Cherry Creek Trail: Denver's Urban Oasis

The Cherry Creek Trail is a beloved recreational resource that stretches 47 miles from Confluence Park in Denver to Franktown, Colorado. This multi-use trail provides a vital link between urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, offering a diverse experience for all who use it. Starting at Confluence Park, where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet, the trail follows the creek southeast through Denver. The path is mostly paved and eight feet wide, with some gravel sections in the southern end. Along the way, the trail passes through various parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas, providing access to shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. In Arapahoe County, the trail enters Cherry Creek State Park, a large recreational area with a reservoir, hiking trails, and campgrounds. Continuing south into Douglas County, the trail transitions into a more rural setting, passing through open spaces and alongside horse properties. The trail eventually ends near Franktown, offering a connection to the Colorado Front Range Trail. The Cherry Creek Trail wasn't always the recreational haven it is today. In 1972, city planner Fred Wolfe designed the path as part of Denver's Bikeway Plan, the first bicycle plan for a major city in the U.S. Wolfe envisioned a concrete pathway along Cherry Creek with on-ramps and off-ramps to meet the needs of bicycle commuters riding into downtown Denver. Today, the trail is used by walkers, runners, and cyclists alike, and has become an integral part of Denver's recreational infrastructure.