The best running trails in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 120 trails documented on komoot. These routes cater to various fitness levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options.

Yes, Arapahoe County has nearly 20 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. While specific easy routes aren't detailed here, many sections of the extensive trail networks, such as the High Line Canal Trail, offer gentle terrain suitable for all levels.

Jogging in Arapahoe County offers diverse scenery, from urban trails winding through neighborhoods and parks to natural preserves with grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas. Many routes provide stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. You can also find trails along the South Platte River and around the Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Yes, many routes in Arapahoe County are designed as loops. For example, the View of Cherry Creek Reservoir – Cherry Creek Reservoir loop from Cherry Creek High School is a popular 9.4-mile circular route. Another option is the Blackmer Lake Trail loop from Greenwood Village.

For wildlife viewing, consider trails that pass through natural preserves and riparian areas. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve offers soft-surface trails through grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas, providing opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife. The Cherry Creek Ecological Park, along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, is also known for its native plant and wildlife species.

Yes, many popular trailheads in Arapahoe County offer convenient parking. For instance, the Arapahoe Road trailhead for the Cherry Creek Regional Trail provides parking, and Long's Pine Grove offers a new trailhead for the High Line Canal Trail with restrooms and picnic areas. Cherry Creek State Park also has multiple access points with parking facilities.

Arapahoe County's extensive trail networks, including the High Line Canal Trail and Cherry Creek Regional Trail, often have sections accessible via public transport routes, particularly in more urbanized areas. It's advisable to check local RTD (Regional Transportation District) schedules and maps for specific access points near your desired running location.

The running routes in Arapahoe County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 5 reviews. Over 1700 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the extensive trail networks, scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, and the diverse environments ranging from urban paths to natural preserves.

Yes, several routes pass by notable landmarks and natural features. You can run along the South Platte River, through the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, or past the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Some routes, like the Mary Carter Greenway Trail – Nixon's Coffee House loop from Littleton - Mineral, even feature local amenities like Nixon's Coffee House.

For those seeking a challenge, Arapahoe County offers several difficult running routes. The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a challenging 29.0-mile path known for its diverse urban and natural scenery. Another demanding option is the High Line Canal and Sand Creek Greenway Loop, which covers 12.9 miles.

Many of Arapahoe County's parks and open spaces offer family-friendly running environments. Trails within parks like Welch Park or Cheyenne Arapaho Park often feature paved or gravel pathways suitable for all ages. The extensive trail networks also provide numerous shorter, flatter sections that are ideal for families to enjoy together.

Absolutely. The High Line Canal Trail is a very popular choice for running. It's a scenic, hard-packed gravel path that stretches for 71 miles, with sections in Arapahoe County offering tree-lined stretches and views of the Rocky Mountains. It's suitable for various distances and fitness levels.