Denver, a city known for its outdoor lifestyle, boasts an impressive network of bike paths, perfect for both leisurely rides and adventurous explorations. Among these, the Cherry Creek Trail and the High Line Canal Trail stand out as major thoroughfares, offering unique experiences for cyclists of all levels. These paths not only provide scenic routes through the city but also connect you to key attractions, shopping destinations, and natural escapes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Denver’s bike paths promise a refreshing way to experience the city.
Explore the Cherry Creek Trail: Where City Meets Scenery
The 40-mile Cherry Creek Trail is a central artery for Denver cyclists, starting at Confluence Park and tracing Cherry Creek southeast towards Cherry Creek State Park and beyond to Franktown. A significant portion of the trail in Denver is ingeniously designed below street level, particularly under Speer Boulevard, creating a tranquil biking environment separate from the city’s hustle and bustle. Accessibility is a key feature, with numerous entry points from roads and ramps, linking to beloved city parks like Sunken Gardens, Alamo Placita Park, and Four Mile Historic Park. This makes the Cherry Creek Trail a popular choice for a diverse range of users, from bikers and joggers to scooter enthusiasts and families.
Must-See Stops Along the Cherry Creek Trail
Cherry Creek Shopping and Dining: As you pedal south from downtown Denver, the trail seamlessly merges into the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood. Renowned as a premier shopping destination, Cherry Creek is home to over 500 high-end boutiques, galleries, and department stores, complemented by a vibrant culinary scene with restaurants and outdoor cafes. Don’t miss the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, featuring luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., and the charming, tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North, perfect for a post-ride stroll and refreshment.
Four Mile Historic Park: A unique historical gem along the Cherry Creek Trail, Four Mile Historic Park, located just four miles from downtown Denver, offers a glimpse into the region’s past. The centerpiece is the Four Mile House, dating back to 1859 and believed to be the oldest structure in Denver. This 12-acre park is an interactive museum, complete with farm animals and engaging programs that bring Denver’s early history to life, offering a fascinating break from your bike ride.
Cherry Creek State Park: For those seeking a longer cycling adventure, continuing along the Cherry Creek Trail leads you to Cherry Creek State Park and reservoir. This expansive park boasts 12 miles of paved trails and 35 miles of multi-use trails suitable for biking and hiking, along with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Beyond cycling, the park offers a plethora of activities including boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and even horseback riding, making it a perfect destination for a full day of outdoor recreation.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Extension: For the truly ambitious cyclist, the Cherry Creek Trail extends near Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown. From the trail’s end, local roads and connecting trails can lead you to Castlewood Canyon State Park. This park is known for its dramatic geological formations, rock climbing, hiking trails, and historical landmarks, such as the remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which dramatically failed in 1933, causing significant flooding in Denver – a powerful reminder of the area’s natural history.
High Line Canal Trail: An Urban Trail with a Wilderness Feel
Spanning an impressive 71 miles, the High Line Canal Trail is one of America’s longest urban trails, offering a unique blend of city accessibility and natural tranquility. Constructed in 1883 as an irrigation canal, it utilizes gravity to transport water from the foothills near Waterton Canyon to the plains northeast of Denver, extending south of Denver International Airport. Although its irrigation purpose was never fully realized, Denver Water now manages it, supplying water to locations like Fairmount Cemetery. Today, the trail is beautifully shaded by mature cottonwood trees, creating a serene and almost secluded atmosphere within the urban landscape.
The High Line Canal Trail presents a varied surface, ranging from hard-packed dirt to paved sections, making it ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and cruisers. Its gently descending path winds through canyons and valleys, intersecting with other Denver bike trails like the Cherry Creek and South Platte Trails, offering numerous route options. The trail is punctuated with parks and neighborhoods, providing ample opportunities for rest, recreation, and easy access points for shorter rides.
Highlights Along the High Line Canal Trail
Chatfield State Park Gateway: The High Line Canal Trail’s starting point is conveniently near Chatfield State Park. As mentioned, this park is a hub for outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, birding, fishing, camping, and horseback riding, making it an excellent starting or ending point for your High Line Canal adventure.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: Just a short detour from the canal, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation and space history. A major attraction is the life-size X-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars, alongside interactive exhibits and flight simulators. It’s a worthwhile stop to explore the wonders of flight and space exploration.
Aurora History Museum: For a dose of local history, the Aurora History Museum, managed by the city of Aurora, is easily accessible from the trail. Its permanent exhibit, “Growing Home,” features a fully restored 1913 Trolley Trailer No. 610, and rotating exhibits cover regional, natural, decorative, and fine arts. It’s a great place to learn about the history of this significant Denver suburb.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: The High Line Canal once served the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Today, this area has been transformed into the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a remarkable conservation success story. Home to over 330 animal species, including bison, prairie dogs, bald eagles, and the endangered black-footed ferret, the refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness wildlife thriving in a reclaimed urban landscape. Exploring this refuge provides a unique nature experience so close to a major city.
Denver’s bike paths, especially the Cherry Creek Trail and the High Line Canal Trail, offer more than just routes for cycling; they are gateways to exploring the city’s diverse attractions, natural beauty, and rich history. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride, a shopping excursion, a historical journey, or a wildlife encounter, Denver Bike Paths provide the perfect two-wheeled adventure.
