Cherry Creek Trail at Confluence

The Cherry Creek Trail begins where the creek meets the Platte at Confluence Park and runs southeast about 40 miles to Cherry Creek Reservoir and beyond, but the part that matters here is the first two miles: a paved path sunk below street level along the concrete-walled creek, passing under Speer and the LoDo bridges past the MCA and the Downtown Children's Playground before it climbs out near Cherry Creek North. It is the fastest way to bike out of downtown without touching a car and the flattest running loop in the city; the return leg on the South Platte River Trail makes a natural triangle. It floods in big storms, so ride it in daylight.

Why go. Bike from the ballpark to Cherry Creek North in 20 minutes with no traffic lights.

Rent a bike or scooter at Union Station, drop onto the trail at Confluence Park, and turn around at the Cherry Creek North stairs; watch the underpasses after heavy rain.