Denman Wilderness Preserve

Location:

Denman Wildlife Area
1495 E. Gregory Road
Central Point, OR 97502

Date Trail Reviewed:

Summer 2009

Overview:

Denman is a giant wildlife preserve that sits on the Rogue River, adjacent to the Tou Velle State Park recreation area. It's sandwiched between Central Point, Medford and the Southern end of White City.  It has the advantage of being mostly flat, and because of the fair weather is ridable nearly all year. There are views of Mt. McLoughlin and Table Rock as well as a wide variety of trees. For experienced trail riders, it's a bit dull so it only gets a 2 horse rating from me.

Because it's a wildlife preserve, it has lots of inhabitants. There are several ponds so the waterfowl is everywhere.  During certain times of the year (Sept-May) you'll see hunters looking for grouse, duck and other fowl. However, even during hunting season, you can usually get in a good ride, away from hunters. You'll hear them though, so riding a spooky horse here during hunting season is inadvisable.

Trailer Parking:

You can enter the park a number of ways, but I usually go in via Agate Road. There is a locked gate (really just a giant metal arm) on the left hand side of the road a few miles down from Big R.  There is enough room to turn your truck and trailer around and probably for 3 rigs to park. However, it's probably easier to get a key to the gate.

It's pretty easy to get a key, just stop by the Oregon Department of Fish and Widlife's Denman office off East Gregory Road during regular business hours and register your name, address, reasons for using the wildlife area and the make, model and license number of the vehicle you will most likely drive down TouVelle Road.

Once you have a key, open the gate and drive down a fairly long, gravel road. It will dead end in a turn around space with an old cement structure of some sort. I usually turn here, drive back up the road a bit and park there.

Water Source:

None for humans, but the horses can sip out of the Rogue River.

Bathroom Facilities:

Again, not for humans. However, if you're desperate, you can walk to the left of the turn around area I mentioned and you'll end up in Tou Velle State park, there are bathrooms there. Horses are NOT allowed in this direction.

Length of Trail:

There are several trails. You can ride along the river, into open meadows, on the other side of the river. Take your pick or better yet, just explore! It's easy to find the trails, they're well traveled. Each time I go, I find someplace new to wander in. Good news is the park isn't all that big and because it's bordered by roads all the way around, it'd be pretty hard to get lost. 

Denman is small enough to be appreciated in half a day. To ride my favorite path, take the path leading to the right off the turn around area. This will wind through trees, very close to the river. There are opportunities to ride down and stand in the river, and even more trails on the other side if you have a horse that will cross a fairly wide portion of the river.

To lengthen this ride, keep following and you'll go through a grove of Oak Trees. You can double back towards the trail head across meadows, or stay to the left and ride up onto a ridge. This ridge will wind through mesquite and other drought resistent plants and eventually drop back down onto the road you came in on.

Footing:

Mostly hard packed, a bit of gravel here and there and it can be soft near the river.

Sharing Trail With:

Hikers, bird enthusiasts, dogs, other horses…I've never seen a bike out there, though the area is open to biking. During bird season, you'll also see dog trainers and hunters. Always a good idea to carry a small, orange vest or hat that you can wear if you're worried. Please don't bring your dogs and just let them wander with you as you ride, it's not only against the law, it's not nice to other riders who may have horses that spook.

Difficulty of Trail:

Completely easy! No hills, no valleys, it's pretty much flat. If you go up on the ridge I mentioned, it can be kind of steep to get back down. Do stay on guard for flying birds, it's not uncommon to have the horses flush a bunch of winged friends and if they all fly up it can really spook your horse.

Features of Trail:

Lots of wildlife, everywhere! Great places along the Rogue River to practice riding in and out of water. Easy footing through most of the ride.

Potential Hazards:

Flying birds, hunters, mosquitos (bring spray!) and in the summer you might encounter a snake or two. The area used to be cross fenced with barbed wire, but I hear they've taken most of that down (as of June 2010).

Great Place for Lunch:

The grove of Oak trees mentioned above provides some great shade and a place to tie your horse, it's usually where I take a break. Remember to pack out all trash.

Stuff Nearby:

Big R! Need I say more? J You'll also find a bunch of fast food on Highway 66.

Nearest Gas:

Along Highway 66 before you turn off on Agate Road, you'll find most major stations.

Directions:

From I-5: Take exit 33 at Central Point. Travel east on Pine Street to Table Rock Road. Turn left (north) on Table Rock Road to E. Gregory Road. Turn left at the wildlife area headquarters sign.
From Hwy. 62: Turn onto Agate Road. Take the first left (E. Gregory Road). Proceed one mile to the wildlife area.