I, Zeb the Duck, hiked around the lake. I saw migratory birds. I enjoyed the mountain backdrop, and I was in the middle of the city. Jefferson County, our home and just west of Denver, has an Open Space Program, which is similar to a park system. Today we went to Crown Hill Park in Jefferson County Open Space.
Crown Hill Park. Jefferson County Open Space Program
Within minutes we found this protected picnic area.
Sheltered picnic area
I love the lake and the mountain views. Humans come here for many reasons. This human is walking a dog.
Dogs like this park also
Dogs must be on a leash here and of course, humans clean up after their dog. These humans are fishing and enjoying the lake.
Fishing and relaxing at Crown Hill Lake
The clouds coming over the mountain verifying the weather forecast. A storm is moving in and we may receive snow tomorrow. There is a 1.2 mile paved trail around the lake.
Paved trail around Crown Hill Lake
Paving makes it wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy this space. Some humans come here to skateboard.
Skateboarding around the lake
Some humans come for exercise.
Running and jogging around the lake
This man is jogging around the lake. He passed me three times. For those that want a little more wilderness feeling, these miles of dirt paths are available.
Unpaved through wilderness areas
Some humans and ducks come to walk and view quiet scenes like this.
Secluded view
Here a human threw a stick in the lake and his dog is enjoying a swim to bring it back.
Fun for dogs also
Humans are not allowed to swim or wade in Crown Hill Lake. The northwest corner of this area is a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife Sanctuary within Crown Hill Park
We eagerly go through the gate and watch many migrating birds on Kestrel Pond, the wetlands.
Kestrel Pond in wetlands area
Following the many paths, we remember that this area is also certified as a National Urban Wildlife Refuge. Kestrel Pond area earned that designation for its value to a variety of migrating waterfowl. There are always so many birds here. The Wildlife Sanctuary is only open to the pubic from July 1 through February 28. It is closed during the mating season to protect the wildlife. We liked all the birds, but the colors here grabbed our attention.
Feeding while feeling protected
Dogs, skateboarders, and bikes are never allowed in this area. These 242 acres contain 10.1 miles of trails and are located between two major streets. But the feeling of peace and serenity is strong. Directly east of Crown Hill Lake, is another huge area of peacefulness. Across the lake, we see the Tower of Memories from Crown Hill Cemetery.
Looking across lake to Tower of Memories in Crown Hill Cemetery
Crown Hill Open Space is a short drive for us, yet it seems so far from the busy lives we all have. We hope you visit Crown Hill Open Space, or enjoy some pretty parks near you, soon and often.
Colorado Traveling Ducks 
I love that park and I forget it’s there I’m going to have to go visit it again soon. Do you know if they still do tai chi there one weekend morning?
Not sure about the tai chi. It is a great park. Hope to see you there soon. Thanks for reading and commenting.
What a beautiful place to have close to home. It doesn’t look cold enough to snow though. I would love to see it with snow on the ground.
This park is a few minutes drive from home, and anywhere in Denver’s western suburbs. So easy to visit that we go often. We have only had snow once this year, and just a few inches. Experiencing a drought, but things change quickly. Expect to have much more snow, maybe soon. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Did you take a picnic basket?
No. Maybe next spring or summer. Thanks for reading and commenting.