Denver's Largest Mountain Park Is A Scenic Escape With Bison And Continental Divide Views

A massive park sprawling across 2,400 acres of mountainous terrain provides some of the best high-altitude views of Denver, Colorado. Wildlife thrives here, namely bison, and its high peaks offer stunning, panoramic views of not only the city, but of wide-open spaces, mountains, and the United States' Continental Divide. In short, Genesee Park, just 20 miles west of Denver, is an escape from the urban landscape and a step into untamed nature.

Of course, there are plenty of iconic landmarks to visit in Colorado. But Genesee Park is the largest of more than 20 parks in the Denver Mountain Parks system. In the early 20th century, the park featured a game reserve, a campground, and the Chief Hosa Lodge, which is a National Historic Site and a popular wedding venue today.

A few years after it opened, the park became incredibly popular, with tourists flooding its roads and trails. The popularity of the park led to more improvements, including an expansion of the existing trails and facilities. Exploring nature is encouraged here, and Beaver Brook Trail is a popular hiking trail that connects Genesee Park to Braille Nature Trail and Lookout Mountain Park. Many tourists also visit Genesee Park for the views of the historic herd of bison that call the park home via the American Bison Trail.

The bison that call the park home are direct descendants of the last wild bison that roamed North America. The animals were nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century. Fortunately, the herd in the park today numbers around 50 bison, and an estimated 500,000 are now living in North America. Many bison are also transported from Genesee Park to Indigenous tribes in the American West. The herd is cared for by Denver Parks and Recreation through a partnership with the Denver Zoo.

Genesee Park provides a haven for the bison and tourists who want to see the animals in their natural environment. Visitors can safely view the bison herd from the overlooks near the bison pastures. But you don't have to be within the park itself to see the animals. Interstate 70 divides the North Bison Pasture and the Middle Bison Pasture, and motorists can often see the bison grazing along the side of the highway. The Genesee Mountain Trail leads to the South Bison Pasture for those looking to hike a little closer to the animals.

Keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially bison, is recommended for the safety of visitors and the animals. Tourists have died in parks for breaking important safety rules, and those exploring the park should follow all posted safety signs and remain on trails. To put it simply, it's best to admire the herds from a distance.

High above the bison and the interstate, visitors to Genesee Park can get a glimpse of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Tourists can even see the Continental Divide, the crest of the mountain range where waters flow either to the east or to the west. The best views of the Continental Divide are from the summit of Genesee Mountain, which sits at 8,284 feet. The summit also provides panoramic views of the city of Denver and the plains below.

The park has evolved a lot over the last century and today offers multiple other scenic overlooks and nature areas. Genesee Park is a popular stop and attracts outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and bikers who enjoy the many nature trails through the park. Picnic areas are also available in different areas, offering spaces to gather with sweeping views of the mountains and park wildlife. Entry into the park is free, but parking is limited, with only 21 spaces available.

The closest airport to Genesee Park is Denver International Airport (DEN), considered one of the most interesting airports in the U.S. that can make your layover more fun. The airport sits about 45 minutes away from the park by car. More than 10 rental car companies are available on the airport property to provide vehicles.