Roxborough State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roxborough State Park |
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Roxborough State Park
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 Roxborough State Park
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Douglas County, Colorado, USA |
| Nearest city | Littleton, Colorado |
| Area | 3,339 acres (13.51 km2) |
| Established | 1975 |
| Governing body | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
| Designated: | 1980 |
Roxborough State Park is a special state park in Colorado, USA. It's famous for its amazing red sandstone rock formations. These rocks look like giant sculptures!
The park is located in Douglas County. This is about 20 miles (32 km) south of Denver, Colorado. Roxborough State Park covers a huge area of 3,339 acres (13.51 km²). It was created in 1975 to protect its unique features. In 1980, it was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very important natural place in the country.
Contents
Discovering Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is a Colorado State Park that spans 3,339 acres (13.51 km²). It's well-known for its incredible red sandstone formations. The park is located in Douglas County, about 25 miles (40 km) south of Denver, Colorado.
In 1980, Roxborough was recognized as a National Natural Landmark. This was because of its many different natural systems and cool rock formations. It's also a State Historic Site and a National Cultural District. This is due to the many old archaeological sites found there.
The Amazing Geology of Roxborough
Roxborough State Park is a special Colorado Natural Area. It's also a National Natural Landmark. This is because of its 300-million-year-old red sandstone rocks. These rocks are part of something called the Fountain Formation. They are tilted at a steep 60-degree angle, which looks really dramatic!
The park shows great examples of very old rock layers. These layers range from the Precambrian to the Late Mesozoic eras. You can see huge rock ridges called hogbacks. There are also giant single rocks (monoliths) and tall, thin rock spires. These rocks formed during the Permian, Pennsylvanian, and Cretaceous ages. Even older rocks are found at Carpenter Peak. Its exposed monzonite rock is from the Precambrian era.
Plants and Animals: Flora and Fauna
Roxborough State Park is home to many different plants and animals. You can find forests filled with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees. There are also wide-open prairie lands and woodlands. These different habitats support a lot of wildlife.
The park has 145 different kinds of birds. Over 50 types of butterflies and moths live here too. You might also spot 11 kinds of amphibians and reptiles. Some of the mammals you might see include black bears, coyotes, deer, and elk. Foxes, mountain lions, prairie dogs, and rabbits also live in the park. Water sources like Little Willow Creek, Willow Creek, and Mill Gulch help these animals survive. The park's elevation ranges from 5,900 feet (1,800 m) to 7,280 feet (2,220 m).
Visiting the Park
When you visit Roxborough State Park, you can stop at the visitors center. It has interesting exhibits to teach you about the park. There's also a bookstore where you can find souvenirs. And don't worry, there are restrooms available too!
The park has six different hiking trails. These trails are easy to moderate, so many people can enjoy them. They also connect to other trail systems. You can even reach trails in the Douglas County area, Pike National Forest, and Waterton Canyon. This means you can explore even more of Colorado's beautiful outdoors!
