Editor’s note: This is one of The Know’s “Staff Favorites” articles, in which we’re sharing our staff’s favorite food, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more throughout Colorado. We’ll also give you the scoop on a few of our lesser-known local favorites.
Every day, over 100,000 vehicles creep along Interstates 70 and 76 through Wheat Ridge, Denver, and Adams County. But hidden in plain sight beneath this road rage is the Clear Creek Trail — a serene, 21-mile ribbon of nature that provides bikers, pedestrians, and joggers with a break from the city’s fast pace.
From Canyon to City: A Route of Surprising Beauty
The Clear Creek Trail traverses from the massive rock walls of Clear Creek Canyon, west of Golden, to the South Platte Trail in Commerce City. Hugging the creek along most of its course, the trail parallels Colorado Highway 58, I-70, and I-76, through canyon cliffs, greenbelt shadows, and surprisingly peaceful urban corridors.
Since 2021, the trail has formally started at Tunnel 1 in Clear Creek Canyon, 1.5 miles west of Golden. This cliff-bound canyon section, flanked by towering cliffs and bellowing water, is part of the upcoming Peaks to Plains Trail — which, when completed, will link Golden and Idaho Springs. A new west extension opens in December, with another opening in 2026 on the books.
Golden Highlights
Leaving the canyon, the route passes through downtown Golden, a tubing destination in warmer months and site of the Golden Farmers Market, which picks up again on May 31. Along the route, there are scenic vistas of North and South Table Mountains before the route briefly departs the creek, then resumes close to Youngfield Street.
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt: Shady and Serene
This is the beginning of the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, a lovely stretch of wooded paths, lakes, and parks that are about five miles long. The Youngfield trailhead has ample parking, restrooms, and even a bike pump.
A challenging crossing on Kipling Street is avoided by going south to the Wheat Ridge Rec Center, where an underpass enables a safe return to the trail. To the east of Kipling, the forest patches persist, and a footbridge provides panoramic views up and down the creek.
Urban Transitions: From Wadsworth to Federal
As the trail crosses under Wadsworth Boulevard, near the confluence of I-70 and I-76, you’ll feel the shift into more industrial terrain. Despite the change in scenery, it remains a peaceful ride with light-traffic crossings at Tennyson and Lowell. There’s creek access and parking at 55th Place and a trail underpass at Federal Boulevard near RTD’s Clear Creek-Federal Gold Line station.
Navigation tip: Under 64th Avenue, avoid the tempting trail to the right. Instead, continue north 0.3 miles and look for a tunnel under the RTD B Line. A sign will guide you back to the main trail.
Final Stretch: The Push to the Platte
The last four miles to the South Platte Trail are open and less scenic, yet pleasant — especially for bikers. The author recently biked the entire route from Tunnel 1 to the Platte, logging 21.1 miles with a loss of 740 feet, much of that in the early miles through the canyon and into Wheat Ridge.
Alternative option: After reaching the South Platte, bike another 0.9 miles to the Commerce City–72nd Avenue RTD station. Take the N Line to Union Station, then the W Line to the Jefferson County Justice Center in Golden. From there, it’s a four-mile bike ride back to the canyon trailhead.
A True Metro Treasure
Whether you travel the entire way or enjoy it in smaller sections, the Clear Creek Trail is a stunning natural oasis in the midst of the Denver metro area. From sweeping canyon walls to peaceful city lakes and parklike greenbelts, this 21-mile trail is an outdoor gem just waiting to be found.
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