The best running trails in Arapahoe County

This moderate 9.3-mile (14.9 km) jogging loop around Cherry Creek Reservoir offers a delightful mix of scenery, from wooded sections to open prairies, all with a gentle 234 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain. You'll enjoy expansive views of the reservoir and the diverse habitats within Cherry Creek State Park, making for a consistently engaging run that takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes. The path is mostly wide concrete, with some gravel sections, providing a smooth experience for most joggers.

Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained year-round. While specific parking at Parker Rd & E Lehigh Ave isn't detailed, the area surrounding Cherry Creek State Park offers numerous access points and trailheads, often equipped with restrooms. It's a good idea to arrive early, especially on pleasant days, as the trail is popular for various activities.

The Cherry Creek Reservoir loop is a key part of the extensive 47-mile Cherry Creek Regional Trail, connecting urban and rural areas. This trail is known for its varied habitat types, including grasslands and wetlands, which provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a longer, scenic run with minimal elevation challenge near Denver.

This running loop from South Broadway & South Bannock Street in Denver offers a fantastic way to explore the city's greenways. You'll find yourself on mostly flat, paved terrain, with the potential to connect to popular routes like the Cherry Creek Path or the South Platte River Trail. Expect a mix of urban scenery and natural beauty as you follow the waterways, with lush flowers in spring and summer. It's a moderate 6.7-mile (10.8 km) jogging route with a minimal 89 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Planning your visit to this area is straightforward, as it's a hub for many running routes near South Broadway & South Bannock Street Denver. The vicinity offers good access to various multi-use paths, making it easy to start your run. Denver's consistently sunny weather means this loop is enjoyable almost any time of year, though mornings and evenings are best for avoiding the midday sun. Parking is generally available in the surrounding urban areas, and public transport options are plentiful.

What makes this area stand out is its excellent connectivity to Denver's extensive trail network. Beyond the immediate loop, you're close to iconic spots like Washington Park, which features a popular 2.5-mile dirt loop for a softer impact run, or the High Line Canal Trail with its peaceful, shaded sections. This central location provides a great starting point for exploring many of the best running trails South Broadway & South Bannock Street has to offer, catering to various preferences and distances.

The South Platte Reservoir – Mary Carter Greenway Trail loop from Littleton Downtown offers a delightful and mostly flat jogging experience, perfect for those seeking a quick dose of nature without a strenuous climb. You'll find yourself gliding along paved paths, with views opening up to the serene waters of Eaglewatch, Redtail, and Blackrock reservoirs, and the South Platte River. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and various waterfowl as you pass through lush meadows, all while enjoying distant glimpses of the Rocky Mountains.

This moderate 8.6-mile (13.8 km) loop, with a minimal 106 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to be completed in about 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it an excellent option for a morning or afternoon run. The trail is easily accessible from Littleton Downtown, and its dual path system, with a crushed stone option for pedestrians, ensures a pleasant experience for all users. Consider an early start to enjoy the quietest moments on the trail.

As a key part of the Denver metro trail system, the Mary Carter Greenway Trail is more than just a jogging path; it's a vital link connecting downtown areas to a network of other routes like the Bear Creek Trail and the High Line Canal trail. This extensive connectivity allows for varied loop options and longer distances, showcasing award-winning landscaping and providing access to various Littleton attractions. It's a testament to urban greenway development, transforming a once-neglected corridor into a popular spot for outdoor activity.

The Mary Carter Greenway Trail – Nixon's Coffee House loop offers a scenic and accessible jogging experience through the heart of Littleton. You will follow a mostly paved path alongside the South Platte River, enjoying diverse landscapes that include lush meadows and views of lakes like Eaglewatch and Blackrock. The trail is known for its well-maintained surface and the welcoming atmosphere around Nixon's Coffee House, providing a pleasant blend of nature and convenient amenities.

This moderate 8.8-mile (14.2 km) loop has a gentle 122 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for joggers of all levels, typically taking about 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. Parking is generally available near the trailhead, but as a popular route, arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot. Remember to bring water, as shade can be sparse in some areas, and plan a stop at Nixon's Coffee House for refreshments.

This section of the Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a prime example of urban greenway development, connecting to a wider network of trails in the Denver area. Its dual-path system, with separate paved and crushed stone options, caters to both cyclists and pedestrians, minimizing conflict and enhancing the experience for everyone. The trail's award-winning rehabilitation efforts highlight its importance as a community asset and a model for accessible outdoor recreation.