History

The Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and Utes hunted and gathered in the area. Two of the toll roads built during the 1858-1859 gold rush, the Mount Vernon and Denver, and the Bradford and Blue River, met at the junction of Highway 73 and Barkley Road opposite the park.

Ranching was established in the area and the majority of the park area was used for raising Texas Longhorns by the Schoonhoven family. Mr. Schoonhoven was a pilot for United Airlines and had a landing strip in the meadow parallel to Highway 73.

The name “Flying J” pays homage to Mr. Schoonhoven’s career. The Flying J Ranch was acquired by Jefferson County in 2009.