Buffalo Creek Boundary

The Park View, Strawberry Jack and Pine Lake Loop offers a delightful blend of Colorado's natural beauty, from dramatic rock outcroppings to serene lake views. You'll traverse varied terrain, including sections with ponderosa pines and open vistas, consistently catching glimpses of Pine Lake. This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike, with 502 feet (153 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a rewarding, shorter outing.

Planning your visit is easy, as the trailhead at Pine Valley Ranch Park is accessible via paved roads and offers ample parking, along with convenient amenities like bathrooms. The trail is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers, particularly on the Strawberry Jack section, so expect to share the path. Remember to keep dogs on a leash if they join you on this scenic adventure.

Beyond the stunning views, this loop holds a touch of local history; Pine Valley Ranch was once the private estate of early 20th-century magnate William A. Baehr. Keep an eye out for unique features like the hidden gazebo situated on a man-made island in the South Platte River, a quirky remnant from the ranch's past. It's a great choice for those seeking a hike with both natural beauty and interesting details.

The Buck Gulch, Strawberry Jack, and Park View Trail Loop offers a delightful blend of scenery within Pine Valley Ranch Park. You'll traverse through scattered ponderosa pines, pass Pine Lake, and cross the South Platte River, with sections opening up to reveal expansive views of Mount Logan and Rosalie Peak. The Strawberry Jack Trail, in particular, winds through a recovering burn area, providing unique perspectives and a chance to spot local wildlife like deer.

This easy 2.5-mile (4.1 km) hiking loop involves 509 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The trail starts and ends in Pine Valley Ranch Park, a popular spot with picnic areas. While specific parking information isn't detailed, it's generally wise to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot and enjoy a quieter experience.

What makes this loop stand out is its diverse terrain, from buff singletrack to sections with well-maintained steps and guardrails on the Park View Trail. It's considered one of the most interesting hikes in Pine Valley Ranch Park, offering a dynamic experience that combines wooded areas with open vistas, showcasing the resilience of nature after the Hi Meadow fire.