Here are some of the top running trails in Denver, CO, that offer beautiful scenery, varied terrain, and enjoyable outdoor experiences:
1. Cherry Creek Trail
- Length: 40 miles
- Terrain: Paved
- Highlights: This trail runs along Cherry Creek and starts in downtown Denver and extends through the suburbs. It's great for both short and long runs and offers scenic views of the creek, parks, and occasional wildlife.
- Why It's Enjoyable: Its convenient location and relatively flat terrain make it perfect for runners of all skill levels. The trail also passes by Cherry Creek State Park, offering a chance to combine a city run with nature.
2. High Line Canal Trail
- Length: 71 miles
- Terrain: Mixed (gravel, paved, and dirt)
- Highlights: This extensive trail winds through Denver’s suburbs, including Greenwood Village and Littleton. The canal provides a peaceful backdrop, with beautiful trees and open spaces.
- Why It's Enjoyable: With a mix of terrain and plenty of shade from cottonwood trees, this is a great escape from the urban hustle. The long length makes it ideal for marathon training.
3. Washington Park Loop
- Length: 2.6 miles
- Terrain: Paved
- Highlights: A favorite among locals, Wash Park offers a flat, looped path around lakes, gardens, and spacious lawns. The trail is well-maintained and ideal for a scenic, stress-free run.
- Why It's Enjoyable: The park’s greenery and central location provide a peaceful environment for runners, along with amenities like restrooms and water fountains.
4. Sloan's Lake Park
- Length: 2.6 miles
- Terrain: Paved
- Highlights: Situated around Denver’s largest lake, this flat loop offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains.
- Why It's Enjoyable: The serene lakeside environment and panoramic views of Denver make it a pleasant location for a casual or moderate run.
5. Bear Creek Trail
- Length: 10.4 miles
- Terrain: Paved
- Highlights: Starting from Bear Creek Lake Park, this trail runs through a scenic, natural landscape with great views of the foothills and access to open spaces.
- Why It's Enjoyable: A more rustic trail that gives you a feeling of being away from the city. Perfect for runners who enjoy a mix of challenging hills and flat stretches.
6. Green Mountain Trail
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Terrain: Dirt
- Highlights: Located in Lakewood, this trail offers a hilly route with stunning city views and mountains. The elevation gain makes it more challenging.
- Why It's Enjoyable: It is ideal for trail runners who want to test their endurance while taking in sweeping views of Denver’s skyline and the surrounding mountains.
7. City Park Loop
- Length: 3 miles
- Terrain: Paved
- Highlights: City Park offers a scenic route through one of Denver's most popular parks, with views of lakes, the Denver Zoo, and the Museum of Nature & Science.
- Why It's Enjoyable: The park's central location and variety of landmarks make it a perfect choice for a fun and diverse running experience.
8. Sand Creek Regional Greenway
- Length: 14 miles
- Terrain: Dirt and gravel
- Highlights: The trail offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, following the Sand Creek through wetlands, parks, and wildlife habitats.
- Why It's Enjoyable: This lesser-known trail is perfect for runners looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a quieter, more natural environment.
9. Platte River Trail
- Length: 28.5 miles
- Terrain: Paved
- Highlights: Running alongside the South Platte River, this trail stretches through Denver and connects to various parks and neighborhoods. It also offers scenic views of downtown Denver.
- Why It's Enjoyable: The river views and opportunities to connect to other popular trails like Cherry Creek make this a versatile option for runners of all distances.
10. Red Rocks Park
- Length: Varies (multiple trails)
- Terrain: Dirt and rocky
- Highlights: Known for its breathtaking red rock formations, this park offers trails with varying difficulty levels, including the popular Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles).
- Why It's Enjoyable: The stunning scenery, challenging elevation, and opportunities to combine your run with some stair workouts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre make this an iconic running destination.
Each trail offers a unique blend of terrain, from paved paths in the heart of the city to rugged trails with mountain views. Whether you're training for a race or enjoying a casual jog, these Denver trails cater to runners of all levels.
