Cherry Creek Trail South Loop

This loop is relatively short and easy. Most hikers can expect to complete it in approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes, depending on their pace and how often they stop to enjoy the scenery.

The Cherry Creek Trail, particularly its southern sections, offers a mix of surfaces. While the broader regional trail is often paved, this loop within the southern portion and Cherry Creek State Park may incorporate gravel sections and unpaved paths, providing a more traditional hiking experience. The terrain features very gradual elevation changes.

Yes, this trail is rated as easy and is very suitable for beginners. It features gentle grades and few obstacles, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. It's a great option for those new to hiking or looking for a relaxed outing.

Access to the southern sections of the Cherry Creek Trail, including potential loop options, is best found within or near Cherry Creek State Park. The park offers multiple parking areas, and specific trailheads within the park can lead to both paved and unpaved sections suitable for a loop.

The scenery transitions from suburban to increasingly rural. You'll pass through areas with cottonwood trees, willows, and expansive grasslands. Within Cherry Creek State Park, you can enjoy views of the Front Range mountains on clear days, observe prairie dog colonies, and appreciate the short-grass prairie and wetland habitats.

The Cherry Creek Trail is accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hiking is also possible, though conditions may vary with snow and ice.

Within Cherry Creek State Park and the surrounding natural areas, you have good opportunities for birdwatching. You may also spot prairie dog colonies and other small mammals common to the short-grass prairie environment.

Yes, the Cherry Creek Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, within Cherry Creek State Park, dogs must be kept on a leash. There is also a dedicated off-leash dog park within Cherry Creek State Park, though this loop itself requires leashed pets.

Since this loop is primarily within or accessed via Cherry Creek State Park, an entrance fee is required to enter the park. This fee supports the maintenance of the park's facilities and trails. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual pass.

Yes, the Cherry Creek Trail is part of a larger network. This route specifically uses sections of the Cherry Creek Trail and the Colorado Front Range Trail. It also briefly intersects with the Lemon Gulch Trail, offering possibilities for extended adventures.

The southern sections, particularly those within and south of Cherry Creek State Park, offer a more natural and rural feel compared to the urban stretches. You'll find more unpaved segments, diverse wildlife, and a greater sense of being immersed in nature, making it ideal for a traditional hiking experience.