Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop

The most popular route, which is about 6.5 miles (10.4 km) long, generally takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace. Your actual time may vary depending on your speed and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, the trail is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, including beginners and families. Its generally flat terrain and minimal elevation gain contribute to its accessibility.

You'll encounter a diverse mix of surfaces, including paved sections, natural dirt paths, and gravel. The route traverses open meadows, woodlands along the water, and portions alongside Cherry Creek itself. While generally flat, there are gentle, rolling hills.

The trail offers picturesque views of the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, often with pelicans and other waterfowl. You'll also experience natural prairie landscapes, cottonwood riparian habitats, and stunning distant views of the Rocky Mountains on clear days.

It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for various birds, including pelicans, herons, and songbirds, especially in wetland areas. You can also often spot communities of prairie dogs in certain sections of the park.

The Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop is located within Cherry Creek State Park, which has multiple access points and parking areas. You can find parking within the park itself, which provides direct access to the trail system.

Yes, Cherry Creek State Park requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual pass for access to the park and its trails. Specific permits may be needed for certain activities, but not typically for general hiking on this loop.

Yes, the Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally allowed on leash within Cherry Creek State Park. There is also a large off-leash dog park within the state park, though it's a separate area from the main loop trail.

The trail is accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. In winter, the trail is still used by hikers, and sometimes by snowshoers or cross-country skiers, offering a different experience.

Yes, the route is part of a larger multi-use trail system. It intersects with and incorporates sections of several other trails, including the Denver Orbital Trail, Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Dam Trail, and the Colorado Front Range Trail, among others.

While some sections of the trail are paved and relatively flat, making them accessible, the entire loop features mixed surfaces including natural paths and gravel. Therefore, the full loop may not be entirely wheelchair accessible, though portions are.