Hike, bike, and explore the natural world on these stunning South Platte River trails in Colorado.
Flowing through Colorado and Nebraska, the South Platte River is one of the major rivers of the Great Plains. It begins in Park County, Colorado, and flows for 439 miles before reaching Nebraska, where it joins the North Platte River to form the Platte River.
The river begins at the Spinney Mountain Reservoir. From there, it flows through Elevenmile Canyon, Pike National Forest, and Deckers before entering the Denver metro area at Waterton Canyon and Chatfield Reservoir. It then winds through Denver and several Front Range communities before continuing east through Colorado and eventually into Nebraska.
Not only is it Eastern Colorado’s main water source, but it’s also a popular water recreation destination, with opportunities for boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and even panning for gold. An extensive system of trails and parks along the river also provides plenty of opportunities for walking, biking, jogging, skating, and picnicking.
Here are nine South Platte River trails that make for great adventuring.
The Mountains
Spinney Mountain Reservoir East Shore Loop
We’re starting the list at the South Platte River’s source: Spinney Mountain Reservoir. To begin your journey along the river, you can take a “walk on the beach,” as one AllTrails reviewer described the Spinney Mountain Reservoir East Shore Loop. This short, 1-mile loop has just 13 feet of elevation gain, making it an easy, flat trail with beautiful views of the reservoir and Collegiate Peaks. The shoreline is also a great place for spotting birds and wildlife, and the trail is typically less crowded, making it a peaceful outing.
There is little to no shade along the route, so be sure to bring water and sun protection.
South Platte River Trail to Strontia Springs Reservoir
Step back in time while exploring the South Platte River on the South Platte River Trail to Strontia Springs Reservoir. The trail begins across the street from the historic South Platte Hotel, which was built in 1887 and rebuilt in 1913 after an arson fire. Once a popular mountain getaway because of its proximity to Denver, the hotel eventually became a store and post office before closing in 1969. Today, the building remains a historic, but endangered, landmark.
Park across from the hotel, and the 2.7-mile out-and-back trail follows a wide, unpaved service road alongside the South Platte River toward Strontia Springs Reservoir. It’s an easy, relatively flat walk that takes about an hour to complete. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the river.
Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area
If you’re really looking to get away from the crowds, Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area is a great place to enjoy solitude and mountain scenery along the South Platte River. The area offers about 5 miles of trails to explore, but don’t expect a typical, well-maintained hiking trail. This 1,082-acre wildlife area is primarily managed for hunting and fishing, so some trails can be unmaintained and difficult to follow.
Because hunting takes place here, visitors should be especially cautious and aware of their surroundings. A valid hunting or fishing license or an SWA pass is also required for everyone 16 and older to access the area.
Denver Metro
Waterton Canyon
Waterton Canyon is one of the best-known trails in the Denver metro area. It’s beloved by hikers, cyclists, runners, and families. The trail follows the South Platte River through a beautiful canyon and serves as the entrance to the 486-mile-long Colorado Trail.
It’s a nearly 13-mile out-and-back, wide gravel road that gradually climbs about 700 feet up to Strontia Springs Reservoir. The gradual incline makes it manageable and perfect for a hike, bike ride, or run, and you can always turn around whenever you’re ready. Along the way, you will likely see the famous Waterton Canyon bighorn sheep as well as mule deer, birds, and other wildlife. Dogs are not allowed on the trail to help protect the bighorn sheep.
Because of its popularity, parking can be difficult to find, especially on weekends. Plan to carpool, arrive early, or visit on a weekday for a better chance of finding a spot.
South Platte River Trail
If the name doesn’t give it away, the South Platte River Trail is one of the most extensive trail systems following the river. In fact, it was traveled by Indigenous tribes and settlers before Denver was even “Denver.”
Following the devastating 1965 flood of the South Platte River, a network of paved trails was developed along the South Platte, creating a popular route for walking, biking, and exploring. Today, the trail stretches more than 36 miles from Chatfield State Park north to Brighton, passing through Denver along the way, where it is known as the Mary Carter Greenway Trail. The route connects to numerous parks, neighborhoods, and other trails, including the Cherry Creek Trail at Confluence Park.
For the most part, the trail is well maintained and easy to navigate, with various planned projects through 2030. However, use caution when traveling early in the morning or at night, especially through some of the underpasses. If you’re heading out at an unpopular time, it’s best to walk, ride, or run with a friend.
Northern Colorado
South Platte River Greenway North
The South Platte River Greenway North is a portion of the South Platte River Trail located near Thornton. This 5-mile out-and-back trail follows the river through a mostly flat, easy-to-navigate section of the greenway.
In addition to hiking, biking, and jogging, it’s also a popular spot for spotting wildlife and birding. You may see bald eagles, snakes, deer, and other wildlife along the river and surrounding open space.
Despite being close to the city, the trail still feels peaceful and isn’t overly crowded, making it a nice place to get away without going too far.
Platte River Trail
Similar to the Greenway North trail, the Platte River Trail is a portion of the South Platte River Trail located in Brighton. It’s a short and sweet 2.2-mile out-and-back trail, but because it connects to the larger river trail, you have the option to add more length to your trip.
The trail is paved, mostly flat, and wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers, with benches along the way if you need a break. It offers beautiful views of the river and is a popular spot for walking, biking, jogging, and birding. Dogs are also welcome on a leash.
The trail is generally not very crowded, and there’s easy parking and a nearby bathroom.
Eastern Plains
Evans Riverside Park Loop
Evans Riverside Park Loop is a short 1.8-mile loop around a small pond in Riverside Park in Evans, with the South Platte River running alongside the park. It’s a flat, easy trail that takes around 30 minutes to complete.
It’s also stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, which makes it a great option for a family walk. The path gets right up next to the river and is a popular spot for walking, running, biking, and fishing. It’s also a good place to spot birds and other wildlife.
Twamore Trails Loop
Twamore Trails are located on the opposite side of the South Platte River from Evans Riverside Park. They’re a popular spot for families and athletes in Fort Morgan to explore and exercise. The 3.3-mile loop has just 22 feet of elevation gain, making it an easy, accessible trail for everyone.
The gravel trail is well maintained, and there are plenty of spots to cut your hike short or add additional loops to make it longer. Along the way, you’ll have views of the South Platte River and Rainbow Bridge, with plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, deer, and snakes. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
