Best Places to Run - Cherry Creek

Are you new to the area and looking for your new favorite running route? Or just looking to shake up your running routine? Explore these running routes, a list of the best places to run in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, Colorado. This list was curated by Dylan Tanner, an Outfitter at Fleet Feet Cherry Creek.

The Cherry Creek Trail

Where to Park: Multiple lots along the stretch of the entire trail. Park at Fleet Feet in Cherry Creek and access the trail directly across the street.

Trail Length: In total, the Cherry Creek trail is just over 24 miles long.

Trail Surface: The main trail is paved, but there are also dirt trails paralleling the paved one.

Maintained in Winter?: The Cherry Creek Trail is typically cleared of snow but can have occasionally snowy or icy patches, mostly in shaded areas.

Public Bathrooms?: There are public bathrooms spread along the trail. Runners/Walkers may also ask to use the bathroom at Fleet Feet.

Things to do After Your Run: Feel free to stop in to Fleet Feet and stock up on your running related needs. Or meander into the city of Cherry Creek to check out all the shops and restaurants, as well as at the Cherry Creek Mall. 

Washington Park

Where to Park: Parking is permitted on the roads bordering the entire park.

Trail Length: The Washington Park Loop is approximately 2.3 miles. There are also a handful of diverging trails within the park to add more distance or shorten your run however you’d like

Trail Surface: The majority of the trail is paved with some dirt sections off of the main trail.

Maintained in Winter?: You can expect the Washington Park Loop trail to be maintained throughout the Winter months. There will however be occasional snowy or icy patches, mostly in shaded areas.

Public Bathrooms: There are public bathrooms spread out throughout the entire park.

Things to do After Your Run: In the Summer, enjoy a day lounging at the park, looking at the wildlife, go for a ride on Smith Lake, or walk amongst the gardens to decompress. A short walk East will bring you to S Gaylord St for a selection of shops and restaurants.

 City Park

Where to Park: There is parking available in most of the area surrounding the Denver Museum of Nature & History.

Trail Length: The Denver City Park Perimeter Loop is approximately 2.9 miles. There are a handful of connector trails that can shorten or lengthen your run as well.

Trail Surface: The majority of the trails at City Park are paved, with some dirt paths off the main trail.

Maintained in Winter?: You can expect the trails at City Park to be maintained, with the occasional snowy or icy patch in shaded areas.

Public Bathrooms?: There are public bathrooms near the Denver Museum of Nature & History as well as at the parking lot near the tennis courts.

Things to do After Your Run: Enjoy exploring the Museum of Nature & History, or make your way over to the Denver Zoo, or maybe even hit the links at the City Park Golf Course.

South Platte River Trail

Where to Park: Though there are small lots along the trail, we recommend parking downtown near Commons Park.

Trail Length: The South Platte River Trail eventually turns into the Colorado Front Range trail and extends north, or the Mary Carter Greenway and extends south, both along the South Platte River. Essentially there are almost endless miles running in both directions.

Trail Surface: The main trail will be entirely paved.

Maintained in the Winter?: You can expect the trail to be maintained in the Winter, with occasional snowy or icy patches.

Public Bathrooms?: You will find public bathrooms when parking near Commons Park.

Things to do After Your Run: Explore downtown Denver! There is no end to the things you can do, from finding a fun niche shopping experience, to trying out a new cuisine at a restaurant, or maybe catch a Nuggets or Broncos game.