Miracle Makeover: Stagecoach Trailhead Reopens

By Vicky Gits, Staff Writer PLAN Jeffco

After being closed for restoration since 2017, the former dog park and trailhead off Stagecoach Boulevard reopened Oct. 25, 2025, as a feature inside Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen. Dogs are still welcome in the park, as they are elsewhere in the system, but they must be on leash, as there is no fenced, off-leash area.

The Stagecoach Trailhead is about two miles west of Evergreen Parkway on the south end of Elk Meadow Park. The enclave has 107 acres compared to 1,600 acres in the whole of Elk Meadow Park.

The dog park was originally conceived as a training area for dog owners and trainers in the 1990s. In 2001, a local resident named Judi Quackenboss obtained permission to use private money to build a one-acre fenced-in off-leash area in honor of her late son, John. This area eventually became the Open Space Dog Off Leash Area (DOLA).  However, it was severely damaged by overuse, resulting in contaminated streams, vegetation loss and proliferation of undesignated trails. Jefferson County Parks and Open Space fought for years to preserve the land and keep the dog park open before closing it when the wear and tear became too much.

Entrance to the Jenkins Peak Trail. This former dog park housed a popular fenced off-leash area which JCPOS closed down in 2017.

The park was overwhelmingly popular and at its peak was attracting 4,000 visitors per week from all over the region, according to a 2017 JCPOS report available on the website.

But the days of the free-wheeling mecca for untethered dogs are now over.

For the first time in 35 years or so there is a 1.5-mile trail to the top of Jenkins Peak at 8,802 feet, and an elevation gain of 300 feet, on land provided by the Mountain Area Land Trust, which holds the conservation easement upon which the Jenkins Peak Trail was built.

The 0.8-mile Catamount Trail is for hikers only and Bobcat offers a half-mile loop. The terrain in general is gently sloped and beginner friendly.

Woods along the new natural-surface trail to the top of Jenkins Peak.

The trailhead, located at 32281 Stagecoach Boulevard, Evergreen, has fresh, new landscaping and signage, an expanded parking lot with 70 spaces, a brand-new restroom, picnic tables, two EV charging stations, a massive rock retaining wall and seating areas.  The stream and its banks have been restored to pristine condition.

Retaining wall and bench in the visitor area, made from locally-sourced boulders.

There is a new crosswalk with a flashing light, since the parking lot is on the north side and the trail access is on the south side of Stagecoach.

Risk Reduction

In addition to trails and landscaping, a major effort was made to address fire mitigation and improve forest health.

Many trees had to be removed to reduce unnatural density and promote the goal of creating an open savannah ponderosa pine forest.

JCPOS paid for all the logs to be removed or masticated, and the remnants of an extensive logging operation are visible everywhere.

The peaceful view from the ridge looking southwest on the trail to Jenkins Peak, showing signs of recent forest health mitigation.

The fire danger became apparent July 13, 2020, when land on nearby Elephant Butte, part of Denver Mountain Parks, caught fire, prompting evacuation of 1,000 people.

As of 2023 Open Space was involved with various other entities, such as Evergreen Park and Recreation and Friends of Evergreen Dog Park, in hopes of placing the operation of a dog park in community hands, with funding help from Open Space.

As of 2026, the only off-leash dog park in Jeffco Open Space is at Beaver Ranch Park in Conifer; it is maintained by Beaver Ranch Community Inc.

Fun Fact: The Stagecoach Trailhead gets its name from its location within Elk Meadow Park, a well-known spot for viewing herds of elk. The trail connects to Stagecoach Boulevard, an artery that, along with trails like the Pioneer Trail, served as a route for early settlers and stagecoaches in the Evergreen area.