Where is Cherry Creek Trail? Cherry Creek Trail runs 22 miles from Confluence Park in downtown Denver to Cherry Creek Reservoir. It's a paved, car-free path perfect for biking, running, and walking. The most popular section starts at Confluence Park (15th & Platte St) and ends at Cherry Creek State Park. Free to use, open sunrise to sunset.
Trail Overview
Cherry Creek Trail runs 22 paved miles from Confluence Park downtown to Cherry Creek Reservoir. The path sits below street level, so you bike through a quiet green corridor without crossing traffic lights or dealing with cars.
Start at Confluence Park (15th & Platte St), end at the reservoir beach with swimming and kayak rentals. The whole route takes about 45 minutes one way by bike.
The Full Route Breakdown
Miles 0-4: Downtown to Cherry Creek Mall through wealthy neighborhoods and tree-covered paths. Mile 4-8: Quieter sections where most riders turn back. Mile 8-11: Open views as you approach the dam and reservoir beach.
The downtown section near REI is busiest. Past the mall, crowds thin out. The reservoir end has sand, swimming, and kayak rentals.
Best Time to Ride
Best: Weekday mornings before 9am—empty trail, cool weather. Good: Sunday before 10am. Avoid: Saturday afternoons when crowds peak.
Fall has the best weather and foliage. Summer is hot but rideable. Winter works most days—watch for ice under bridges. Spring can be muddy after rain.
Bike Rental Options
BCycle stations work for the downtown section only. For the full reservoir ride, rent from Campus Cycles (near DU) or SloHi Bike Co (RiNo). E-bikes help with the afternoon headwind on the return trip.
Skip scooters—they're not allowed on the trail. BCycle day passes work fine for the downtown-to-mall section if you're not doing the full route.
Key Stops Along the Trail
Mile 0: Confluence Park (restrooms, water, food trucks). Mile 2: Creekside Park (benches, shade). Mile 4: Whole Foods near the mall (snacks, bathroom). Mile 5.5: Pulaski Park (pond, picnic tables).
Mile 8: Garland Park (last bathroom before reservoir). Mile 11: Cherry Creek State Park (beach, swimming, kayak rentals). Bikes enter free—cars pay $11.
Connecting Trails
At Confluence Park: connects to South Platte River Trail (north to REI, south to Englewood). Near the reservoir: connects to High Line Canal Trail for 30+ mile loops through southeast suburbs.
Full city loop: Cherry Creek → High Line Canal → Platte River Trail → back to Confluence. About 35 miles total. Bring snacks for the suburban sections.
Practical Tips
June-July: goose poop season. After heavy rain: check for trail closures near Confluence. Afternoon wind makes the return trip harder—start early. Download offline maps since phone signal drops in some sections.
Water fountains are spaced out—bring a bottle. Some homeless camps under bridges, but no safety issues. Trail is well-maintained and safe during daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cherry Creek Trail?
22 miles one way from Confluence Park in downtown Denver to Cherry Creek Reservoir. The round trip is 44 miles total. Most casual riders do the downtown-to-mall section (about 4 miles each way).
Is Cherry Creek Trail paved?
Yes. The entire trail is paved concrete, smooth and well-maintained. It's suitable for road bikes, hybrid bikes, running, walking, and strollers. No mountain bike required.
Is Cherry Creek Trail free?
Yes. The trail itself is free to use from sunrise to sunset. Cherry Creek State Park at the end charges $11 per vehicle, but bikes entering through the trail pay nothing.
Where do I park for Cherry Creek Trail?
Confluence Park has paid street parking and a small lot. Cherry Creek Shopping Center has free parking near the trail midpoint. Cherry Creek State Park has large lots if you're starting from the reservoir end.
Can I run on Cherry Creek Trail?
Yes. Runners use the trail regularly. Stay to the right, and be aware of faster cyclists passing. The flat, paved surface is ideal for running, and the downtown sections have mile markers.
Are dogs allowed on Cherry Creek Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash. Bring water for your dog—fountains are spaced out. The reservoir end has off-leash areas within Cherry Creek State Park (separate from the main trail).