Davis Ponds Trail

Davis Ponds Trail leads to a series of wildlife ponds tucked into the forested terrain of Staunton State Park, offering an engaging out-and-back hike that combines the rewards of water features with excellent long-distance views toward Mount Evans. The 4-mile round trip gains 600 feet through ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest before opening onto the meadow settings where the Davis Ponds attract a concentrated variety of wildlife to their margins.

The ponds function as a natural wildlife magnet, drawing elk, deer, beaver, and waterfowl throughout the seasons. Beaver dams are active at several of the ponds, and the resulting wetland habitat supports a rich assemblage of aquatic insects, amphibians, and the birds that feed on them. Mount Evans — Colorado's fourteenth-highest peak at 14,265 feet — is visible from open sections of the trail, providing the dramatic snowy backdrop that defines Front Range hiking. The out-and-back format means hikers can turn around at any point, making the route adaptable for various fitness levels. Leashed dogs are permitted. Staunton State Park charges $10 per vehicle at the entrance station, and the trailhead has restroom facilities.