With countless trails that wind through the foothills and along waterways and over two hundred parks, Denver is celebrated for its outdoor recreation opportunities. One of the most popular and scenic routes is the Cherry Creek bike path, a paved recreational trail that traces the natural Cherry Creek waterway for over forty miles. This waterway meanders from downtown Denver through the exclusive Cherry Creek neighborhood and beyond to Franktown.
In This Article
The Cherry Creek Path provides a scenic backdrop for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, and other activities as it passes through urban areas and natural habitats. Numerous access points allow visitors to join the path for any length of time. The many parks, shops, restaurants, and attractions located along the way also make it easy to take breaks and refuel. The views of the creek, public art installations, and the Mile High City’s skyline create visual appeal. Meanwhile, historical plaques tell the story of the region’s development.
TL;DR
- The Cherry Creek bike path stretches over forty miles from downtown Denver to Franktown with many access points.
- The trail offers views of the creek, public art, and the Denver skyline while winding past shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
- Key highlights include the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the Cherry Creek North dining district, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and the Cherry Creek State Park.
Experiencing Local Culture Along the Path
With art galleries, theaters, and events situated alongside the Cherry Creek bike path, riders can take in some of the city’s culture while exercising.
The path winds through the Cherry Creek North shopping and dining district, where visitors can stop to browse high-end boutiques, artisan shops, and fine art galleries that line the tree-shaded streets. This neighborhood comes alive during the annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival held each summer along the banks of the creek. The three-day event draws over 350,000 attendees to peruse works from over 200 artists while enjoying food and live entertainment.
Just over ten miles from downtown, the Cherry Creek bike path passes through the exclusive and elite residential Cherry Creek neighborhood. The community revolves around the Cherry Creek School District, which comprises multiple elementary, middle, and high schools consistently ranked among the top in the state.
Shopping and Dining Near the Cherry Creek Trail
In addition to local shops and eateries directly accessible from the bike path, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center offers over 160 stores and restaurants just steps away. This enclosed downtown shopping mall anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Nordstrom provides one-stop access to luxury retailers like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany and Co.
The Cherry Creek North district also presents premier shopping and upscale dining options along a 16-block outdoor pedestrian area. Boutiques like A Line, Garbarini and Max Martinez offer the latest fashions and accessories while fine dining establishments like Elway’s Cherry Creek Colorado Steakhouse and True Food Kitchen satisfy cravings. The neighborhood also hosts a weekly farmers market during summer showcasing locally sourced produce and artisanal goods.
Outdoor Activities Along the Cherry Creek Trail
The Cherry Creek bike path allows visitors to intimately enjoy the area’s natural beauty via outdoor recreation activities. One highlight is paddling along the creek on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rented from one of the liveries situated along the route. Arrange a guided fishing tour and try to reel in trout, bass, and catfish from the waterway.
The trail also serves as an events space for annual 5K and 10K races hosted by the Cherry Creek Sneak organization. Over 15,000 runners participate in these family-friendly community races held along the path each spring. Medals are awarded in over 75 age group categories ranging from under 5 to over 80.
Just beyond Denver city limits, the Cherry Creek bike path winds through the Cherry Creek State Park near the reservoir. This natural area offers opportunities for camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, and other outdoor activities. Eight and a half miles of paved trail encircle the reservoir, providing gorgeous water views and access to the marina.
Lodging and Wellness Along the Cherry Creek Corridor
The Cherry Creek neighborhood provides a variety of lodging options, from charming Bed and Breakfasts to luxury hotels and everything in between. The Inverness Hotel is situated right on the bike path offering comfortable rooms and special amenities like loaner bikes. Further east along 6th Avenue, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Tech Center provides spacious two-room suites just steps from the trail.
Wellness services abound, with spas and fitness clubs conveniently accessible from the Cherry Creek bike path. Stop for a rejuvenating massage at the Auberge Spa at the Inverness Hotel or work up a sweat at Colorado Athletic Club’s Cherry Creek location. This fitness center offers a full range of equipment and classes.
Arts and Cultural Offerings Near the Path
In addition to the ever-changing art installations along the bike route, riders can stop to experience galleries and museums located just blocks away. Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood houses a district of over thirty art galleries, including the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art and the Colorado Photographic Arts Center.
Performing arts venues are also abundant near the Cherry Creek bike path. The Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus presents national touring productions of Broadway musicals and plays. Meanwhile, the Cherry Creek Theatre Company performs comedies, dramas, and musicals in an intimate subterranean theater space located next to the bike route.
Several cultural festivals also happen adjacent to the path, like the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival held along Speer Boulevard and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Sakura Square. Both events celebrate Asian culture through food, performances, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Dining and Drinking Along the Cherry Creek Bike Trail
Riders can indulge in Cherry Creek’s fine cuisine and libations at several establishments located just footsteps from the bike path. Work up an appetite while cycling, and then satisfy cravings with upscale fare at Hillstone Restaurant situated right beside the route.
Cantina Laredo serves contemporary Mexican cuisine with a vast tequila selection in downtown Denver. French bistro Le Bilboquet is known for its classic dishes and desserts. The seafood restaurant Guard and Grace provides patio seating along the bike path to enjoy fresh catches and shareable plates.
Several spots offer local brews and wines to enjoy after a long ride, like Breckenridge Brewery and the Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery Tasting Room. Both tasting rooms offer refreshing drinks and small bites within blocks of the Cherry Creek bike trail.
Seasonal Activities and Community Events
The Cherry Creek bike path provides access to Denver holiday events and farmers’ markets held throughout the year. Larimer Square transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual Christkindl Market, where visitors can shop artisan gifts, savor German fare, and sip hot beverages while enjoying live entertainment.
From May through October, riders can stop at one of Denver’s many farmers markets situated just blocks from the bike path. Cherry Creek Fresh Market sets up weekly in Cherry Creek North, while the Cherry Creek Mall hosts their own farmers market on summer weekends.
The trail also passes through the exclusive Cherry Creek School District, ranked among the top in the state. Directly adjacent to the bike path, Cherry Creek High School provides a central gathering place for the community, with the campus housing the school district’s administrative offices. Residents take pride in the exceptional public schools that anchor the neighborhood.
FAQ
How long is the Cherry Creek bike path?
The paved recreational trail extends over forty miles from downtown Denver to Franktown with many access points along the way. Most riders traverse 10-15 miles within Denver city limits.
Does the Cherry Creek bike path allow pets?
Leashed pets are permitted along the trail, although some sections through Denver Parks property require dogs to be leashed at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Where can I access the Cherry Creek bike path?
There are numerous access points to the trail from parking lots, parks, and trailheads located along the route. Popular places to start include Confluence Park, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and Cherry Creek State Park.
What is there to do along the Cherry Creek bike path?
The multi-use paved trail accommodates walking, running, biking, skating, and wheelchairs. Visitors can shop, dine, view public art, attend cultural events, and enjoy water sports along the way.
Are there bike rentals available for the Cherry Creek bike path?
Yes, bike rentals are available from shops like Denver Bicycle Cafe and Edgeworks Bike Shop. Many hotels in the area also offer loaner bikes for guests.
Where is the Bear Creek Bike Trail?
The Bear Creek Bike Trail in Denver runs about nine miles from Platte River Trail near River Point Parkway to Union Ave. It connects downtown Denver with the Rocky Mountain foothills.
