Fast Facts:

• Denver's first mountain park; acquired 1912-1937
• Largest mountain park, at 2,413 acres
• Scenic gateway view of the Front Range
• First buffalo and elk herds reestablished in Colorado (1914)
• New: 10 acre park addition in 2007

• Buffalo overlook along I-70 (Exit 254)
• Historic 8.65-mile Beaver Brook Trail (Exit 253)
• Chief Hosa Lodge & Campground (Exit 253)
• Braille Trail, Stapleton Drive (Exit 253)
• Youth Programs, Genesee Experiential Center (Exit 253)

Overview:
Genesee is reported to be a Native American term for "shining valley." Cut by I-70, the Park is in two parts. To the south of I-70, Genesee Mountain offers a 360-degree view from its 8,284-foot summit, with Mount Vernon Canyon below. Bald Mountain, at 7,988 feet, is a prominent point on the north side of the park. The Park reaches all the way to Clear Creek Canyon, with its lowest elevation of 6,280 feet at the bottom.

History:
Chief Hosa Lodge, the Patrick House (a toll station in the park for collecting tolls from teams and stagecoaches at the onset of the gold rush), and a stone shelter constructed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps are historic structures in Genesee Park. The Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate an annual, commemorative flag raising on Flag Day at the summit of Genesee Mountain.

See also:
Genesee Then & Now; Skiing at Genesee Mountain; Historic "Beauty Spots"

Location and Facilities:
Genesee Park is 20 miles west of Denver on I-70 to Exit 254 (Genesee Park Exit) or Exit 253 (Chief Hosa Exit).

Facilities in the park include charcoal grills, picnic areas, bison and elk enclosure, scenic overlook, softball field, volleyball, horseshoes, camping at Chief Hosa (fee charged), Braille and Beaver Brook trailhead, a picnic utility building by reservation only, and Genesee Experiential Center. The "Braille Trail," with interpretive signs in braille and waist-high guide wire, was designed for blind hikers. For picnic facility reservations call the Permit Office at (720) 913-0700. For information about youth programs at Genesee Experiential Center call Outdoor Recreation at (303) 370-6668.

The Denver Mountain Parks system is on the National Register of Historic Places as a multiple properties listing. All parks are considered natural areas, and all wildlife and plants are protected and preserved.