Denver, Colorado, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and cyclists are particularly spoiled for choice. If you’re searching for “Bike Places Near Me” in the Mile High City, you’re in luck. Two exceptional trails, the Cherry Creek Trail and the High Line Canal Trail, offer diverse experiences right in the heart of Denver and its surrounding areas. These trails are perfect for locals and visitors alike, seeking anything from a leisurely urban ride to a more adventurous day-long cycling exploration.
Cherry Creek Trail: Urban Exploration and Scenic Rides
The Cherry Creek Trail is a standout among Denver’s bike places. Spanning 40 miles, this paved path begins at Confluence Park, the city’s birthplace, and gracefully follows Cherry Creek southeastward. It extends all the way to Cherry Creek State Park and Reservoir, eventually reaching Franktown.
A significant portion of the Cherry Creek Trail in Denver is cleverly positioned below Speer Boulevard. This design choice provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city traffic above, creating a serene environment for cyclists. Accessibility is a key feature, with numerous entry points from streets and ramps, and connections to popular city parks like Sunken Gardens, Alamo Placita Park, and Four Mile Historic Park. This ease of access makes it a favorite for a variety of users, including joggers, bikers, and scooter enthusiasts.
Trail Highlights Along Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek Shopping and Dining: As the trail meanders south from Denver’s urban core, it seamlessly connects to the vibrant Cherry Creek neighborhood. Renowned as a premier shopping destination, Cherry Creek boasts over 500 high-end boutiques, galleries, department stores, and a diverse culinary scene. Here you’ll find the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center, home to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., all nestled within the charming, tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North. This blend of retail therapy and outdoor recreation is a unique highlight of bike places near me.
Four Mile Historic Park: A historical gem located just four miles from downtown Denver along the trail, Four Mile Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into Denver’s past. The centerpiece is the Four Mile House, dating back to 1859 and believed to be the oldest standing structure in the Denver metro area. This 12-acre park features a museum, engaging programs, and farm animals, creating an interactive experience that brings Denver’s early history to life.
Cherry Creek State Park: For those seeking an extended bike adventure, continuing along the Cherry Creek Trail to Cherry Creek State Park and Reservoir is highly rewarding. The park boasts 12 miles of paved trails and an impressive 35 miles of multi-use trails suitable for both biking and hiking. Bird watchers will find it particularly appealing, with abundant birdlife. The park also provides opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and even horseback riding, making it a diverse outdoor destination accessible by bike.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Extension: Ambitious cyclists can extend their journey to the Cherry Creek Trail’s terminus, situated just north of Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown. From this point, local roads and trails lead to Castlewood Canyon State Park, known for its dramatic geological formations, hiking and rock climbing areas, and historical landmarks. One notable site is the remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which tragically failed in 1933, causing significant flooding in Denver. This extension adds a layer of natural beauty and historical intrigue to your bike ride.
High Line Canal Trail: A Serene and Lengthy Urban Escape
For those seeking longer bike places near me, the High Line Canal Trail is an exceptional option. Stretching an impressive 71 miles, it ranks among the longest urban trails in the United States. 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, south of Denver International Airport. While its irrigation purpose was never fully realized, Denver Water now manages it, supplying water to locations like Fairmount Cemetery and continuing some water flow. Today, the trail is beautifully shaded by mature cottonwood trees that have grown along its banks over time, creating a tranquil and scenic biking environment.
The High Line Canal Trail presents a varied surface, ranging from hard-packed dirt to paved sections. This mix makes it ideal for gravel bikes and fat-tire bikes such as mountain bikes and cruisers. As it gently descends through canyons and valleys, the trail intersects with other Denver bike trails, including the Cherry Creek and South Platte Trails, providing options for varied routes. With frequent access points from roads and parks, the High Line Canal Trail is easily accessible for both short rides and longer explorations, making it a readily available “bike places near me” for Denver residents.
Discoveries Along the High Line Canal Trail
Chatfield State Park Connection: The High Line Canal Trail begins near Chatfield State Park, expanding your options for outdoor activities. As mentioned earlier, Chatfield State Park offers a wide array of recreational pursuits, including boating, hiking, birding, fishing, camping, and horseback riding, easily accessible from the trail.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: For a unique detour, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a must-visit. How often do you encounter a life-sized X-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars? This engaging museum celebrates aviation and space exploration history with interactive exhibits and flight simulators. It’s a worthwhile short trip off the canal for a dose of inspiration and fun.
Aurora History Museum: The Aurora History Museum, managed by the city of Aurora, provides insights into Denver’s neighboring suburb’s history. Its permanent “Growing Home” exhibit features a meticulously restored 1913 Trolley Trailer No. 610, alongside rotating exhibitions. The museum delves into regional and natural history, as well as decorative and fine arts, offering a cultural break during your ride.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Historically, the High Line Canal supplied water to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Today, the area has transformed into the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a remarkable sanctuary for over 330 animal species. Across its prairie grasslands, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands, you have an exceptional opportunity to observe bison, prairie dogs, bald eagles, and even the endangered black-footed ferrets in a natural setting remarkably close to a major urban center. This refuge exemplifies nature reclaiming urban land and offers an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience within “bike places near me”.
Conclusion: Denver – A City on Two Wheels
For anyone searching for “bike places near me”, Denver’s Cherry Creek Trail and High Line Canal Trail stand out as premier choices. Whether you prefer urban exploration with shopping and historical stops, or a longer, more nature-immersed ride, these trails offer something for every cyclist. Discover Denver from a unique perspective, and explore these fantastic bike places right at your doorstep.
