Apple Valley Park

About

Apple Valley Park in Paonia, Colorado, serves as the primary trailhead for accessing the Jumbo Mountain Trail System. Located at 45 Pan American Avenue, the park sits at an elevation of 5,689 feet on the Western Slope. It offers a moderate hiking experience with a typical duration of two hours, making it suitable for a half-day outing. The park is open from dawn to dusk and features parking, restrooms (operating 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday), and shelter areas. The trails are multi-use, accommodating pedestrians, mountain bikes (Class 1 e-bikes), and equestrians. The Gully and Sweet Shady Loop trail, which follows a nearby creek, is accessible directly from the park. Fall hiking is recommended between September and November. The area is pet-friendly. While the park itself contains trees and play areas, its primary value for hikers lies in its proximity to public BLM lands and the trail network extending toward Vista Drive.