Denver, a city renowned for its outdoor lifestyle and stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, is a haven for cyclists. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual weekend explorer, the city boasts an impressive network of bike routes. Among the most celebrated are the Cherry Creek Trail and the High Line Canal Trail, each offering unique experiences and perspectives of Denver. Let’s delve into these premier Bike Routes Denver has meticulously crafted for adventure and recreation.
Exploring the Cherry Creek Bike Trail: Urban Adventure Meets Retail Therapy
The Cherry Creek Trail is a 40-mile paved gem that carves through the heart of Denver. Starting at the iconic Confluence Park, where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet, this trail gracefully follows Cherry Creek southeastward, eventually reaching Cherry Creek State Park and the expansive Cherry Creek Reservoir, and extending towards Franktown.
A significant portion of the Denver section of the Cherry Creek Trail is cleverly positioned below Speer Boulevard, a major thoroughfare. This sunken design provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle above. Accessible via numerous roads and ramps, the trail also seamlessly connects to beloved city parks like Sunken Gardens, Alamo Placita Park, and Four Mile Historic Park, making it a vibrant artery for joggers, bikers, and scooter enthusiasts alike.
Must-See Highlights Along the Cherry Creek Trail
Cherry Creek Shopping District: As the trail meanders south from downtown Denver, it merges into the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood. This area is a shopper’s paradise, boasting over 500 high-end boutiques, galleries, department stores, and a diverse array of restaurants, outdoor cafes, and fitness centers. The renowned Cherry Creek Shopping Center, home to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Tiffany & Co., anchors this district nestled within the charming, tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North. Cyclists can easily hop off the trail for a shopping break or a delightful meal.
Four Mile Historic Park: A unique historical landmark situated just four miles from downtown Denver along the trail, Four Mile Historic Park is a captivating stop. The centerpiece is the Four Mile House, dating back to 1859 and believed to be the oldest standing structure in Denver. This 12-acre park offers an engaging glimpse into Denver’s early days with a museum, interactive programs, and farm animals, providing an enriching experience for all ages.
Cherry Creek State Park: For those seeking a longer biking adventure, continuing to Cherry Creek State Park and reservoir is highly rewarding. The park boasts 12 miles of paved trails and an extensive 35 miles of multi-use trails perfect for biking and hiking, along with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Beyond cycling, the park offers a plethora of activities including boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Extension: For an epic, full-day excursion, adventurous cyclists can extend their ride to the Cherry Creek Trail’s terminus, just north of Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown. From there, local roads and trails connect to Castlewood Canyon State Park, known for its dramatic geological formations, hiking, rock climbing, and historical sites, including the remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which tragically failed in 1933, causing significant flooding in Denver.
The High Line Canal Trail: An Urban Escape Through Denver’s Green Spaces
Spanning an impressive 71 miles, the sinuous High Line Canal Trail ranks among the longest urban trails in the United States. Constructed in 1883 as an irrigation canal to serve the burgeoning Denver region, it ingeniously uses gravity to transport water from the higher foothills at the end of Waterton Canyon to the lower plains northeast of Denver, just south of Denver International Airport. While its irrigation ambitions were never fully realized, Denver Water now manages the canal, utilizing it to supply water to select customers like Fairmount Cemetery and maintaining some water flow. Today, the trail is beautifully shaded by mature cottonwood trees that have flourished along its banks over time.
The High Line Canal Trail presents a diverse surface mix, ranging from hard-packed dirt to paved sections, making it ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and cruisers. As it gently descends through canyons and valleys, the trail intersects or comes close to numerous other Denver bike trails, including the Cherry Creek and South Platte Trails, offering numerous route combinations. With abundant access points, parks, and neighborhood connections, the High Line Canal Trail is perfect for both extended rides and shorter, spontaneous outings.
Key Attractions Along the High Line Canal Trail
Chatfield State Park Gateway: The High Line Canal Trail’s western end begins near Chatfield State Park. This park, as mentioned, is a hub for outdoor activities, offering boating, hiking, birding, fishing, camping, and horseback riding, making it a fantastic starting or ending point for a High Line Canal adventure.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: A short detour from the canal leads to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, a unique attraction where you can marvel at a giant X-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars. This engaging museum celebrates aviation and space exploration history, featuring interactive exhibits and flight simulators, making it a worthwhile stop.
Aurora History Museum: For a dose of local history, the Aurora History Museum, operated by the city of Aurora, is easily accessible from the trail. Its permanent “Growing Home” exhibit, featuring the fully restored 1913 Trolley Trailer No. 610, alongside rotating exhibits, explores regional and natural history, as well as decorative and fine arts.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Historically, the High Line Canal provided water to the military facilities at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Today, this area has been transformed into the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a remarkable sanctuary home to over 330 animal species roaming across prairie grasslands, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe bison, prairie dogs, bald eagles, and the endangered black-footed ferrets in a natural setting surprisingly close to a major urban center.
Denver’s bike routes, particularly the Cherry Creek and High Line Canal Trails, offer diverse experiences catering to every cyclist’s preference. From urban exploration and shopping sprees along Cherry Creek to nature immersion and historical discoveries along the High Line Canal, Denver truly is a city on two wheels waiting to be explored.
