Denver, a city celebrated for its outdoor lifestyle, offers a fantastic network of bike trails perfect for both leisurely rides and adventurous explorations. If you’re searching for “Bike Tracks Near Me” in Denver, you’re in luck. Two standout options, the Cherry Creek Trail and the High Line Canal Trail, provide diverse experiences right in the heart of the city. These trails aren’t just paths; they’re gateways to shopping, historical sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Cherry Creek Trail: Urban Adventure Meets Retail Therapy
The Cherry Creek Trail, stretching 40 miles, is a central artery for Denver cyclists. Beginning at Confluence Park, where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet, this paved path gracefully follows Cherry Creek southeastward. It leads you towards Cherry Creek State Park, the expansive Cherry Creek Reservoir, and eventually reaches Franktown.
A unique feature of the Cherry Creek Trail in Denver is its sunken design beneath Speer Boulevard. This clever separation creates a peaceful biking environment, shielded from the bustle of city traffic above. Access is incredibly convenient, with numerous entry points from streets and ramps, linking to beloved city parks like Sunken Gardens, Alamo Placita Park, and Four Mile Historic Park. This accessibility makes it a favored route for a variety of users, from joggers and cyclists to scooter enthusiasts and casual walkers.
Trail Highlights:
Cherry Creek Shopping and Dining: As you pedal south from downtown Denver, the trail seamlessly connects to the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood. This area is a shopper’s paradise, boasting over 500 high-end boutiques, galleries, department stores, and a plethora of dining options. Indulge in retail therapy at the renowned Cherry Creek Shopping Center, home to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., or explore the charming, tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North filled with unique shops and outdoor cafes.
Four Mile Historic Park: Just four miles from downtown, discover Four Mile Historic Park, a living history museum right along the trail. The centerpiece is the Four Mile House, dating back to 1859 and believed to be Denver’s oldest standing structure. This 12-acre park offers an engaging glimpse into Denver’s early days with a museum, interactive programs, and even farm animals. It’s a perfect spot to combine a bike ride with a historical detour.
Cherry Creek State Park: For those seeking a longer bike excursion, continue along the Cherry Creek Trail to Cherry Creek State Park and reservoir. This park is a haven for outdoor activities, featuring 12 miles of paved trails and 35 miles of multi-use trails ideal for both biking and hiking. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse avian species here. The park also offers boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding, making it a full-day destination.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Extension: For an epic, extended bike adventure, push on to the Cherry Creek Trail’s end, located just north of Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown. From this point, local roads and trails can lead you to Castlewood Canyon State Park. This park is known for its dramatic geological formations, excellent hiking and rock climbing opportunities, and historical landmarks, including the remnants of the Castlewood Dam. The dam’s failure in 1933 had a significant impact, causing flooding in Denver and adding a layer of historical intrigue to the area.
High Line Canal Trail: A Journey Through Denver’s History and Nature
The High Line Canal Trail, an impressive 71-mile urban trail, ranks among the longest in the United States. Constructed in 1883 as an irrigation canal, it ingeniously 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 some areas and maintaining its historical significance. Today, the trail is beautifully shaded by mature cottonwood trees, planted long ago, creating a serene and green corridor through the city.
The High Line Canal Trail presents a varied terrain, ranging from hard-packed dirt paths to paved sections. This mix makes it perfect for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and cruisers. As it gently descends through canyons and valleys, it intersects with other Denver bike trails, including the Cherry Creek and South Platte Trails, offering options for loop rides and further exploration. With numerous access points, parks, and neighborhood connections along its route, the High Line Canal Trail is easily accessible for both short and long bike rides.
Trail Highlights:
Proximity to Chatfield State Park: The High Line Canal Trail begins near Chatfield State Park. As mentioned, Chatfield is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering boating, hiking, birding, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. Starting or ending your bike ride near Chatfield allows for seamless integration with other outdoor activities.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: For a unique detour, cycle a short distance from the canal to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Imagine seeing a life-size X-Wing Starfighter! This engaging museum celebrates aviation and space exploration with interactive exhibits and flight simulators. It’s a fantastic place to combine a bike ride with an educational and entertaining experience.
Aurora History Museum: Explore local history at the Aurora History Museum, easily accessible from the High Line Canal Trail. This city-run museum showcases Aurora’s past, featuring the “Growing Home” permanent exhibit with a restored 1913 Trolley Trailer No. 610 and rotating exhibits covering regional, natural, and artistic history.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: The High Line Canal historically provided water to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Today, the Arsenal is a National Wildlife Refuge and a remarkable urban wilderness. Home to over 330 animal species roaming prairie grasslands, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands, it offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities close to the city. Keep an eye out for bison, prairie dogs, bald eagles, and the endangered black-footed ferrets in this incredible natural reclamation project.
Whether you choose the urban vibrancy of the Cherry Creek Trail or the historical and natural immersion of the High Line Canal Trail, Denver’s “bike tracks near me” offer something for every cyclist. Grab your bike and explore these exceptional trails to discover the beauty and adventure that Denver has to offer right outside your door.
