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The completed East-West Regional Trail, which stretches 28 miles all the way from Highlands Ranch to Parker, Colorado, is a result of community activism from a group of equestrians nearly 40 years ago. After years of construction and planning the final section of this trail was completed on July 24th, 2021.
Along with connecting the two towns of Highlands Ranch and Parker, the trail winds through the backcountry with impressive views of Pikes Peak and the rest of the front range. Wildlife sightings along these more remote sections of the trail are also common, including elk, deer, coyotes, birds and bears.
The western endpoint of the trail sits in Redstone Park, which hosts a skate park, batting cages, tennis courts, a playground and more. For trail users starting out at this end of the trail, the park also boasts water fountains, restrooms and parking. From this park, the trail continues south and then east along a concrete route that passes by two other community parks, Plum Valley Park and Pronghorn Park. From here, the next 4.7 miles dive into the Backcountry Wilderness Area of Highlands Ranch, where the trail is mostly dirt and winds through the grasslands and bluffs. This section of the trail is more suitable for mountain bikes, with narrow dirt trails and more significant elevation change.
After passing Red-Tail Park, the trail continues through the backcountry, although on a wider, straight trail, still with some significant elevation change. Along this section of the trail, there are two notable sights. Highlands Point, which is just off the trail features a sundial design with arrows pointing to all the major peaks and natural features of the region. Just down the trail from Highlands Point is Zoe's Rest, a spiritual memorial that looks out over the highland peaks, with a commemorative life plaque in honor of Zoe. This rest stop provides trail users with a nice shady respite from the sun of the plains and is a beautiful spot for sunset.
At Daniel's Gate Park, the trail takes a turn to the north along Monarch Blvd, and then east again through the Bluffs Regional Park Trail, where there are three bluff overlook trails for more experienced hikers: the Bluffs Overlook, Tepe Overlook, and Ridgeline High Point.
After crossing under Hwy 87, the trail continues for its final 6 miles through the Glendale Farm Open Space. This section of the trail passes by the Rueter-Hess Incline (parker incline), a series of steps that climb a bluff 243 ft and is a popular local recreation trail. Finally, the trails meets its eastern endpoint at the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, a picturesque 40-mile route.
Parking is available for this trail at the Rueter-Hess Incline, Rock Canyon High School, Daniels Gate, Red-Tail, Pronghorn and Redstone Park. See TrailLink Map for more detailed information.
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