The Perimeter Trail at RMANWR

Today, in my quest to find unpopulated open spaces in Denver, I walked part of the perimeter trail at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.  I keep ending up in Commerce City as it is so close to Park Hill in Denver.

Regardless, the perimeter trail around the Arsenal is 12.4 miles, far too long for a girl with recent knee surgery.  Having explored much of the Southwest part and Southeast part of the area, I selected a portion of the trail on the Northern side of the refuge.

PLAY AT THE PARK!

Prairie Basin Park

In a previous post about Northfield Pond Park, I mentioned Prairie Basin Park was located just north.  Today, I visited this area in the Northeast part of Denver near the Shops at Northfield.  Given it was a Saturday morning at 10am, I expected it to be somewhat busy as it is situated between the US Postal Service distribution center and a housing development.

Surprisingly, however, I passed less than ten people.  Perhaps, the recent snow was calling people to the mountains.  Regardless, I took advantage of the quiet morning.

PLAY AT THE PARK!

First Creek at DEN Open Space

In an effort to let my dog Annie get some exercise off leash while I’m restricted to 45 minutes of walking a day by the physical therapist, I have been searching for unpopulated open spaces near Denver.  As, if I break the leash law, I’d like to do it when nobody is around.  Today, albeit freezing cold, I found the best place…First Creek at DEN Open Space.

First Creek at DEN Open Space

First Creek at DEN Open Space borders the east side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.  It is essentially a long, narrow strip of land through which the chip seal Buckley Road travels.  I’m certain this initial description would not entice many to take the walk.  Particularly in the summer when it is scorching hot and there is a potential for encountering rattlesnakes.

PLAY AT THE PARK!
annie at northfield pond park

Northfield Pond Park

I often visit the Target at The Shops at Northfield.  Each time I make the U-turn off of Quebec St. and onto Yosemite St. in order to turn into the shopping center, I pass by a small open space.  In an effort to give Annie a place to run around while I’m recovering from knee surgery, I checked it out.  Not that well kept, I was surprised to find the area has a name, Northfield Pond Park.

PLAY AT THE PARK!