The best walks and hikes in Arapahoe County

Yes, many trails in Arapahoe County are dog-friendly, but regulations vary. Most parks and open spaces, like Cherry Creek State Park, require dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet. Always check the specific rules for the park or trail you plan to visit before you go.

For a very accessible and short walk that's great for all ages, consider the Ketring Lake loop — Ketring Park. It's a gentle path of about one mile, making it perfect for a quick outdoor adventure with little ones.

Absolutely. Arapahoe County features several paved trails, ideal for walking, running, or cycling. The Toll Gate Creek Regional Trail — Aurora is a great example, offering a smooth surface as it winds through local green spaces. The popular High Line Canal and Cherry Creek Regional Trails also have significant paved sections.

The trails in Arapahoe County are generally accessible, with no routes rated as difficult. Most are classified as easy or moderate, featuring gentle, rolling hills and relatively flat terrain along prairies and reservoirs. This makes the area suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

The terrain is a mix of natural and improved surfaces. You'll find everything from paved greenways and wide gravel paths, like those along the High Line Canal, to natural dirt trails through the shortgrass prairie in places like the Plains Conservation Center. Most routes have minimal elevation change.

Yes, there are many loop trails. A great option that showcases the region's prairie landscape is the Plains Conservation Center loop — Aurora. This trail offers a complete circuit through a unique nature preserve without needing to backtrack.

While many local and regional trails are free to access, some of the most popular destinations have entrance fees. For example, Cherry Creek State Park and Aurora Reservoir require a day-use pass or an annual state parks pass for vehicle entry. Always check for fees at your intended trailhead.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained trails and the peaceful scenery of the prairie and reservoir environments. The accessibility for different activities like walking, running, and cycling is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Many of the main trail systems, especially the regional greenways like the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and High Line Canal Trail, are multi-use and very popular with cyclists. However, some nature preserves or trails with sensitive habitats may have restrictions, so it's best to look for signage at the trailhead.

For those seeking more distance, the Sand Creek Riparian Preserve via High Plains Trail — Aurora offers a route over 10 miles long. It provides an extended experience of the region's riparian and plains environments.

While many trails cross open prairie, you can find shade along riparian corridors. The Sand Creek Riparian Preserve via Triple Creek Greenway — Aurora follows waterways lined with cottonwood trees, which can provide welcome relief from the sun, especially during morning or late afternoon hikes.

While Arapahoe County is known for its plains and reservoirs, many locals also head to the nearby foothills for more mountainous terrain. The Cherry Creek Reservoir loop is a major hub within the county. For a change of scenery, the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests are a vast, highly-regarded destination for classic Rocky Mountain hiking, located to the west of the county.