Welcome to theCity of AuroraColorado

Come visit Star K Ranch and explore 250 beautiful acres of riparian woodland! This property is often referred to as a hidden gem because of its quiet, well maintained trails and the abundance of plant and animal species that call it home. When you visit, don't forget to stop by the Morrison Nature Center to pick up a map, learn about the interesting history of the site, and to see our ambassador animals the western box turtle, bull snake and tiger salamander. 

Exhibits

Morrison Nature Center and the surrounding Star K Ranch property provide hours of indoor and outdoor fun for everyone. Be brave and introduce yourself to our resident bull snake, box turtle and tiger salamander - they'll be glad to meet you!

Curl up in comfy chairs and couches and read about these and other animal species in the library filled with kids’ books, field guides, reference manuals and natural history favorites. You can also explore the seasonally changing interpretive exhibits on local plant and animal life.

Feeling dramatic? Kids of all ages can dress up in animal costumes, play with hand-made wooden puzzles and blocks and put on a puppet show!

More natural discoveries exist outside throughout Star K Ranch. Dog-friendly trails and a wetland observation area are all close by. Take the kids on a self-guided sensory tour or bring your friends for a picnic lunch and enjoy the self-guided history tour – maps are available in the Morrison Nature Center or at the kiosk just southeast of the Nature Center and parking area.

Programs
Join us for a naturalist-guided walk and talk. View the Aurora Nature News for a current program schedule. We can also come to you – schedule a naturalist talk on a hot topic of your choice for your HOA, civic or social club. Call 303.326.8445 to discuss program options.

Wildlife
Star K Ranch "regulars" include mule deer, painted turtles, snapping turtles, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, western meadowlarks, great horned owls, blue jays and coyotes.

Trails
The Star K Ranch trail system is open daily, dawn to dusk. It consists of Star K Ranch trails and portions of the High Line Canal trail and the Sand Creek Greenway trail. The trail system is open to leashed dogs, with the exception of our wetland loop. 

Facilities
Plenty of hassle-free parking, a bike rack, courtesy horse corral, trail-side benches, large shelter with picnic tables, indoor restrooms, outdoor port-a-lets and pet pick-up-bag stations.