Enjoy the outdoors while social distancing in the metro area

By Thirst Colorado

While most of us would prefer to pack up the cooler, throw a tent and a go bag in the car and head into the mountains, it’s unfortunately not the time to recreate outside your neighborhood.

Per Gov. Jared Polis’ Instagram account, “Enjoy our outdoors but be responsible. This isn’t vacation time. By staying in your neighborhood or your region, you can help reduce the risk of transmission to our rural and gateway communities.”

Be sure to check for the latest restrictions in your area to make sure you are complying with the rules and regs.

Now’s a great time to explore your overlooked local path system, open space or park.

Below are some ideas to get out for some fresh air.

Denver Outdoors

Road Biking

There’s never been a better time to check out Denver’s path system that can be joined from nearly anywhere in the city and surrounding suburban areas. Main trail systems include paths along the South Platte, Cherry Creek, Clear Creek, High Line Canal, Bear Creek, Sand Creek Regional Greenway and C-470. Smaller bike routes and shared lanes can connect you to these major trail systems.

Check out Denver’s biking system map here. Or download the MTB Project from your app store for additional bike path information.

Mountain Biking

Cherry Creek Reservoir sports several small loops that are designed for mountain biking. They’re a perfect place to test your skills and prepare for bigger rides later this year. Ruby Hill Park also features several small trails for mountain and free-style biking that include jumps and lines for the more adventurous.

Parks

Ruby Hill Park has it all, great mountain, city and plains views, a bike park, and large open spaces to walk or sit. The park is centrally located and is also close to access the South Platte trail system.

Alamo Placita Park may be small but it’s the neighborhood’s best kept secret. Just south of Cap Hill, this park features beautiful gardens and is close to the Cherry Creek trail system.

Road Closures for Expanded Recreation

Photo: courtesy City and County of Denver Facebook Page

The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure temporarily closed certain streets to provide more space for outdoor recreation that still allows for social distancing. The following streets are closed and available for public use.

Capitol Hill Neighborhood

East 11th Avenue from Lincoln Street to Humboldt Street

Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood

Bryon Place from Zenobia Street to Stuart Street
Stuart Street from 24th Avenue to 21st Avenue

North Capitol Hill/City Park West Neighborhoods

East 16th Avenue from Lincoln Street to City Park Esplanade

More information can be found at the city’s website.

Suburban Walks, Hikes and Rides

Northeast

Sand Creek Regional Greenway offers the cities of Commerce City, Denver, and Aurora 14 miles of recreational possibilities. Runners, walkers, nature viewers, horseback riders, and leashed dogs are encouraged to enjoy the trail per its website.

Photo: courtesy High Line Canal Facebook page

Southeast

The High Line Canal zig zags its way through the southeast metro area from Aurora to Highlands Ranch. The trail along this historical canal is great for long walks and rides. The canal was built in 1883 and now features 71 miles of paths for recreational use.

West

Bear Creek Trail from Morrison down to the Platte River Trail in Denver provides a mostly shaded path beneath large trees and it parallels the creek. The trail winds through Bear Creek Lake Regional Park in Lakewood and continues past golf courses, open spaces and urban settings.

Lakewood’s William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain is popular with cyclists and offers a great workout.

Crown Hill Park, nestled between Wheat Ridge and Lakewood, features great paved and dirt paths and fishing at its lake. This Jefferson County Open Space park also has a wildlife sanctuary but it is closed to entry until June 1 to protect the nesting birds.

Another Jeffco Open Space property, North Table Mountain Park, also offers hikers and bikers miles of trails that allow social distancing.

Northwest

Looking north, Little Dry Creek Trail starts near the Standley Lake Regional Park and continues east to the Clear Creek Trail in Denver. The Standley Lake trails in Westminster and Arvada provide excellent walking and biking opportunities. Using minimal street access, cyclists can traverse the northern metro area and end up in downtown Denver in no time.

The Barbara Gulch Trail in northwest Arvada is part of the Leyden Rock Open Space, which includes nearly 20 miles of trails with great views of the foothills.