Lake Ladora, Lake Mary, and Prairie Trail Loop

On average, hikers can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This duration can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or observe wildlife.

The terrain is quite varied, offering a mix of experiences. You'll encounter natural dirt paths, single tracks, some paved sections, and distinctive boardwalks that extend over the water, especially around Lake Mary and Lake Ladora. The route traverses mixed grass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands.

Yes, this loop is considered an easy trail with minimal elevation gain, making it very suitable for beginners and families looking for a gentle immersion in nature. Its accessibility is one of its key features.

As part of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, the area is rich in wildlife. You might spot mule and white-tailed deer, bison, various raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, raccoons, muskrat, and prairie dogs. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

Spring and summer are particularly beautiful, with wildflowers blooming and abundant birdwatching opportunities. The mild weather makes for pleasant hiking. However, the trail is accessible year-round, offering different scenic experiences with each season.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on trails within the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to protect the abundant wildlife. Service animals are an exception.

There is no entrance fee to access the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge or its trails, including the Lake Ladora, Lake Mary, and Prairie Trail Loop. However, visitors should be aware of refuge regulations, which can be found on the fws.gov website.

Parking is available at designated trailheads within the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked near the start of the various loops, including those that connect to this combined route.

You'll enjoy picturesque views of Lake Ladora and Lake Mary, expansive prairies, and distant views of the Rocky Mountains. The Lake View at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a specific highlight. The boardwalks over the water offer unique vantage points for observing aquatic life and waterfowl.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Denver Orbital Trail - Segment 18, the Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail, the Denver Orbital Trail, the Prairie Trail, and the Lake Mary Loop, offering connections to a broader network of paths within the refuge.

The refuge has a compelling backstory, having been a former chemical weapons manufacturing site that was successfully cleaned up and restored into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. It's a unique example of environmental recovery and serves as an accessible urban oasis just minutes from downtown Denver.