15 Great Running Trails Around Denver And Boulder: For All Abilities - Madaboutrun
15 Great Running Trails Around Denver And Boulder: For All Abilities

15 Great Running Trails Around Denver And Boulder: For All Abilities

Are you looking for some new places to run or walk outside? If so, then check out these 15 great running trails around Denver & Boulder. These trails range from flat to hilly, and they are perfect for beginners to advanced runners.

Denver has become known as the Mile High City because it sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet above sea level. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and much more.

Boulder is located only 30 miles away from Denver, and it’s also home to several great running trails. Boulder is a college town, and its residents love to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s not uncommon to see students jogging through campus during their breaks. They’re often seen wearing nothing but shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers.

15 Great Running Trails Around Denver And Boulder: For All Abilities

15 Running Trails Around Denver And Boulder

Cherry Creek Trail – Denver

The first trail we have on our list is in the heart of downtown Denver. This trail runs along the north side of the Platte River, which is where most of the action is. You can start your run here and head west towards the mountains. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops along this route.

Bear Creek Trail – Denver

Bear Creek Trail is one of the longest urban parks in Denver. It covers over 20 acres and features a lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, fitness stations, ball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and even a dog park! This scenic trail winds through the beautiful Bear Creek Canyon, offering amazing views of the surrounding area.

East Pearl Street Pathway – Denver

This path starts near Coors Field, travels east along the South Platte River, and ends just south of Speer Boulevard. It’s a great place to train for the Rocky Mountain National Park Run.

Flatiron Running Club – Denver

Flatiron Running Club was founded in 2008, and it hosts weekly races that travel throughout Denver. Their website provides maps and directions to help you plan your next adventure.

Great Western Trails – Denver

Great Western Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to open space for people who live in the Denver metro area. They offer programs like the Urban Hike series, which takes small groups deep into the city to explore neighborhoods rarely seen by visitors.

Lakewood Greenway – Lakewood, CO

Lakewood Greenway is a multi-use trail system that stretches about three miles between West 31st Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. The trail connects with other nearby trails such as the North Shore Open Space Trail, the West Ridge Open Space Trail, and the Longfellow Creek Trail.

South Pearl Street Pathway – LoDo/Chinatown, Denver

South Pearl Street Pathway begins at E 11th Ave and Wewatta St, and it travels south down South Pearl Street. It crosses the South Platte River and goes underneath I-25 before ending at W Colfax Ave. Along the way, it passes the historic Union Station building and the Paramount Theater.

Washington Park – Denver

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Washington Park is a large public park in Downtown Denver. This trail runs parallel to Downing Street, and it travels from the northwest corner of the park to the southeast corner.

West 32nd Avenue Open Space Trail – Denver (West of I-70)

This trail is part of the larger West 32nd Avenue Open space Trail System. The paved pathway begins at the intersection of West 32nd Avenue and Brighton Blvd., and it heads east under I-70. It then turns south onto Brighton Blvd., and it continues past the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Wynkoop Hill Neighborhood Park – Denver (East of Broadway & I-25)

Wynkoop Hill Neighborhood Park is located in the Wynkoop neighborhood of Denver. A paved trail leads through the park, connecting residents to the outdoors without leaving their community.

Yampa Valley Regional Trail – Steamboat Springs

The Yampa Valley Regional Trail is a multi-use recreational trail in Routt County. It’s located southwest of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and it extends about 23 miles. One end of the trail can be accessed at the base of Mount Werner, while the other end is accessible from the town of Hayden.

North Shore Open Space Trail – Denver/Boulder

North Shore Open Space Trail is a multi-use trail within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is 6.4 miles long starting at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and travelling north along the eastern shoreline of Bear Lake up to the northern boundary of RMNP.

Bannock Street Corridor – Denver

Bannock Street Corridor is a 12-mile linear park planned for construction in Denver, Colorado. It will begin at Bannock Street and Santa Fe Drive, travel west along Bannock Street, and end at Peoria Street and Santa Fe Drive.

South Platte Greenway – Denver

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South Platte Greenway is a proposed off-road bicycle and pedestrian trail in Denver, Colorado, United States. The Greenway would run along the abandoned railroad corridor of the South Platte River.

Red Rocks Open Space Trail – Morrison

Red Rocks Open Space Trail is a paved path that traverses the open space surrounding Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. The trail connects to the nearby Morrison Bridge Pathway which spans the Arkansas River.

What To Eat Before A 5K

Running is a great form of exercise because it helps burn calories and build muscle mass. The key to success is finding out what foods you should eat before a run. It leaves many of us asking what to eat before a 5k? Well, here are some things you should include in your pre-run meal plan:

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of any runner’s diet. They provide energy for muscles during workouts. You can find carbohydrates in many different sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.

Protein

Protein is another essential nutrient that runners need to consume. It provides the body with amino acids which help repair damaged tissues and maintain muscle strength. Some examples of protein-rich foods include milk, eggs, meat, fish, beans, nuts, etc.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are also critical for runners. These foods supply essential fatty acids (EFAs) that promote cardiovascular health. EFAs are found in foods like salmon, tuna, flaxseed oil, walnuts, etc.

Water

Water is vital for proper hydration. When you run, your body loses water through sweat. This means that you must drink enough fluids to replace this lost fluid. Drinking too much water will cause you to feel bloated and dehydrated.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are not necessary for every runner. However, they are recommended if you have been training hard for several days. Sports drinks contain electrolytes that help replenish sodium levels in the body. Electrolytes are needed to keep the heart beating properly.

Final Thoughts

Denver has some of the best trails in the country. These 15 trails are just a few of the many amazing places you can explore outdoors. There are so many more options than what we listed here, but our list is a great place to start. We hope this list inspires you to get out there and enjoy nature!