Where to run in Denver, Colorado
COYOTE SONG TRAIL IN KEN CARYL VALLEY
Coyote Song Trail in Ken Caryl Valley is my favorite trail to feel like I’m miles from everything while actually being right next to C-470. Behind the Hogback, the noise and bustle of traffic disappear. What you’re left with is a hard-packed dirt trail that snakes through red rocks. It’s challenging and breathtaking. Early morning is best in summer. Sunset is a fall favorite for watching the sun over the foothills.
LAKE LINK TRAIL
Lake Link Trail, in Broomfield, provides beautiful views as well as challenging hills. You can access it from 287 & Miramonte Blvd: there’s a shopping center there with plenty of parking, as well as a Starbucks. The trail runs on both the northeast side of 287 & Miramonte as well as the northwest side.
HIGHLANDS RANCH BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA
For us, it’s the views. Along the 26 miles of natural surface trails, there are places where you can see as far south as Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs and as far north as Longs Peak in Estes Park. You can run near Denver, while seeing the best of Colorado. Just off US 85, south of C-470.
CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK
With 35 miles of shared-use trails, this is a great place to run in a natural prairie environment that surrounds a reservoir. Expect to see lots of wildlife in this Aurora park. Just off Parker Road, it’s easy to get to.
BEAR CREEK LAKE PARK
Resting between Dinosaur Ridge and downtown Denver, Bear Creek is a great way to escape the city but still be close. It’s an easy place to do trail running, with a lake and rolling hills surrounding you plus great views of the city. The reservoir and dam inside the park catch runoff from the mountains to prevent flooding in residential areas. (You’re welcome, Denver.) Get there by exiting C-470 at Morrison Road.
WATERTON CANYON
For starters, you’ve got the picturesque South Platte River to accompany you on the 7+ miles of wide dirt/gravel road into the canyon to the spot where the Colorado Trail meets up and can lead you 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Second, you’re guaranteed to see wildlife – or your money back! You’re likely to see bighorn sheep, deer, geese, and even the occasional rattlesnake or bear. So keep your eyes peeled and be smart. Lastly, the trip out of the canyon is all downhill! Want proof? That’s the direction the river flows. Take C-470 to Wadsworth Boulevard to access the canyon.
RED ROCKS PARK
It’s Red Rocks, people! Mother Nature gave us a breathtaking backdrop to do our workouts. With the miles of trails and the stairs of the world-famous open-air amphitheater nestled between giant red sandstone monoliths, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Love a challenge? Come to Red Rocks in Morrison.
SLOAN’S LAKE PARK
As the name suggests, the central feature of this park is the lake! Miles of trails and sidewalks surround the lake, giving this urban park a suburban feel. Located on the northwest side of Denver, it’s situated at Sheridan Boulevard and 17th Avenue.
HIGH LINE CANAL
We like the variety of this 66-mile trail. Starting at Chatfield Reservoir in the suburbs, it heads north and east through Denver then through Douglas and Arapahoe Counties. Why “High Line” canal? Because it’s designed by the engineering high line principle in which canals follow the contour of the terrain. See? You learned something today!
CHERRY CREEK TRAIL
Beginning at Confluence Park off 15th Street in Denver, this trail offers great access to downtown without the worry of cars. From there, it heads south to Arapahoe and Douglas Counties passing through suburban and rural areas. In all, a 40 mile route.
CITY PARK
Did you see that picture?? You can see the mountains, downtown Denver, the fountain in front of the boathouse – and do this all while running on flat, fast terrain. The largest park in Denver, City Park contains the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. You can find it at 17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
WASHINGTON PARK
Washington Park “Wash” Park is the quintessential Denver neighborhood park. There’s a beautiful lake, flower gardens and big trees, but what invites us in is the camaraderie. On the 2.6-mile jogging path, you’ll be surrounded by fellow runners of all fitness levels who simply love to run. It’s located at Downing Street and Louisiana Avenue.