The best walks and hikes around Centennial
5.0
(18)
880
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Centennial is characterized by accessible trails through urban parks, open spaces, and along creek corridors. The landscape is generally flat, featuring paved and unpaved paths suitable for walking and family-friendly outings. The region's trail network connects several local parks and ecological areas, offering routes through grasslands and alongside waterways like Cherry Creek. The terrain includes varied environments from dense woodsy areas to arid tundra at higher elevations, ranging from 9,000 to 12,000 feet in the nearby Snowy Range Mountains.
Best hiking trails around Centennial
- The most popular hiking route is Cherry Creek Trail via Broncos Parkway Trailhead, a 2.2 miles (3.6 km) trail that takes 55 minutes to complete. This route offers a walk along a creek corridor.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is deKoevend Park Trail Loop, an easy 1.1 miles (1.8 km) path. The trail winds through a park environment with minimal elevation change.
- Local hikers also love the High Line Canal Trail: Segment 11 - Greenwood Village Amble, a 2.3 miles (3.8 km) trail leading through open spaces, often completed in about 57 minutes.
- Hiking around Centennial is defined by its network of park trails, open space loops, and creek-side paths. The collection of more than 15 routes provides numerous options for easy and moderate ability levels.
- The routes in Centennial are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 700 hikers have used komoot to explore Centennial's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
5
hikers
3.62km
00:55
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Cherry Creek Trail via Broncos Parkway Trailhead, a 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route that takes about 55 minutes to complete. You will experience a minimal elevation gain of just 24 feet (7 metres), making it a very gentle outing. The path offers a pleasant mix of natural and urban views, following Cherry Creek through wooded sections and open grasslands, with occasional glimpses of the Denver skyline.
When planning your visit, you will find the Broncos Parkway Trailhead provides convenient amenities such as parking, restrooms, and dog stations. The trail is well-maintained and often cleared even in winter, making it a good choice for year-round outdoor activity. This accessible route is family-friendly and welcoming to dogs, perfect for a casual stroll at any time of day.
This section of the Cherry Creek Trail is notable for its blend of riparian scenery and distant cityscapes, offering a unique backdrop to your walk. You can find benches and picnic tables along the way, providing ideal spots for a short break by the water. The trail's easy accessibility and well-kept conditions make it a popular choice for a quick escape into nature within the Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space.
3
hikers
1.84km
00:28
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the deKoevend Park Trail Loop, a gentle 1.1 miles (1.8 km) route that takes approximately 28 minutes to complete. You will experience minimal elevation gain, just 28 feet (9 metres), making it perfect for a quick and accessible outing. The trail features wide, flat, and well-maintained paved paths, offering a blend of suburban scenery and natural elements. Look for large cottonwood trees that provide ample shade and vibrant fall colors. From the Sumac Hill Farm Overlook, you can catch glimpses of the majestic Front Range mountains, including Mount Evans.
Planning your visit to deKoevend Park is straightforward. The park is known for its cleanliness and offers well-maintained facilities, including easily accessible public restrooms located near the entrance. This route is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion along. With playgrounds available, it is also a popular spot for families looking for an outdoor activity. You will find ample shade along the route, making it comfortable even on sunnier days.
This trail stands out for its connection to the much longer High Line Canal Trail, providing an easy access point if you wish to extend your adventure. While hiking, keep an eye out for local wildlife; you might spot eagles or great-horned owls in the area. The park's well-maintained environment and diverse offerings make it a notable destination for a relaxed outdoor experience in the region.
Sign up for free
1
hikers
3.76km
00:57
10m
10m
The High Line Canal Trail: Segment 11 - Greenwood Village Amble offers a delightful, easy hike through what feels like a wooded village, even though you're in Greenwood Village. This 2.3-mile (3.8 km) route, with just 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 57 minutes and is characterized by its quiet, pastoral ambiance. You'll wander past horse farms and under numerous cottonwood trees, enjoying a tranquil escape on a mix of soft gravel and paved surfaces.
Planning your visit to this segment is straightforward, as it's designed for easy access and a relaxed experience. The trail is highly accessible and suitable for a variety of users, including walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. It's a great option for a quick outing when you want to enjoy some natural beauty without a strenuous effort, making it a popular choice for family-friendly activities.
What makes this part of the High Line Canal Trail particularly charming are its unique points of interest, blending natural beauty with local artistry. Look for an historic barn decorated with red hearts and a specific cottonwood tree adorned with colorful ceramic birds. This blend of accessibility and a serene, almost rural environment within an urban setting makes it one of the best trails in Greenwood Village for a peaceful amble.
3.59km
00:55
10m
10m
Discover the High Line Canal Trail: Segment 10 - deKoevend Park, an easy 2.2 miles (3.6 km) hike perfect for a relaxing outing. You will experience a minimal elevation gain of just 25 feet (8 metres) over approximately 54 minutes. The route guides you through a charming "Wooded Village" feel, thanks to the large cottonwood trees that offer shade and vibrant fall colors. Keep an eye out for the Sumac Hill Farm viewpoint, which provides clear views of Mount Evans, a prominent peak in the Front Range.
This segment of the trail is easily accessible, starting directly from deKoevend Park. You will find convenient access points there, along with amenities like restrooms and picnic shelters, making your visit comfortable. There are no specific trail cautions or permits required for this peaceful route, so you can plan your visit without extra hassle.
As you hike, you will notice a blend of historical and natural landscapes. The lush habitat along the canal is home to various wildlife; watch for eagles and great-horned owls. This segment offers a tranquil escape, allowing you to connect with nature and history without venturing far from urban conveniences.
3.04km
00:46
0m
0m
Embark on the deKoevend Park Trail Loop for an easy and refreshing hike that covers 1.9 miles (3.0 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 16 feet (5 metres). You can comfortably complete this route in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick escape into nature. As you follow the path, you will find yourself surrounded by large cottonwood trees, which provide welcome shade and burst into vibrant colors during autumn. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the majestic Front Range mountains, including a notable view of Mount Evans from the Sumac Hill Farm Overlook.
This well-maintained loop is designed as a welcoming community hub, offering a straightforward and accessible outdoor experience for everyone. You will find convenient amenities such as restrooms, picnic shelters, and playgrounds available within the park, enhancing your visit. The park is known for its cleanliness and quiet, safe atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families and those seeking a casual stroll.
Beyond the pleasant scenery, the deKoevend Park Trail Loop is a great spot for local wildlife viewing; eagles and great-horned owls are sometimes spotted here. The trail's gentle nature and accessible features make it a standout option for a relaxed outing in Centennial, Colorado. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk or a place to enjoy nature with loved ones, this route offers a delightful experience.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This is a strategic point along the High Line Canal Trail with a view over Sumac Hill Farm. You can see the Big Dry Creek basin, the surrounding vegetation, and some of the birdlife that lives here.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Centennial?
Yes, there's a great selection of over 60 routes in the area. The trails are primarily suited for easy and moderate ability levels, focusing on accessible paths through local parks and open spaces.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Centennial?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths and the pleasant scenery found in the region's urban parks and along its creek corridors.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Centennial area?
Absolutely. The region specializes in accessible trails perfect for a family outing. A great example is the Ketring Lake loop — Ketring Park, a short and flat walk around a lake that's ideal for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails near Centennial?
Many trails in the Centennial area are dog-friendly, especially in the open space parks. For instance, Willow Springs Open Space is a popular spot for dog walkers. However, always check local signage for specific leash rules and be mindful of wildlife.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, loop trails are very common. For a pleasant walk that brings you back to your starting point, consider the Willow Springs Open Space loop from Castlewood. It's a straightforward loop with minimal elevation change.
What are some popular places for hiking in Centennial?
Locals and visitors enjoy several key areas. Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park is highly regarded for its winding trails and informational signs about local nature. Willow Springs Open Space is another favorite, offering a large grassy area for walking and wildlife viewing. For a longer, paved experience, many people use the Arapahoe Trailhead to access the Cherry Creek Trail.
Are there any challenging or difficult hikes in Centennial?
The hiking around Centennial is primarily focused on easy and moderate routes through parks and open spaces. You won't find any technically difficult or high-altitude mountain climbs directly within the immediate area.
What kind of scenery can I expect on a typical hike?
The landscape is defined by prairie grasslands, open spaces, and creek-side corridors. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved paths winding through urban parks and natural areas like the Plains Conservation Center.
Where can I see wildlife while hiking?
Many of the local parks and open spaces offer good opportunities for wildlife viewing. Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park is designed with nature in mind, and you might spot native birds and other animals. The Plains Conservation Center loop — Aurora also provides a great chance to see wildlife in a prairie environment.
Are the trails suitable for running as well as hiking?
Yes, many of the trails are perfect for running. Routes like the Pope Trail loop from Greenwood Village are popular with local runners due to their relatively flat and even surfaces.
What is the best time of year to hike in Centennial?
The trails around Centennial are accessible for most of the year. Spring, summer, and fall offer pleasant weather for walking. Winters can be cold and snowy, but many of the paved, lower-elevation paths remain usable for a winter walk if conditions are clear.
Most popular routes around Centennial
Most popular attractions around Centennial
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
