the 3,339-acre (13.51 km2) park was established in 1975. In 1980 it was recognized as a National Natural Landmark.

Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park
LocationDouglas County, Colorado, USA
Nearest cityLittleton, Colorado
Coordinates39°25′47″N 105°04′09″W
Area3,339 acres (13.51 km2)
Established1975
Governing bodyColorado Parks and Wildlife
Designated1980

Geography

Roxborough State Park, a 3,339-acre (13.51 km2)[1] Colorado State Park, is known for dramatic red sandstone formations. Located in Douglas County 25 miles (40 km) south of Denver, Colorado. In 1980 it was recognized as a National Natural Landmark because of the number of ecological systems and geological formations. It is also a State Historic Site and National Cultural District because of the number of archaeological sites.[2]

Geology

Roxborough State Park is a designated Colorado Natural Area and National Natural Landmark for its 300-million-year-old red sandstone Fountain Formations that tilt at a 60 degree angle. The park includes great examples of exposed Precambrian to Late Mesozoic hogback, monolithic and spire formations from the Permian, Pennsylvanian and Cretaceous age. Carpenter Peak's exposed monzonite is from the Precambrian era.[3]

Flora and fauna

The park consists of forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, prairie land, and woodlands that support many forms of wildlife. There are 145 bird, over 50 butterfly and moth, and 11 amphibian and reptile species. Mammals commonly found in the park include black bear, coyote, deer, elk, fox, mountain lion, prairie dog, and rabbit.[4] Sources of water include Little Willow Creek, Willow Creek and Mill Gulch. Elevations range from 5,900 to 7,280 feet (1,800 to 2,220 m).[5]

Visitors

The park has visitors center with exhibits, a bookstore, and restrooms.[6]

There are six hiking trails in Roxborough State Park, a network of easy to moderate trails that also connect to Douglas County trail system, Pike National Forest and Waterton Canyon trails.[7]

Fountain Valley as seen from Lyons Overlook, Roxborough State Park

See also

References
  1. Roxborough State Park. Colorado State Parks. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
  2. Roxborough State Park Interpretive Master Plan. pp. 7-8, 11. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
  3. Roxborough State Park: Geology. Colorado State Parks. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
  4. Roxborough State Park: Wildlife. Colorado State Parks. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
  5. Roxborough State Park: Geology. Colorado State Parks. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
  6. Roxborough State Park: Facilities. Colorado State Parks. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
  7. Roxborough State Park Trails. Colorado State Parks. Retrieved 9-28-2011.
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