The best hikes from bus stations in Cherry Creek State Park
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Hiking in Cherry Creek State Park offers access to a diverse 4,200-acre landscape within the Denver metropolitan area. The park is characterized by its central 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, surrounded by a natural prairie environment featuring gentle, rolling hills, wetlands, cottonwood trees, and marshes. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for various fitness levels. This combination of aquatic and prairie ecosystems provides varied settings for bus station hiking trails.
Best bus station hiking trails…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4
hikers
6.79km
01:45
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.57km
01:29
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
4.95km
01:15
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
6.50km
01:42
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
9.74km
02:38
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Smoky Hill Picnic Site is located on the eastern side of Cherry Creek Reservoir. It has a parking area and provides public toilets and sheltered eating areas with loads of room to run around. Slightly north of here is a lake beach with a designated swimming area. Make sure to only swim at the northern end of the beach as swimming is prohibited at the southern side.
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The Willow Springs Open Space is a large open space in Centennial, Colorado. There is a small network of trails for hiking, running, and bicycling that connect to other trail systems in the area. Willow Creek runs through it, providing a riparian environment for plants and animals, including beavers, which you can frequently see here!
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Cherry Creek State Park is big enough that it features a number of trailheads. This northern entrance is an easy way to access the park from Englewood and Glendale.
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The Willow Springs Open Space is a large open space in Centennial, Colorado. There is a small network of trails for hiking, running, and bicycling that connect to other trail systems in the area. Willow Creek runs through it, providing a riparian environment for plants and animals, including beavers, which you can frequently see here!
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Cherry Creek State Park is big enough that it features a number of trailheads. This northern entrance is an easy way to access the park from Englewood and Glendale.
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The Smoky Hill Picnic Site is located on the eastern side of Cherry Creek Reservoir. It has a parking area and provides public toilets and sheltered eating areas with loads of room to run around. Slightly north of here is a lake beach with a designated swimming area. Make sure to only swim at the northern end of the beach as swimming is prohibited at the southern side.
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Bluffs Regional Park has a lot of parking, restrooms, a shelter, and a pretty long hiking trail that forms a loop within the park boundaries. A lot of the trails break above the trees and spend time in open meadows and fields.
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Bluffs Regional Park has a lot of parking, restrooms, a shelter, and a pretty long hiking trail that forms a loop within the park boundaries. A lot of the trails break above the trees and spend time in open meadows and fields.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus-accessible hiking trails are available in Cherry Creek State Park?
There are 3 hiking trails in Cherry Creek State Park that are easily accessible from bus stations. These routes offer a convenient way to explore the park's diverse landscapes without needing a car.
What kind of terrain can I expect on bus-accessible trails in Cherry Creek State Park?
The trails in Cherry Creek State Park generally feature flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, making them approachable for most ability levels. You'll find a mix of natural prairie environments, wetlands, and cottonwood trees surrounding the Cherry Creek Reservoir.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes accessible by bus?
Yes, Cherry Creek State Park offers several easy, family-friendly options. The Smoky Hill Picnic Site loop from Parker Rd & E Lehigh Ave is an easy 6.8 km route, and the High Line Canal Trail: Segment 16 - Bible Park is an even shorter 5 km easy hike, both perfect for a leisurely family outing.
Can I bring my dog on these bus-accessible trails?
Cherry Creek State Park is very dog-friendly, featuring an extensive off-leash dog area. Most trails within the park allow dogs, provided they are on a leash outside of the designated off-leash area. Always check specific trail regulations before heading out.
What notable natural features or landmarks can I see along these routes?
Many routes offer views of the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, the park's central feature. You can also explore the Cottonwood Creek Wetlands, which are rich in wildlife. The Smoky Hill Picnic Site is also a point of interest along one of the routes.
Are there any circular routes available from bus stops?
Yes, the Smoky Hill Picnic Site loop from Parker Rd & E Lehigh Ave is a circular route, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point, which is convenient when using public transport.
What is the best time of year to hike in Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer is great for combining hiking with water activities at the reservoir. Even in winter, the generally flat terrain makes for accessible walks, though conditions can vary.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
The park is a haven for wildlife. Hikers often spot over 40 mammal species, including mule deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs. It's also excellent for birdwatching, with 171 bird species, including meadowlarks, ducks, herons, and raptors like Bald Eagles.
Are there any moderate difficulty trails accessible by bus?
Yes, for a slightly more challenging option, consider the Bluffs Regional Park loop from Heritage Hills. This 9.5 km route is rated as moderate and offers a bit more elevation gain compared to the easier trails within Cherry Creek State Park itself.
What do other hikers say about the bus-accessible trails in Cherry Creek State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.96 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility, the scenic views of the reservoir, and the diverse natural environment that makes for a refreshing escape within the city.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails near bus stops?
Cherry Creek State Park is known for its accessibility, with nearly 10 miles of trails marked as wheelchair accessible. While specific bus stop access points for these trails would require checking local RTD routes, the park's commitment to accessibility means many sections are suitable for wheelchairs.
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