Cherry Creek Trail: Denver's Urban Oasis

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Explore Denver's great outdoors on this 47-mile trail, perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying the scenery from the city to the countryside.

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Cherry Creek Trl

The Cherry Creek Trail is a 47-mile paved and soft-surface path that winds through Denver, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties, following the course of Cherry Creek from Confluence Park in downtown Denver to Franktown. Popular for biking, walking, and running, it offers a scenic escape from the city.

A brief summary to Cherry Creek Trl

Colorado, US

Local tips

Bring water and sunscreen, as shade can be limited in some sections of the trail.
Be aware of other trail users, and follow trail etiquette by staying to the right and passing on the left.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in Colorado.
Consider starting your journey at Confluence Park to experience the trail's urban beginnings.
Explore the various parks and open spaces along the trail, such as Cherry Creek State Park and Four Mile Historic Park.

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Getting There

Public Transportation

To access the Cherry Creek Trail via public transportation, take the RTD Light Rail to the 10th & Osage Station. From there, you can connect to the trail near Confluence Park. A single ride fare is around $3. Alternatively, several bus routes serve areas near the trail, including routes 28, 44, and 32. Check the RTD website or app for specific schedules and routes.
Walking

If you are in downtown Denver, you can easily walk to the Cherry Creek Trail's starting point at Confluence Park. From Union Station, head south towards the South Platte River and follow the signs for the park. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes. Once at Confluence Park, you can access the Cherry Creek Trail and begin your journey.
Driving

If driving to access the Cherry Creek Trail, several parking options are available depending on which section of the trail you plan to use. Near Confluence Park, parking can be found in downtown Denver, but it may be limited and expensive. Parking is also available at various trailheads along the route, such as Cherry Creek State Park (entry fee required) and Cottonwood Park in Parker. Parking costs vary depending on the location, with hourly rates in downtown Denver ranging from $2 to $5.

Discover more about Cherry Creek Trl

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.