Railbender Park

The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is a fantastic option for road cyclists looking for a varied and accessible ride. This moderate route spans 22.6 miles (36.3 km) with a gentle 401 feet (122 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. You'll experience a smooth, paved surface for most of the journey, winding through urban parks, past the Cherry Creek Shopping District, and eventually opening up to the serene natural beauty of Cherry Creek State Park with its reservoir views and cottonwood-lined sections. It's a great way to combine city riding with a taste of the outdoors.

Accessing the Cherry Creek Regional Trail is incredibly easy, with many trailheads offering parking, restrooms, and even bike stations along its length. Since it's a multi-use path, you'll share it with others, but the trail's design often includes overpasses, allowing for a continuous, traffic-free ride. While you can enjoy this trail almost any time, consider starting early on warmer days, and remember that it's a popular spot, so expect company, especially on weekends.

What makes this trail stand out is its impressive connectivity, linking downtown Denver all the way south towards Franktown. It's a vital regional artery that seamlessly transitions from bustling cityscapes to open grasslands and wooded areas, offering a unique blend of environments within a single ride. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a long, uninterrupted ride with changing scenery, and it even connects to other major regional trails like the Highline Canal.

The View of Cherry Creek Reservoir – Cherry Creek Trail loop from Pinery Park-n-Ride offers a truly epic road cycling experience, guiding you through a diverse tapestry of Colorado's natural beauty. You'll pedal past open grasslands, through fragrant Ponderosa pine forests, and alongside the expansive Cherry Creek Reservoir, often catching glimpses of the distant Front Range mountains. While mostly smooth, well-paved concrete, be ready for a few minor gravel sections, particularly as you venture further south, adding a touch of adventure to this long-distance ride.

Planning for this difficult 73.8-mile (118.7 km) loop, which typically takes around 6 hours and 1 minute to complete with 1729 feet (527 metres) of elevation gain, requires good preparation. The Pinery Park-n-Ride provides a convenient starting point, and you'll find amenities like restrooms and picnic shelters at various points along the broader Cherry Creek Regional Trail. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as this is a significant undertaking best suited for experienced cyclists with very good fitness.

This route is a substantial segment of the popular Cherry Creek Regional Trail, known for its continuous cycling sections with fewer stop signs and lights. It connects numerous parks and open spaces, including Cherry Creek State Park, and is a multi-use path shared with other outdoor enthusiasts. The gradual elevation changes from north to south contribute to the challenging nature of the ride, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a long, scenic day on their road bike near Denver.