Start of the Colorado Trail – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Dakota Ridge High School

Start of the Colorado Trail – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Dakota Ridge High School

Hard

3.3

(29)

riders

Start of the Colorado Trail – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Dakota Ridge High School

05:05

81.6km

460m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 35.0 km for 156 m

After 43.3 km for 93 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

21.6 km

Start of the Colorado Trail

Highlight • Trail

Heading from north to south, you can start the Colorado Trail here at the edge of Denver at Waterton Canyon.

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21.9 km

Waterton Canyon Recreation Area – Colorado Trail Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

This is the trail head for segment 1 of the Colorado Trail. There is a vault toilet and parking at the trail head.

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53.5 km

Nixon's Coffee House

Highlight • Cafe

Check the hours, a good place to refuel or top off your water bottle at the outside fountains. Also has public restrooms.

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54.0 km

Views of the South Platte River

Highlight • River

The South Platte River is a tributary to the Platte River. It is 439 miles long and was originally called Niinéniiniicíihéhe by the native Arapaho people who lived on its banks.

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59.6 km

Bridge over South Platte River

Highlight • Bridge

Close to this bridge the Bear Creek flows into the South Platte River – and therefore several river trails also meet at exact this bridge: The Bear Creek River Trail, …

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74.0 km

Mount Carbon Loop

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great views and a good climb. Not very technical, but don't forget to bring your legs.

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74.9 km

Mount Carbon Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mount Carbon dominates Bear Creek Lake State Park, near the eastern entrance to the park, rising to an elevation of 6,000 feet (1759 meters). It offers a great vantage point …

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75.0 km

View of Denver Skyline from Mt. Carbon Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a nice overlook near Mt. Carbon, with expansive views of the Denver skyline, Bear Lake Park, and Mount Falcon Park in the background. Bear Creek Trail ends here, …

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