Description: Fairly flat and open. This is a good trail to get in some fast trail running. You can connect to Deer Creek, and the Ken Caryl trail system.

Weather: This can be a good trail in the winter. Because it's fairly flat, it's fairly safe on snow and ice. Watch for ice on the north facing switchback heading up from the road to Grazing Elk, and on Lyons Back over the ridge. Avoid this park if it's wet; because it's flat, the trails don't drain well and can be very muddy. I'd stay away in the heat of the summer and in high winds; there's very little protection. The tall, dry grass and brush can overgrow the Grazing Elk trail in the spring and early summer; you may get some scratches on your legs. This area is supposed to have a lot of snakes; be careful in the morning and late afternoon of the warmer months.

Routes:
Slower runners start down on the Swallow trail, heading downhill to the right.

Intermediate and faster runners start on the trail heading up from the shelter. After ~200 yards, go right, down the Coyote Song trail. After ~½mi, you'll pass the Lyons Back trail on the left. Remember this for the way back. Continue straight on Coyote Song for another 0.4mi. Remember this junction for the way back. There, make a sharp right for 1/4mi, then a sharp left on the Swallow Trail, joining the slower runners.

Both groups continue down Swallow. Cross the road, and pick up the trail on the other side. Continue up to the start of the Grazing Elk trail. We generally go right, running the 2.2mi loop counter-clockwise. On the south end, the faster runners can go right on the Rattlesnake Gulch trail, and run down to Deer Creek Canyon Road and back.

At the end of the loop, go right, back down the trail, and across the road. Slower runners should head back on the Swallow trail. You can also take the Coyote Song trail, adding ~¼mi

Intermediate and faster runners should head back to the Coyote Song trail. There are several options from here. One is to go right on Coyote Song, down to Deer creek Canyon Road. Then, turn around and head back to the start via Coyote Song.

Another option is to go left on Coyote Song. At Lyons Back, go right and head over the ridge. On the other side, stay right at the Y, Columbine trail. At the Cathy Johnson trail, intermediate runners should go left, up the trail. Take the next left on the other end of Columbine, to complete the triangle. Go right back over the ridge. Then go right on Coyote Song to the finish.

Faster runners should go right on Cathy Johnson to Deer Creek Canyon Road. Turn at the bottom, and head back up to Columbine, over the ridge, and back to the finish via Coyote Song.

Decide which route options you are taking at the start. As always, please regroup at key intersections.

Jefferson County Park Information on South Valley Park Updated May 2, 2007