McCabe Meadows

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.

This moderate 48.0-mile (77.3 km) road cycling loop offers varied scenery, from urban paths to rural meadows, with 2238 feet of elevation ga

If you're looking for a road cycling route that offers a bit of everything, the C-470 and Cherry Creek Trail Loop is a solid choice. This moderate 40.5-mile (65.2 km) ride, with 1939 feet (591 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. You'll transition from the open views of the Colorado foothills along the C-470 Trail to the more natural, riparian settings of the Cherry Creek Trail, passing by the Cherry Creek Reservoir and through areas with cottonwoods and grasslands.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as both trails offer numerous access points. The C-470 Trail is a popular commuter route, and recent safety improvements like underpasses make for a smoother experience. While the route is mostly paved, be aware that some concrete sections can be a bit bumpy. This loop is best for cyclists with a good fitness level who are comfortable with longer distances and some moderate climbs.

This combined loop is a significant regional multi-use path, connecting to many other trails across the Denver Metro Area, offering extensive cycling possibilities. The C-470 Trail provides panoramic Front Range vistas, while the Cherry Creek Trail offers a blend of urban parks and natural scenery within Cherry Creek State Park. It's a fantastic way to explore diverse landscapes without venturing too far from the city.