Fortunately for Mile Highers we love our off-street trails here in Denver, and the city offers more than 80 miles of multi-use routes on which to walk, run, bike, or any other non-motorized mode of transportation you so choose. Many of the trails meander along our urban waterways and allow easy access for the exploration of our city’s parks and neighborhoods. Along the way you’ll find plenty of prime people-watching benches, picturesque picnic spots, colossal shade trees, and even a few swimming holes where Fido can take a refreshing dip. These waterfront trails in Denver are just perfect for a sunrise stroll, a lunch break bike ride, or an early evening jog around the Mile High City.
Beginning at Confluence Park in Downtown Denver and continuing for 40 scenic miles along the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, this regional trail is easily accessible from many points through the city and is a great way to blow off some metro area steam. (See also: High Line Canal Trail, Sand Creek Trail, and South Platte River Trail.)
The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is one of many in the Cherry Creek State Park trail system, which travels along creeks, through wetlands, and around the reservoir. It's a splendid escape for nature lovers, wildlife watchers, and dog owners looking for an off-leash area where their pup can frolic and swim. More Info
The Clear Creek Trail in Wheat Ridge provides 6.5 miles of paved trail that travels through 300 acres of open space . Walk, hike, bike, or horseback ride and enjoy direct access to four parks (Creekside, Johnson, Anderson, and Prospect) and four nearby lakes (Prospect, Tabor, Bass, and West) along the way.
This 242-acre park in Wheat Ridge is a true treasure of the Jeffco Open Spaces, with a lovely 1.2-mile paved trail around Crown Hill Lake, as well as additional routes that meander around and through the park. (FYI: Your canine pals can also swim here!)
At 177 acres, Sloan's Lake Park is Denver's second largest urban oasis and offers a gentle 2.6-mile loop around the lake that trumps any treadmill or elliptical I've ever seen.
Wash Park has miles and miles of trails, including those which travel around Smith Lake, Grasmere Lake, and the quaint little Lily Pond, offering a brief and beautiful escape from the bustle of the city.
The short .9-mile loop around Ferril Lake at City Park affords fantastic views of the city's skyline and the Rockies in the background. For a little extra distance, add on the 3.1-mile Mile High Loop that goes around the park.
8. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Discover the wonderful wildlife and wetlands at this refuge just 8 miles northeast of Downtown and wander along lakes, marshes, and ponds on the short, gentle trails. (Waterfront routes include the Lake Ladora Loop Trail, Lake Mary Loop Trail, Havana Ponds Trail, and the Rod and Gun Club Wildlife Blind.)
Another lovely little open space just outside of the city is Bear Creek Lake Park, which provides a system of trails that travel along a variety of waterways and plenty of other recreational activities to keep you busy. More Info
Thirsty for more waterfront trails? Try out these 11 Gorgeous Alpine Lake Hikes that provide the perfect escape from the sweltering city streets.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
