New Westracks Shuttle Pilot Debuts, Offering Free Transit to Iconic Outdoor and Cultural Sites
JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jefferson County, together with Aramark, the Colorado Department of Transportation, City and County of Denver, Denver Mountain Parks Foundation, the Town of Morrison, Dinosaur Ridge, GreenLatinos Colorado, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD), is excited to launch the Westracks Shuttle Pilot Program, a new seasonal transit service that will make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to reach some of the region’s most iconic outdoor recreation and cultural destinations in the central foothills west of Denver.
First envisioned in 2023 by Jefferson County Commissioner Andy Kerr and Denver Councilmember Darrell Watson, Westracks has since grown into a broad regional partnership focused on improving mobility, expanding equitable access, and reducing environmental impacts in high traffic recreation corridors. The effort builds on years of grassroots advocacy for transit service to Red Rocks and surrounding areas. Longtime transit and environmental justice advocate Ean Thomas Tafoya of GreenLatinos Colorado has championed this goal for more than a decade, highlighting the need for sustainable and equitable ways for all residents to reach these treasured places.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend 2026, the free Westracks shuttle will operate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through Labor Day. The shuttle will run from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every 15 minutes, connecting riders to key destinations including the Jefferson County Government Center/RTD Golden Station, Matthews/Winters Park, the Martin G. Lockley Center at Dinosaur Ridge, the Red Rocks Trading Post, Downtown Morrison, and the Morrison Natural History Museum.
“This project is about more than just transportation—it’s about making our incredible natural resources accessible to everyone, reducing traffic and emissions, and supporting local economies,” said Commissioner Kerr. “We’re proud of the collaborative work that brought us here and thrilled to begin service.”
Aaron Roth, Jefferson County Director of Parks & Open Space added, “Access to our region's most iconic landscapes shouldn't depend on owning a vehicle or winning a battle for parking. I’m excited that the Westracks shuttle makes our parks available to all without traffic jams.”
The Westracks Shuttle Pilot Program will operate throughout the 2026 summer season as Jefferson County and its partners evaluate ridership, community benefits, and opportunities for future expansion.
Join the celebration on May 23 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at any Westracks stops for a day packed with fun, exploration, and community excitement. Enjoy giveaways, food, music, swag, scavenger hunts, hands-on learning opportunities, and more – including the grand opening of the Deep Time Detour at Dinosaur Ridge – as we celebrate the launch of this new summer shuttle. For more information please visit: www.ridewestracks.com