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!

Aurora Sports Park

In my quest to find unpopulated parks around Denver, I selected Aurora Sports Park.  I had been there previously to watch my niece’s and nephew’s soccer games and of course the sports fields were packed with people.  This summer, however, when we passed by it while riding the High Line Canal, it was empty.  As a result, I returned on a weekday morning in hopes to find a deserted park.

PLAY AT THE PARK!
view of snowcapped mountains from Prairie Gateway Open Space

Prairie GateWay Open Space

Post knee surgery, my activities have been limited.  While I can sort of handle being cooped up in the house, Annie, my high energy Doberman cannot!  Despite hiring a dog walker and having awesome friends who have taken her on hikes, she needs to run. 

As a result, I have been scouring Google Maps for less populated Open Spaces and Parks near Denver.  Today, I found Prairie Gateway Open Space in Commerce City.  What a find!

PLAY AT THE PARK!
graffiti art at Carpio Sanguinette Park

Carpio Sanguinette Park

Recently I’ve been exploring different parks and open spaces in and around Denver to give my dog Annie a change of scenery.  Today I visited Carpio Sanguinette Park, Heron Pond Nature, and Heller Open Space which connect to make up 83 acres.

I selected Carpio Sanguinette Park for a variety of reasons.  First, it is only 15 minutes away from my house.  Second, based on the map it looked like it featured a large green space with a potential to walk on a natural trail through Heller Open Space.  Finally, located in an industrial area, I hoped it would be quiet so Annie had freedom to run.

To my surprise, the area exceeded my hopes and expectations.

PLAY AT THE PARK!