easy urban outdoors: aurora's star k ranch

To me, summer is for getting outside (and also for staying home: see my last post!), and I love having weekday adventures with my kids that aren’t too far from home. In this “Easy Urban Outdoors” series, I feature places that are close to the city (Denver) to get one’s outdoor adventure fix.

Star K Ranch unquestionably fits this description. In Aurora, east of Denver, this trail system includes Morrison Nature Center, providing educational opportunities for people of all ages (and a resident bull snake, box turtle and tiger salamander!) . When my kids were littler, we’d go to their kids’ class on a weekday morning (check their schedule for current programming).

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Here’s what I love about spending a few hours at Star K Ranch:

  • There’s a loop trail from the nature center that is doable for young kids. It’s probably 1 mile, maximum.

  • In the center of the trail is a wetland, filled with cat tails, reeds, butterflies, frogs, birds, and more.

  • There are ample places along the trail to stop an explore. Lots of trees/logs to climb.

  • You feel far from the city: there are very few urban views.

  • There are opportunities to join programming at the nature center.

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Other notes:

  • The Star K Ranch trails connect to both the High Line Canal Trail and the Sand Creek Trail. I personally haven’t biked here, but I think it’d be quite doable, depending where you live.

  • It’d moderately stroller-friendly. I’d recommend a carrier, but if you have a BOB stroller or similar, you’ll probably be fine!

  • Maybe it’s just luck, but I’ve been here several times over the last 5 years and it’s never been crowded.

Have you been to Star K Ranch? What did you enjoy about it?

denver tips, nature, kidsMelissa ColonnoComment