Pattridge Park
Location |
Website |
Pattridge Open Space, W 82nd Ave, Arvada, CO 80007
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Trail Map
The city website is not very helpful. Below are the only good trail maps I could find on-line.
Park Fees
Free.
Trailer Parking
There is a large gravel parking lot. I didn't see any designated trailer only spots but there is a big section in the middle where you can pull in and have lots of room. Most of the cars park around the outside. Pattridge is never busy when I go, even on weekends it is a smaller and less well known open space.
Bathrooms
Yes but it is a porta potty.
Water
No water spigot, not any really great place to access the creek. Bring water for you and your horse.
Mounting
There is a small curb to stand on in the middle of the parking lot. Otherwise when you first go through the gate you will be standing on a steep hill and your horse will be trying to grab the beautiful lush grass as you struggle to mount.
Footing
Horse Hazards
GRASS!!
This is a good hazard I suppose but it was very difficult to keep my starving horses from grabbing bites. I am very thankful that my horses are thinking more about eating than spooking or running away. I ride with a halter that has a chin strap that the reins buckle to for a small amount of leverage. If you ride with a bit in your horses' mouth I would not allow them to eat. The long grass can wrap around the bit and cause a choking hazard. I really want my horses to love trail riding as much as I do. So, the trade-off is lots of time eating and just enjoying the sunshine out on the trail.
This is a good hazard I suppose but it was very difficult to keep my starving horses from grabbing bites. I am very thankful that my horses are thinking more about eating than spooking or running away. I ride with a halter that has a chin strap that the reins buckle to for a small amount of leverage. If you ride with a bit in your horses' mouth I would not allow them to eat. The long grass can wrap around the bit and cause a choking hazard. I really want my horses to love trail riding as much as I do. So, the trade-off is lots of time eating and just enjoying the sunshine out on the trail.
I passed a small pond on the right of the trail headed east. There was a large bird at the pond. If that bird was to take flight I am sure my horses would have spooked.
Stationary Objects:
There are lots of signs by the side of the trail. Sam and Bailey were not concerned but some horses may be. There is so much grass that thoughts of eating just overwhelmed any thoughts of being afraid. |
There is a trail that diverges off to the north and goes over a bridge. This is a good place to practice bridge crossing.
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Chosen Trail
Trail Experience
The Leyden Creek trail is a wonderful, peaceful, quiet trail. The path is wide and there are not a lot of dogs or hikers. It is just a really great place for a morning jog. I ponied Bailey my appendix and rode Sam. We were trying to have an easy day but the trail was so inviting. We had a really wonderful long-trot over the rolling hills and cantered up the last hill to our turn-around point. The view from the top of the hill is wonderful and so is the long grass. I don't know how long this trail is, I am guessing it is about 2 miles. We wandered for about an hour but the trail can be as long or as short as you make it. For a longer trail go up the switch-back to reach the connection to Tucker Lake.
Trail Connections
If you go up to the right you will reach the end of the Leyden Creek Trail and end up at a cement path. The cement path continues up to the right and summits the hill after a series of switch-backs. This trail takes you to Tucker Lake. You need to walk on a side-walk through a neighborhood then down a steep hill to connect with the dirt road that runs to Tucker Lake. Read more about the trail from Pattridge to Tucker Lake HERE.
There is also a path that goes under 80th into the Leyden Creek neighboorhood. I was not very keen on going through the underpass with two horses so we skipped this option today.
Trail Pictures
Trail Videos
The connection paved trail that goes to Tucker Lake.
Rating
Easy. It is so nice having a easy go-to trail. Nice parking, quiet, avoid the bikers and the aggressive dogs. Pattridge is a nice place for a long-trot and easy canter up the rolling hills.