History

German immigrants Frank and Elizabeth Hildebrand bought their 160-acre farm along Deer Creek. They raised oats, barley, sugar beets, hay, dairy cows, horses, and chickens. Through the years they acquired a total of 2,800 acres and raised Hereford cattle.

The massive flood on Plum Creek in 1965 lead to construction of the Chatfield Reservoir. Much of the Hildebrand property was acquired for the reservoir, leaving the family to live on what is now the present park area.

Jefferson County Open Space acquired 1,450 acres of Hildebrand Ranch in 2001 through a land purchase. The trailhead was constructed at Hildebrand Park by Open Space in 2009.