Don’t deny it. You were lazy all winter and it’s time for some exercise. Yeah, exercise stinks, especially in the gym where it literally reeks of B.O. and overwhelming self-consciousness. However, it’s OK that you haven’t picked up a weight for months or even years. You are simply due for a relaxing bike ride away from campus. Exercise the right way and embark on the Cherry Creek Trail in all its magnificence. It winds about five miles throughout LoDo, Capitol Hill and Cherry Creek, then another 35 miles all the way south to Franktown, which sits well outside of Denver. Because of this vast range, the trail allows DU students and all Denverites to escape their neighborhood for the day, no matter where that may be.
From Cherry Creek Mall, which is the closest spot to hop onto the trail from DU, it’s a 4.2-mile ride north to Confluence Park where the trail ends. This is near REI in the LoDo section of town. The route runs along water and blossoming trees for the majority of the ride, a refreshing addition that can’t often be found in Denver. The route also goes over and under several bridges that add a lot of character to the ride with good views.
Confluence Park is also a great place to stop and hang out for a while before riding home. There are plenty of great places to eat, such as the Wynkoop Brewery, and simply lying down at the park is always nice too. It’s a full day trip to accomplish this trail, and the 8.4-mile round-trip route is a decent workout for the average lazy college kid. Also keep in mind, this doesn’t include the distance between DU and Cherry Creek, so account for another six miles roundtrip if you have to start from campus.
Bikers looking for a longer ride away from the city can head south from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and ride the trail as long as desired. It runs about 35 miles to Franktown, leaving plenty of room for the more ambitious riders. Choosing this southern option offers far more rustic scenery than heading north. As opposed to weaving throughout various neighborhoods, you’ll enjoy the wide-open scenery of the Cherry Creek Reservoir and the classic ranges of Aurora and Parker. Wildlife such as deer, foxes and coyotes can also be seen on this long route.
This is one of the only biking trails in Denver, therefore it’s often quite busy. Watch out for other bikers, because you never know when someone will come flying around the corner like it’s Le Tour de Denver. If you don’t have a bike, consider renting out a B- Cycle from outside of Sturm. It only costs $8 for 24 hours, which is well worth the adventure. For those who’d rather stay away from the wheels, this trail is certainly walker-friendly too. No matter what your preference is, check out the Cherry Creek Trail this spring. We could all use some exercise, but more importantly, it’s a great way to just get outside for some fresh air.
