The granddaddy of Denver’s paved multi-use paths, the Platte River Greenway was born 30 years ago and the trail follows the South Platte River for almost 30 miles, connecting a series of small riverside parks. It is immensely popular with walkers, rollerbladers and bikers as it runs next to the Platte River that is steeped in Denver’s early history. Confluence Park is a great starting place in the LODO and Jefferson Park neighborhoods and the Auraria campus in downtown Denver, where the Cherry Creek meets the Platte River. Gold was discovered here in 1858 and it has been a valuable part of Denver ever since! As you ride south down the trail you pass Elitch Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Ocean Journey, and Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos in the West Colfax and Avondale communities.
Continuing your ride, you will go through many small parks along the river with historical markers, homes and picnic areas. One of my favorite buildings is the Art Deco design of the Denver Water Works near 6th Ave and I-25. The sites and sounds along the river are so beautiful and enjoyable as you see trout in the shadows of the trees, all kinds of birds and waterfowl and an occasional fox, beaver, or muskrat going about their lives. As you continue south, the river goes through Ruby Hill and next to the Overland Municipal Golf Course areas, the South Platte neighborhood and Harvard Gulch area.
Next up is the City of Englewood near City Center and Cushing Park as you follow the river. Here you will see the Bear Creek Trail turnoff that goes west to Morrison and another fine ride. You have crossed the river numerous times on specially built bridges by the City of Denver and all are well maintained. Shortly after passing into Englewood, you enter Littleton near Centennial Acres, Hillside Manor, Kassler and the Littleton Golf and Tennis Club. This is a very cool area with shops nearby for a rest, coffee, or lunch. Moving on you pass the Hudson Gardens, Denver Seminary, Columbine Country Club, and arrive to huge South Platte Park with additional lakes and reservoirs. Near the end of our journey, you will cross under E-470 and into Chatfield Reservoir and State Park, all in all, a beautiful ride.
If we had gone north from Confluence Park, we would ridden a good many miles up to Adams County as the river passes though more of the industrialized area of Denver. You will want to experience the Platte River Trail and often!
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