South Platte River Trail

The under repair sections are really annoying.
Why is it taking so long to repair?

Absolutely phenomenal place to run, walk or cycle in Denver. The mileage alone makes it a winner. But the beauty of the water and greenery as well as being out of the dreary traffic zone makes this pathway super special. I love that commuters use this path for getting to and from work– way to go Denver! Show us the way in Southern California.

I used to bike almost exclusively around Washington Park and its 2 ¼ mile «track» around the park. Outside of that, or a few short spins from Cherry Creek Mall to Wash Park or the Millenium Bridge, I hadn’t really biked that much around the city. I record my rides on MapMyRide and display them on Facebook for sharing, a little bragging and encouragement from friends. One of them about 8 weeks ago on Facebook told me, «Denver’s a gorgeous city. You should do more than bike laps — ride around the rest of your city.» It struck me like a frying pan in the face how little of the bike trails I really do know around in the greater Denver metro area — so I said as soon as the weather improved (probably April), I was headed out exploring.
And I’ve explored… quite a bit since then. And most of it has been up and down this trail.
I’m really baffled, and I need to look this up/​figure it out, that «South Platte River Trail» and «Colorado Front Range Trail» seem to be interchangeable. I just looked at Google Maps, and right around 78^th Ave it turns solely into «Colorado Front Range Trail» headed north. They seem to be 2 trails right around Confluence Park near Elitch Gardens, and then headed south from there, there are *2* trails on either side of the river — and *both* of them are considered South Platte River Trail. That’s moderately interesting that 2 trails on either side of a river are named the same thing.
Just going to review the section that I know is SPR then… headed north from Confluence Park, you’ll leave the area around the trendy Highlands/​REI area and progress northwards on a trail that’s smooth, gently rolling hills and inclines, a few blind areas going under bridges (you were warned if you barrel into there at 20mph or greater and some person is walking… remember I warned you right before you crash ;)), and some construction areas that are blocked off for varying points of time, along with detours. The longest one headed north is between 31^st and 38^th Ave: you’ll have to head down an orange-​cone blocked off lane (perfectly safe, and amazingly free of glass/​debris) down Arkins Ct. Get back on at 38^th and head north. You’ll cross under other bridges, you will see a few homeless people and many more serious cyclists. Globeville Landing is a nice little park with a pagoda to take a rest break underneath, and just a few blocks more is an up-​ramp twisty exit that dumps you off in a Corner Store/​Mc Donalds parking lot if you need to refill on water or food.
Heading north you will swap sides via bridges and be on the opposite side of the river. This happens just N of Globeville Landing Park (roughly 44^th Ave), close to Riverside Cemetery (roughly 53^rd Ave), right past the sometimes *ultra*-stinky wastewater treatment plant (roughly 61^st Ave), and then you’ll stay on the same side until you meet up with Clear Creek Trail, just over a bridge that takes you over Clear Creek. You can continue west on that trail (warning: it does start to climb, but it’s not bad) or stay on SPR until you hit 78^th. Since I’m not sure if it’s actually SPR or CFRT after that, I’ll cut off there.
Southwards from Confluence Park, you can head down either side of the river, although again, some areas were blocked off due to trail repair/​construction and will at points take you some blocks off your route. It takes you past Elitch Gardens (you can get great pics of the roller coaster here: D), Children’s Museum, Sports Authority Field, and then you’ll be forced over to the single-​trail right side riverside track. You can eventually turn right and go down Lakewood Gulch trail for 2 miles and is a light uphill trail, ending at Sheridan Station (off Sheridan), or continue south. Between Lakewood Gulch trail and Evans Ave (as far as I’ve gone), it’s exactly 5 miles, you’ll swap river sides 3 times via bridges and light rail is never too far away if you feel you’ve had enough/​hit your limit. There is a detour currently that sends you through a semi-​industrial area for 2 miles between W 7^th Ave and W Bayaud Ave before you can return to the trail.
The thing that impressed me the most about the trail, besides the wide variety of scenery, is how *clean* it’s kept. I always envisioned that some drunken douchebags would be littering or smashing bottles on the trails — there’s no sign of that. *None*. It’s almost jaw-​dropping. The trails are kept in good condition for riding and when they aren’t, that’s when the inevitable detour sign comes up. It’s a real joy to ride, even casually — and great low-​impact cardio/​good way to build endurance. :) I bet this review is going to be too long to post. ;) [Wow, and not! Surprise. Pics coming soon.]

This is one of my favorite trails in the Denver area. There’s so many access points it goes basically from downtown Denver all the way to the south suburbs. I live in the south suburbs so I usually pick it up right behind Aspen Grove Mall off of Santa Fe DrIve.
There is a paved sidewalk which is good for biking and also rollerblading. There’s also a crushed rock Trail for running it’s a little bit less hard on your knees.
Just a fantastic Trail !

We were in the area looking for a trail close by and I’m happy we came upon this one. We had time to kill and what better way than to explore the great outdoors. Located in downtown Denver, South Platte River Trail is a paved, multi-​purpose trail that runs right along the South Platte River. While I was hoping for a non-​paved trail, this was still pretty nice. We walked for about 4 miles at a brisk pace and saw some nice scenery. It wasn’t too busy, which was good. There was quite a bit of wild life.
Next time I’m in the area, I think I’m going to bike instead of walk.

This is one if our favorite trails to take a jog or walk our dog. It is a great multi use trail that’s right in the heart of Downtown Denver. It is 28.5 miles that takes through Denver’s urban landscape. This trail gives you a good sense of how friendly everyone is downtown. You will find people running or biking or just on a lazy stroll with their dogs.
One of my favorite things about the Platte River Trail is just being in the heart of the most amazing city! You have the Mile High Stadium on one side and Coors field on the other. What more could you ask for? We love our city!

Second favorite bike trail. You can ride your bike from Littleton to Denver metro. There is a little shop near the Littleton gardens that serves smoothies and snacks. Great place to stop at the end of your ride.
Note: if you ride towards Chatfield trails, the hills are steep. It is moderate to difficult.

Its OK. I have been down better. VERY urban, which Im more for a little more privacy when biking. But its neat to do it in downtown Denver

I am a huge Platte River Trail fan. It has something for nearly everyone. My three favorite P.R.T. factors include its diversity, access, and connectivity.
I truly appreciate the fact that the trail is both urban & suburban in nature. I enjoy starting out in Denver and enjoying one of the nearby coffee shops to get me going in the morning. Then, I head either north or south. Sometimes I ride all the way to Boulder, half on trail and half on (yuck) roads. After spending time in the city, it’s nice to get into the outskirts where it’s quiet & peaceful.
As far as access goes, I enjoy being able to visit bookstores, coffee shops, sports stores, and restaurants that are all near the trail; especially in Denver.
And my favorite part of the Platte River Trail is the fact that I can use it to connect with other great trails like the Clear Creek Trail, Sand Creek Greenway, Bear Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Trail, C-​470 Trail and more. It makes for some great off-​road bike riding. Did I mention that I don’t like riding on (yuck) roads?
For more information, maps, directions, and photos about this and other trails, visit
or find trail guides written by «trailking» on
.

For my money, the Platte trail is where it’s at. Of course, it’s free, so maybe that’s less of an endorsement than I think.
For my… Sunday morning, this trail is the tops. I only get one Sunday morning a week! And I like to spend those taking a long bike ride. The Cherry Creek trail is nice, but the Platte is better. Less trafficked, it doesn’t involve the sidewalk on 1^st Avenue, and four out of five cyclists you meet coming in the opposite direction will give you a smile and a «Good morning!»
The scenery can be a little random, but the trail is well marked, plenty of little rest stops, and it just makes me happy.

Denver has the coolest bike trails! Mostly flat and easy to link from one to the next. You definitely get an appreciation for the little bit of water that IS in this high desert city when cruising along this trail running right alongside the river. Every once in a while you’ll come across a bench or bathroom or at least a porta potty for breaks. Sometimes full sun and sometimes shaded from huge trees or underpasses, there is variety to the temperatures and views… AND smells if you happen to ride past the wastewater treatment plant. Pray it’s a low wind day, though it won’t make a huge difference.

I got a bike on my second day in Denver! Coming from NYC (altitude approx 476) — you can say this trail is kicking my ass a little. I ride from Capital Hill to REI… sometimes I venture towards the stadium.
It is totally fun, and you can go on at your own pace. just keep your ears open for the speed racers.
I enjoy the views from the canal of the city. It’s an enjoyable, free, healthy activity. If you don’t have anything to do… do this!

If only the water fountains worked.
I live right by this trail and for an avid runner, it’s great for distance running. I start off by hampden/​broadway and have gone northbound 6 miles one way so far. Since I’m attempting to train for the denver marathon in october, this trail is perfect. My only qualms is that I had to buy a hydration belt– something I’ve avoided my first 2 marathons because I hate running with excess, but the damn water fountains at the park seemed to be dried out. SO anyways, other than that, there’s a ton of bikers and lotsa people around. Scenery’s redundant, but again, good paved road for concrete running.

«Left!»
“Left!”
“Leeeft!”
“What is going on?” the chubby guy thinks while huffing and heaving. Road signs on a bike lane?! No peds here. Onramps. What is this, a bike highway? Maybe this rusty Walmart special is not quite up to par.
One of the first true Denver experiences I’ve had. Now it’s two years later, less 20 lbs. and with a new road bike. I am now an avid cyclist, and this is still one of the first places I take visitors.
I’ve never taken it all the way, but a quick hop on the trail will get you around the city faster than driving. Great for Denver sightseeing.
I just wish there was a network of these crossing the city so you can just hop on and get where you need to get!

Good for a long ride!

Can this trail get any longer?! Holy crap this trail is so f^@%ing long. Me and my friends will take this trail 3 – 4 times a week, sometimes to go places, other times to just ride. Last week I thought about it and I look at the Platte River Trail as a subwayesque attraction. Its beneath the road, fast, and… unlike the real subway, clean. can’t get enough of this trail, and it will always call my name when I’m looking for a ride.

Great place to jump on your bike and just ride to your heart’s content. Also a great place to run and Rollerblade, just be sure to follow the flow of traffic and stay on your side because last year I did see a pretty good wreck between a Rollerblade and a road biker who weren’t paying attention.

*Another review about rollerblading
Looking for a place to jog, run, bike… kayak even? This is the trail for you. You can do all of the above between sunrise and sunset. I still have a scar from where I fell rollerblading here many years ago but the memories themselves are scar-​less and further, even boundless. My memories of rollerblading on the South Platte trail are like this: summer sun and summer wind shimmering over the rippling grass from which the occasional bum made as surprise appearance. [Incidentally, I wouldn’t recommend hanging out here much after dark]. During the daytime though, it is all sunshine here on the South Platte. Join other outdoor enthusiasts. What a great place to meet singles. The trial will take you really very far if you have the endurance. Rain or Shine, the South Platte trail keeps it rollin’. Also helpful, light rail stations speckle the trail like energy saving beacons of hope in car encrusted Denver Colorado. This is free entertainment!