Ralston Valley Park

Rate this place

Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Moon Gulch Park Farmstead Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ralston Valley Park is a beautiful outdoor recreation area in Arvada, Colorado.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are several reasons to visit, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and coyotes. Visitors can explore the natural surroundings and take in stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

Some specific points of interest within Ralston Valley Park include the Ralston Creek Trail, which stretches for over 13 miles and provides access to scenic views of the surrounding landscape. There are also several ponds and lakes throughout the park, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Ralston Valley Park is part of the Jefferson County Open Space program, which works to preserve natural areas in the region. The park covers over 600 acres and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.

The best time of year to visit Ralston Valley Park depends on personal preferences. Spring and summer are popular times to visit due to the pleasant weather and opportunities for outdoor activities. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit, as the changing colors of the leaves create a stunning backdrop for hiking and picnicking. Winter can be cold and snowy, but the park is still open for those who enjoy winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References