Daniels Park

Daniels Park occupies a 1,000-acre mesa in Sedalia that belongs to Denver Parks and Recreation, of all things. Florence Martin donated the land to the City of Denver in 1920 with the condition that it stay undeveloped and maintain a bison herd. Nearly a century later, both conditions still hold. The Denver Zoo manages the herd (usually 15 to 20 head), and the park is undeveloped except for a paved road up to the main overlook, a small picnic area, and a short trail loop.

The drive is the main event for most people. You take Daniels Park Road north out of Sedalia, wind up the escarpment, and arrive at a view off the mesa that takes in the Front Range from Pikes Peak to Long's Peak on a clear day. Sunset here is a local ritual, and on weekends the parking loop fills with couples, families, and the occasional wedding proposal. The bison are visible from the road in the east pasture roughly 80% of the time.

On foot, the Daniels Park Trail is a 1.5 mile loop around the north rim, mostly flat with legitimate views. Not a workout hike, but the best short-walk-with-visitors option in the county. Free parking and entry.