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Bradfield Park adventures

Bradfield Park Adventures

Bradfield Park is a popular recreation area within the Arapaho National Forest, offering a rich combination of scenic mountain landscapes, hiking trails, and year-round outdoor activities near Winter Park, Colorado.

450
Acres Protected
12
Miles of Trails
25,000
Annual Visitors
1956
Year Established

About Bradfield Park

 

Bradfield Park is located in Grand County, Colorado, just south of the town of Winter Park and adjacent to the Arapaho National Forest. The park covers a modest but notable area featuring mixed conifer forests, open meadows, and access to alpine streams. The area sits at elevations ranging from approximately 8,500 to 9,200 feet, providing cool summer temperatures and snow-covered winters. Ecologically, the park supports diverse forest species such as lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and Douglas fir, alongside wildlife including mule deer, elk, black bears, and a variety of bird species. Historically, Bradfield Park has served as a local picnic and day-use site since the mid-20th century, attracting visitors for its proximity to Winter Park and easy access to trails and forest roads. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent Bradfield Park for hiking, mountain biking, fishing in nearby Fraser River tributaries, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter. Notable landmarks include the Old YMCA Camp, scenic overlooks along Forest Service Roads, and the connection to the extensive trail network of the nearby Vasquez Ridge and Winter Park Resort area. The park appeals to visitors seeking a less crowded, family-friendly destination with good access to larger wilderness areas while remaining close to town amenities.

Highlights

Highlight

Views of the Fraser River Valley and Continental Divide from overlook points

Highlight

Access to diverse ecosystems including subalpine forests and open meadows

Highlight

Historic Old YMCA Camp site with rustic cabins and cultural significance

Highlight

Nearby Vasquez Ridge Trail network offering extensive hiking and biking options

Notable Natural Features

Old YMCA Camp

A historic site featuring rustic cabins and picnic areas, originally established as a youth camp and now a visitor attraction within Bradfield Park.

Fraser River Overlook

Scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Fraser River Valley and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Vasquez Ridge Trail Access

Trailhead linkage providing access to a network of moderate to challenging trails popular for hiking and mountain biking.