Clear Creek Trail

The City of Golden offers an extensive and interconnected trail system of 24 miles, providing diversity in both types of trail experience and destinations. Regional Trail connections provide a link to neighboring communities and open space. Clear Creek is a popular destination year-round, but especially during the summer months when it offers a refreshing refuge on hot days. Due to its popularity, certain measures have been undertaken to protect the fragile beauty of the Clear Creek corridor from the increase in traffic its seen over the past few years. If you plan to visit Clear Creek, please take a moment to visit our Clear Creek Visitor Information page and help us protect this Golden treasure.

Download the  for a full map of all the parks and trails within and surrounding Golden, or access the Golden Trailhead Google Map.

Clear Creek Trail

Golden’s most popular group of trails, the Clear Creek Trails connect nearby neighborhoods to schools, the Golden Community Center and the downtown area. The trail travels to the eastern city limits where it continues to Wheat Ridge and eventually connects with other trails in the Denver Metro area.

Directions

Access the Clear Creek Trail via Vanover Park at Water and Ford Streets, the Visitor Center at Washington and 10th Streets, the Library at 10th and Illinois Streets, Lions Park at 10th and Maple Streets and from 6th Avenue Trail.

Parking

Parking garages are located off Jackson Street between 11th and 13th. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy free parking in the Clear Creek lot off 10th Street.

Visit our Parking page for more information on where to park.

Difficulty

This trail is easy, multiuse, and paved.

Wildlife

The Front Range of Colorado touches three distinct ecosystems – grassland prairie, pinyon-ponderosa woodlands and montane – that support a rich variety of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Rabbit, hare, prairie dog, fox, coyote, badger, bobcat, mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion all call the Front Range their home.

Use of Trail

Bike Access: Yes

Dogs should be leashed at all times and waste picked up.
Be respectful of residential neighborhoods and mind noise levels, especially after dark.
Clean up any trash and recyclables and place in designated bins.
Do not harass wildlife.
Keep out of native and sensitive areas, stick to designated trails.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited per city ordinance.

Maintenance

This trail is maintained by the City of Golden. We appreciate resident and visitor communication and feedback to ensure the Golden parks system remains safe and clean. To report maintenance concerns or damages, contact the Parks Department at (303) 384-8140.

COG Mesa

 Golden has 402 acres of open space
and maintains 253 acres of parks right within the city itself.

Additional Resources

City of Golden, Colorado
COG Mesa
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