Cherry Creek Trail through Bayou Gulch Open Space

The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is a fantastic option for road cyclists looking for a varied and accessible ride. This moderate route spans 22.6 miles (36.3 km) with a gentle 401 feet (122 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. You'll experience a smooth, paved surface for most of the journey, winding through urban parks, past the Cherry Creek Shopping District, and eventually opening up to the serene natural beauty of Cherry Creek State Park with its reservoir views and cottonwood-lined sections. It's a great way to combine city riding with a taste of the outdoors.

Accessing the Cherry Creek Regional Trail is incredibly easy, with many trailheads offering parking, restrooms, and even bike stations along its length. Since it's a multi-use path, you'll share it with others, but the trail's design often includes overpasses, allowing for a continuous, traffic-free ride. While you can enjoy this trail almost any time, consider starting early on warmer days, and remember that it's a popular spot, so expect company, especially on weekends.

What makes this trail stand out is its impressive connectivity, linking downtown Denver all the way south towards Franktown. It's a vital regional artery that seamlessly transitions from bustling cityscapes to open grasslands and wooded areas, offering a unique blend of environments within a single ride. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a long, uninterrupted ride with changing scenery, and it even connects to other major regional trails like the Highline Canal.

Cycle the moderate 30.0-mile Rueter-Hess Reservoir loop from Castle Rock, featuring scenic views and a challenging climb.

This moderate 33.5-mile road cycling loop through Castlewood Canyon State Park offers varied terrain and panoramic views of the Front Range.