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South Platte River – Start of the Colorado Trail loop from Cottonwood Grove

Routes

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South Platte River – Start of the Colorado Trail loop from Cottonwood Grove

Moderate

3.0

(8)

riders

South Platte River – Start of the Colorado Trail loop from Cottonwood Grove

02:27

32.2km

140m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chatfield State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

697 m

South Platte River

Highlight • River

The South Platte River, originating in the mountains of central Colorado at the Continental Divide, flows a total distance of about 439 miles. The river is a hot spot for …

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8.39 km

Chatfield State Park

Highlight • Lake

Chatfield State Park is a state park that centers around the 1,423-acre South Platte River-fed Chatfield Reservoir. It offers biking and hiking trails, boating, fishing, and picnicking.

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13.0 km

Start of the Colorado Trail

Highlight • Trail

Heading from north to south, you can start the Colorado Trail here at the edge of Denver at Waterton Canyon.

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13.3 km

Waterton Canyon Recreation Area – Colorado Trail Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

This is the trail head for segment 1 of the Colorado Trail. There is a vault toilet and parking at the trail head.

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15.1 km

Waterton Canyon view from Platte Canyon Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

There are great views of Waterton Canyon off in the distance while running along the banks of Platte Canyon Reservoir on the High Line Canal Trail. You can connect to …

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27.5 km

Chatfield Dam Trail (gravel section)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

View from the gravel section of the Dam Trail. Nice views of the foothills and the suburbs from the Dam Trail.

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29.2 km

Chatfield Dam Trail (Paved Section)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This short, paved trail is wheelchair accessible and provides a vantage point to watch boats, appreciate the mountain views, or spectate the dog park! In the summer/spring bugs can be …

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30.2 km

View from Chatfield Dam

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here you'll find an excellent viewpoint over the Chatfield Reservoir.

Tip by

32.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

19.0 km

5.40 km

5.24 km

1.26 km

924 m

405 m

Surfaces

15.2 km

9.65 km

6.39 km

521 m

437 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,690 m)

Lowest point (1,640 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 26 August

31°C

14°C

73 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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South Platte River – Start of the Colorado Trail loop from Cottonwood Grove

South Platte River

Chatfield State Park

Start of the Colorado Trail

Waterton Canyon Recreation Area – Colorado Trail Trailhead

Waterton Canyon view from Platte Canyon Reservoir

Chatfield Dam Trail (gravel section)

Chatfield Dam Trail (Paved Section)

View from Chatfield Dam

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