28 Segments

The DOT is split into 28 shorter segments, each good for day hikes. Whether you walk one segment or all 28, you'll find everything that you should need on this page for a successful DOT adventure!

This map shows the full route and all 28 segments. Read on to get inspired and ready for your adventure.

We've used AllTrails for mapping the routes. That's what we recommend for following when you're out walking. It's free to use. You can find the link to each segment below, or check out every segment here.

If you've paid for the premium version of AllTrails, you can download the maps and use them even if you don't have cell service.

You can download all segment gpx files here, which can then be uploaded to another navigational app, such as Strava or Ride with GPS.

If you're 'old school', check out printable pdf maps here!

Finally, if you'd like to track your progress, we've made a printable sheet for doing so!

Finished the whole loop? Visit our For Finishers page linked here!!

On this map, click the square corners button in the upper right-hand corner to open full screen mode. To turn on a layer of restrooms, use the menu button in the upper left-hand corner and scroll down to 'RESTROOMS'.

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SEGMENTS 1 THROUGH 8, DOWNTOWN GOLDEN TO DOUGLAS COUNTY OPEN SPACE

Segment 1: Downtown Golden, Lookout Mountain, and Apex Park

Segment 2: Red Rocks Park

Segment 3: Downtown Morrison and Bear Creek Lake Park

Segment 4: Bear Creek Lake Park and C-470 trail

Segment 5: South Hogback Open Space, South Valley Park, and Deer Creek Canyon Park

Segment 6: Plymouth Mountain, Hildebrand Ranch Park, and Chatfield State Park

Segment 7: Chatfield State Park

Segment 8: Douglas County Open Space

SEGMENTS 9 THROUGH 16, HIGHLANDS POINT TO SAND CREEK TRAIL

Segment 9: Highlands Point and Big Dry Creek Trail

Segment 10: Bluffs Regional Park

Segment 11: East/West Regional Trail to Cherry Creek Trail

Segment 12: South Cherry Creek Trail

Segment 13: Cherry Creek Trail to Cherry Creek State Park

Segment 14: Cherry Creek Spillway, Horseshoe Park, and Toll Gate Creek Regional Trail

Segment 15: Toll Gate Creek Regional Trail to High Line Canal

Segment 16: High Line Canal, Morrison Nature Center, and Sand Creek Trail

SEGMENTS 17 THROUGH 24, HIGH LINE CANAL TO BIG DRY CREEK

Segment 17: High Line Canal to First Creek Trail

Segment 18: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Segment 19: Northfield Greenways and Neighborhood Parks

Segment 20: Sand Creek to Platte River

Segment 21: Platte River Trail to Riverdale Regional Park

Segment 22: Horizon Tributary Trail to Lee Lateral Ditch and Signal Ditch Trails

Segment 23: Signal Ditch Trail, Hunters Glen Lake, Big Dry Creek Trail

Segment 24: Big Dry Creek Trail: Front Range Community College to Wadsworth Parkway

SEGMENTS 25 THROUGH 28, STANDLEY LAKE TO DOWNTOWN GOLDEN

Segment 25: Big Dry Creek to Standley Lake

Segment 26: Farmers & Croke Canals Trail through Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

Segment 27: Majestic View Park, Ralston Creek Trail, and Blunn Reservoir

Segment 28: Fairmont Canal Trail to North Table Mountain, Tucker Gulch to Downtown Golden

Segment 1: Downtown Golden, Lookout Mountain, and Apex Park

Distance: 11.2 miles / Difficulty: Very Strenuous

Walk along the Clear Creek Trail through the heart of Golden, Colorado. Climb Lookout Mountain for expansive views of the whole region. Pay a visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum at the summit. Descend through the rolling mountain meadows of Apex Park. Parking at the summit may allow you to split this tough segment in two very easily.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Downtown Golden: There is plenty of parking in Downtown Golden nearby, including the Clear Creek Parking Lot and the public garage on Jackson Street. The RTD 17 bus comes every 30 minutes into Golden, with 10th St & Washington Ave a 5-minute walk to Vanover Park. Golden has a pilot transit program to provide free 'Ore Cart' shuttle services to local RTD rail stations.

Getting to Apex Park: There is plenty of parking available at this free lot. There’s no transit available directly, but the W light rail station is a little over a mile away. When we walked this segment, we took a Lyft back to our car on the other end. It was a bit of a wait.

Facilities: Refreshments throughout Downtown Golden, along Washington Ave. Toilets available at the Public Library (0.4 mi), Windy Saddle (3.5 mi), at the summit of Lookout Mountain (4.9 mi), and at the Apex Park Parking Lot (11.1 mi). Lookout Mountain summit has free parking, a small restaurant, gift shop, and museum dedicated to Buffalo Bill.

Segment 2: Red Rocks Park

Distance: 7.8 miles / Difficulty: Strenuous

Climb the 'hump' of Dinosaur Ridge and through Matthews/Winters Park up the Morrison Slide. Challenging efforts are rewarded with spectacular views in all directions. Descend into Red Rocks Park, and take your time exploring the amphitheater and the iconic red rocks on the awesome Trading Post Trail. Segment ends near vibrant downtown Morrison, Colorado.

** Jefferson County advises that the northernmost trail up and over the first hump is an unofficial trail and not formally authorized. As always, use caution and be mindful of trail conditions. **

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Apex Park: There is plenty of parking available at this free lot. There’s no transit available directly, but the W light rail station is a little over a mile away. When we walked this segment, we took a Lyft back to our car on the other end. It was a bit of a wait.

Getting to Morrison Park: There is a small free parking lot along the river, a quarter of a mile south along the Bear Creek Trail, just outside of Downtown Morrison. There’s no transit available. You can also park anywhere in Downtown Morrison, provided you pay for parking.

Facilities: Toilets available at the Apex Park Parking Lot (0 mi), Matthews/Winters Park Trailhead (2.3 mi), at the amphitheater (6.3 mi), and Red Rocks Trading Post (6.6 mi). Some refreshments available at the Red Rocks Trading Post and Kum and Go convenience store a short walk off the segment (1.7 mi)

Segment 3: Downtown Morrison and Bear Creek Lake Park

Distance: 3 miles / Difficulty: Easy

Walk along the main drag of Morrison, passing lively restaurants and shops galore. A short walk out of downtown, enter the hidden gem of Bear Creek Lake Park. Dirt paths and trails bring you through field and forest to a special scenic spot, right on the lakeshore.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Morrison Park: There is a small free parking lot along the river just south of the starting point, about a quarter of a mile down Bear Creek Trail, just outside of Downtown Morrison. There’s no transit available. You can also park anywhere in Downtown Morrison, provided you pay for parking.

Getting to Bear Creek Lake Park: This segment ends at a parking lot at Bear Creek Reservoir, at the end of the park road just at the west side of the lake. There is no transit available. There is a fee to enter Bear Creek Lake Park with a car; to avoid it, you may wish to continue on Segment 4 until you’re out of the park.

Facilities: Plenty of refreshments available in Morrison. Toilets available at the parking lot in Bear Creek Lake Park.

Segment 4: Bear Creek Lake Park and C-470 trail

Distance: 6 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

Continue exploring the hidden gem Bear Creek Lake Park as you climb to a pedestrian footbridge over 285. From there, take in an incredible vista of the mountains overlooking the park. The rest of the segment heads south along the functional and nice enough C-470 trail.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Bear Creek Lake Park: This segment begins at a parking lot at Bear Creek Reservoir, at the end of the park road just at the west side of the lake. There is no transit available. There is a fee to enter Bear Creek Lake Park with a car; to avoid it, you may wish to combine segments 3 and 4.

Getting to Ken Caryl Ranch: There is an RTD park and ride facility 0.25 miles east from the end of the segment. There are a few morning and evening buses to and from downtown; otherwise, there’s no transit service.

Facilities: There are toilets at the start point. There’s convenience stores and various other big box stores along 470, including a convenience store at 1.9 mi, a Walmart at 4 mi, and a good number of restaurants along Ken Caryl Ave at the end of the segment.

Segment 5: South Hogback Open Space, South Valley Park, and Deer Creek Canyon Park

Distance: 4.9 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

After a short walk along Ken Caryl Ave, turn south on the Cathy Johnson Trail, heading up a small valley. Head through a pass and explore a garden of large rock formations. Continue through a grassy meadow towards the mountains and finish with a brief ascent to Deer Creek Canyon Park, where you can look back on almost everything the entire segment.

** Deer Creek Canyon Park is currently closed. As such, it's not possible to walk the southernmost half mile or so of Segment 5, south of Deer Creek Canyon Road. Do not attempt to walk closed trails. As always, consult Jefferson County Open Space for updates about trail openings. (Read more here). To complete a DOT-like circuit, you might be able to take the Cathy Johnson Trail through South Valley Park to Deer Creek Canyon Road, walk down Deer Creek Canyon Road, enter Hildebrand Ranch Park at its north trailhead along the road, and follow park trails to meet back up with the DOT. This would involve walking along the curvy road with little shoulder; we recommend being patient and waiting for the trail to re-open, unfortunately.**

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Ken Caryl Ranch: There is an RTD park and ride facility 0.25 miles east from the end of the segment. There are a few morning and evening buses to and from downtown; otherwise, there’s no transit service.

Getting to Deer Creek Canyon Trailhead: There is no transit service. There’s a lot with plenty of spaces at the Jeffco Trailhead here.
** Deer Creek Canyon Park is currently closed. Do not try to park here. Instead, you can probably park along Deer Creek Canyon Road here. **

Facilities: There are some restaurants near the start point, and there are toilets and water fountains at the end point.

Segment 6: Plymouth Mountain, Hildebrand Ranch Park, and Chatfield State Park

Distance: 11.7 miles / Difficulty: Very Strenuous

A beast of a segment! Start by hiking up Plymouth Mountain, where you're rewarded with spectacular views of the entire Denver region. Enjoy it - this is the last 'mountain' segment until 28! Descend from near the summit into Hildebrand Ranch Park, where there's one more 'hump' to climb over. From the summit of this one, the view of the state park is awesome. Finally, follow through rolling meadows to Chatfield, where the segment ends.

** Deer Creek Canyon Park is currently closed. As such, it's not possible to walk the western half of Segment 6 within the park (Read more here). To do as much of the DOT as possible, you could enter Hildebrand Ranch Park at its north trailhead along the road, and follow park trails to meet back up with the DOT.**

** The entirety of Black Bear Trail, which connects Deer Creek Canyon Park and Hildebrand Ranch Park, is closed from February 1 through July 31 to protect nesting birds of prey. (Read more here). As such, it's not possible to walk this segment (or at least between mile 3.0 and 9.2) during these months. We recommend waiting until July 31 and not trying to walk along Deer Creek Canyon Road. **

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Deer Creek Canyon Trailhead: There is no transit service. There’s a lot with plenty of spaces at the Jeffco Trailhead here.
** Deer Creek Canyon Park is currently closed. Do not try to park here. Instead, you can probably park along Deer Creek Canyon Road here. **

Getting to Chatfield State Park: There is no transit service. There are two parking lots within 0.1 miles of the segment end point. There is a fee to enter Chatfield State Park. If you ish to avoid the fee, you might end Segment 6 just before and park in the neighborhood parks just southwest of Denver Botanical Gardens.

Facilities: There are toilets and water fountains at Deer Creek Canyon. There are toilets available in the parking lots near the end point in Chatfield State Park.

Segment 7: Chatfield State Park

Distance: 6.5 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

Explore the best of Chatfield State Park on this segment! Follow around the shores of the reservoir, gradually ascending up to the dam. Walk along the top, with incredible vistas of the mountains to the west and Downtown Denver to the north. Continue around the reservoir, carefully cross a railroad, and meet up with the High Line Canal. A short bit of road walking brings you to the excellent and scenic trails network of Highlands Ranch.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Chatfield State Park: There is no transit service. There are two parking lots within 0.1 miles of the segment end point. There is a fee to enter Chatfield State Park. If you wish to avoid the fee, you might start Segment 7 just before and park in the neighborhood parks just southwest of Denver Botanical Gardens.

Getting to Plum Valley Park: There is a small parking lot here. The hourly 402L bus runs between Littleton / Mineral and County Line light rail stations along W Highlands Ranch Parkway (about a third of a mile away).

Facilities: You’ll pass a few restrooms in Chatfield State Park, at mile points 0.5 and 1.5 they’re the closest to the DOT. There are toilets in Plum Valley Park at the end, too. There should be water available at the first restroom as well. No options for food along this segment.

Segment 8: Douglas County Open Space

Distance: 6.5 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

A real treat, taking you around the outskirts of Highlands Ranch, just far enough way to feel immersed in wilderness. Enjoy miles of scenic walking through incredible rolling meadow and scrubland landscapes along the East-West Trail. Segment ends with a gentle climb towards Highlands Point, the highest spot around.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Plum Valley Park: There is a small parking lot here. The hourly 402L bus runs between Littleton / Mineral and County Line light rail stations along W Highlands Ranch Parkway (about a third of a mile away).

Getting to Red-Tail Park: There’s no transit, unless you’d like to walk about 2 miles north to Highlands Ranch Parkway to catch the 402L. There’s a small parking lot at the park. It can get busy on weekends.

Facilities: Toilets are available in Plum Valley Park (at the start) and Red-Tail Park (at the end). Otherwise, it’s a very rural segment.

Segment 9: Highlands Point and Big Dry Creek Trail

Distance: 4.3 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

A segment of two beautiful halves. The first half, continue in the incredible rolling hills wilderness around Highlands Point, offering excellent views in all directions. Divert over to the point itself for a 360-degree vista of as far away as Longs Peak. In the second half, descend onto the Big Dry Creek Trail, following the pleasant and lush greenway through neighborhoods to Highland Heritage Regional Park.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Red-Tail Park: There’s no transit, unless you’d like to walk about 2 miles north to Highlands Ranch Parkway to catch the 402L. There’s a small parking lot at the park. It can get busy on weekends.

Getting to Highland Heritage Regional Park: There’s plenty of parking here. It’s also accessible by bus, with the stop at S University Boulevard & S Quebec Street less than half a mile away. From here, catch the 402L as it goes (hourly) between Littleton / Mineral and County Line light rail stations.

Facilities: There are toilets at the start point (Red-Tail Park), Paintbrush Park (2.3 mi), Big Dry Creek Park (3.5 mi), and Highland Heritage Regional Park (the end point).

Segment 10: Bluffs Regional Park

Distance: 5.9 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

Head south along the Big Dry Creek Trail at first, but soon leave it for the unpaved trails of Bluffs Regional Park. A short, but steep, climb brings you to the top of the bluffs, which feels like a whole other world of rolling grazing meadows. Wind your way along the top of the bluff before a picturesque descent into the valley of I-25.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Highland Heritage Regional Park: There’s plenty of parking here. It’s also accessible by bus, with the stop at S University Boulevard & S Quebec Street less than half a mile away. From here, catch the 402L as it goes (hourly) between Littleton / Mineral and County Line light rail stations.

Getting to near RidgeGate Parkway Station: There are bus and rail connections available at the station, as well as an RTD park and ride. It’s about a mile walk to the station from the end of the segment. We found a porta-potty in the small trail parking lot opposite the RidgeGate Parkway station.

Facilities: There are toilets at Highland Heritage Regional Park (the start point). We believe that's it, though there are also toilets in the parking lot by the Schweiger Ranch, by RidgeGate Parkway Station.

Segment 11: East/West Regional Trail to Cherry Creek Trail

Distance: 7.5 miles / Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

A segment that truly makes you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere! Follow the East/West Regional Trail through some dramatic scenery and gentle elevation changes, exploring a part of the region that feels relatively untouched, save for the power lines running overhead. Soon enough, join up with paved greenways through residential neighborhoods as you get closer to Parker and join up with the Cherry Creek Trail. Fun fact: the intersection of the East/West Regional Trail and the Cherry Creek Trail is the point on the DOT furthest from Downtown Denver!

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to near RidgeGate Parkway Station: There are bus and rail connections available at the station, as well as an RTD park and ride. It’s about a mile walk to the station from the end of the segment.

Getting to Bar CCC Park: There’s a large free parking lot at the park, off South Twenty Mile Road. The 483 bus stops at the park; it runs hourly between Lincoln and Nine Mile Stations, but only M-F.

Facilities: There's a porta-potty just off-segment, by Prairie Crossing Elementary School, at 5.3 miles. There's a water fountain in the park at 5.3 miles, too. There are more toilets at the end of the segment, by the parking lot at Bar CCC park. Target and other stores are just a ten minute walk from the end of the segment, across Twenty Mile Road. There are also toilets in the parking lot by the Schweiger Ranch, by RidgeGate Parkway Station.

Segment 12: South Cherry Creek Trail

Distance: 7.1 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

The Cherry Creek Trail is so long we need two segments to get you to the reservoir! This segment follows the trail the whole way as the scenery gradually changes around you: cross under bridges, pass by streams and lakes, and explore great neighborhood parks on the way. A lovely and easy-to-follow segment.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Bar CCC Park: There’s a large free parking lot at the park, off South Twenty Mile Road. The 483 bus stops at the park; it runs hourly between Lincoln and Nine Mile Stations, but only M-F.

Getting to Arapahoe Road Cherry Creek Trailhead: There’s a parking lot here. The nearest bus stops are about a half mile in both directions along Arapahoe Road, where the 153 runs. Buses come every 30 minutes and go between Arapahoe, Aurora Metro Center, and Peoria Station.

Facilities: Target and other stores are just a ten minute walk from the start of the segment, across Twenty Mile Road. There are toilets by the start, too, in Bar CCC park between the parking lot and the segment start. We found toilets just off-segment at the Parker Recreation Center (1.6 mi). We're pretty sure we saw toilets in Cottonwood Park, though you'd have to brave all the signs warning that it was a private park (3.7 mi). There's another set of porta-potties at 5.4 miles. Finally, there are toilets at the end point as well. There's a Circle K and other refreshments (Jimmy John's, Dutch Bros, Arby's, Kneaders) within the first half mile of Segment 13.

Segment 13: Cherry Creek Trail to Cherry Creek State Park

Distance: 8.4 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

After a short stretch along paved greenways and neighborhood sidewalks, the entirety of this segment is in Cherry Creek State Park. Explore areas few visitors get to, walking along a historic railroad bed through lush vegetation in the south half of the park. Finally, take in the views as you walk halfway around the lake, a stunning delight that does not get old.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Arapahoe Road Cherry Creek Trailhead: There’s a parking lot here. The nearest bus stops are about a half mile in both directions along Arapahoe Road, where the 153 runs. Buses come every 30 minutes and go between Arapahoe, Aurora Metro Center, and Peoria Station.

Getting to Cherry Creek State Park: We recommend taking an RTD bus or light rail to Nine Mile Station, or parking at the station. It’s a bit of a walk to the segment end point.

Facilities: There's a Circle K and other refreshments (Jimmy John's, Dutch Bros, Arby's, Kneaders) within the first half mile of the segment. No more refreshments, but there are toilets at 3.4, 4.6, 5.3, 5.4, and 7.2 miles. These are all State Park bathrooms, and we found that at least some of them were closed seasonally.

Segment 14: Cherry Creek Spillway, Horseshoe Park, and Toll Gate Creek Regional Trail

Distance: 4.7 miles / Difficulty: Easy

Take in lovely views of the mountains in the distance overlooking the open space of Cherry Creek State Park. Follow pleasant linear greenways through varied surroundings; enjoy crossings over running water, woodland, and open meadows. Stop in any of several parks for a picnic along the way.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Cherry Creek State Park: We recommend taking an RTD bus or light rail to Nine Mile Station, or parking at the station. It’s a bit of a walk to the segment starting point.

Getting to Toll Gate Creek Trail: You can park on the street at Rocky Ridge Park, about a half mile east of Toll Gate Creek Trail along Mississippi Avenue. The 130 bus runs on Mississippi every 30 minutes, and it’s a 20 minute ride back to Nine Mile Station.

Facilities: Toilets available at Olympic Park (2.0 mi). Refreshments at 7/11, Jack in the Box, and others can be found a five-minute walk from the end of the segment, along Mississippi.

Segment 15: Toll Gate Creek Regional Trail to High Line Canal

Distance: 3 miles / Difficulty: Easy

Walk the Toll Gate Creek Regional Trail and High Line Canal through the neighborhoods of Aurora. See sweeping meadow vistas in large open spaces along the way. Stay off main roads and discover hidden gems, like a small pond and the historic Coal Creek Schoolhouse.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Toll Gate Creek Trail: You can park on the street at Rocky Ridge Park, about a half mile east of Toll Gate Creek Trail along Mississippi Avenue. The 130 bus runs on Mississippi every 30 minutes to Nine MIle Station and Aurora Metro Center.

Getting to the Chambers Centre: You can park in the shopping center parking lot, at the intersection. The 153 bus runs every half hour to Aurora Metro Center and Peoria Station. The 15 bus comes every 15 minutes; it’s a short walk away and that goes up Colfax into Downtown Denver. The 13th Ave Station on the R line is 1.5 miles away as well.

Facilities: Refreshments at 7/11, Jack in the Box, and others can be found a five-minute walk from the start of the segment, along Mississippi. Milly’s Community Cafe is easily accessible from the segment (1.0 mi). There are several restaurants,shops, and convenience stores within a five-minute walk from the end of the segment as well.

Segment 16: High Line Canal, Morrison Nature Center, and Sand Creek Trail

Distance: 4.7 miles / Difficulty: Easy

Follow the High Line Canal past flowers, fields of soccer and football players, pens with farm animals, and interpretative signs to learn more about the natural and built environment around you. Cross through the hidden gem Morrison Nature Center. Follow the Sand Creek Trail, elevated over the creek to your right through lovely grass and woodland surroundings.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to the Chambers Centre: You can park in the shopping center parking lot, at the intersection. The 153 bus runs every half hour to Aurora Metro Center and Peoria Station. The 15 bus comes every 15 minutes; it’s a short walk away and that goes up Colfax into Downtown Denver. The 13th Ave Station on the R line is 1.5 miles away as well.

Getting to Triple Creek Trailhead: There’s a bus stop here served by the 15, which runs down Colfax every 30 minutes, and the hourly 169 which runs between Aurora and 40th Ave & Airport Boulevard - Gateway Park Station, on the A line. There’s a parking lot here, too.

Facilities: There may be toilets in the stores in the Chambers Centre (in addition to a few nearby convenience stores for refreshments). There’s a playground just west of the Morrison Nature Center (2.6 mi). There are public toilets at the end point.

Segment 17: High Line Canal to First Creek Trail

Distance: 6.3 miles / Difficulty: Easy

Start and end on Tower Road, but avoid it as much as possible. Follow the brand-new sections of the High Line Canal in Aurora, including a new footbridge over I-70 (one of two crossings on the DOT). The canal brings you to a residential area, where sidewalks bring you to the awesome First Creek Trail, with water features, play areas, forested picnic areas, and more. It's extremely pleasant and beautiful.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to the Triple Creek Trailhead: There’s a bus stop here served by the 15, which runs down Colfax every 30 minutes, and the hourly 169 which runs between Aurora and 40th Ave & Airport Boulevard - Gateway Park Station, on the A line. There’s a parking lot here, too.

Getting to First Creek Trail: There are a few morning and evening buses (169) that run on Tower Road. We took the A train to 61st & Peña, which is about 1.4 miles away from the DOT. Sidewalks aren’t consistent, but there is always a dirt path along the road available for walking. Otherwise, you can park at Sprouts or similar at the intersection of 56th/Tower Road, at 61st & Peña Station (a paid airport lot), or at the RTD lot at 40th Ave & Airport Boulevard.

Facilities: There are public toilets at the starting point in the parking lot. There’s a Walmart, Dollar Tree, etc. in a shopping center by the I-70 crossing (2.1 mi). The facilities at the country club may be accessible, but we were too timid to try (5 mi). There are more stores on the way to 61st and Pena, if you’re walking to the station from the end of the segment.

Segment 18: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Distance: 8 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

Pass several lakes, take in as much opportunity as possible for wildlife viewing, and admire the mountains towering in the distance over the grassland in the foreground. It’s pretty varied as you go, with patches of flowers, trees, water, and grass all intermixed. Ladora Lake and Lake Mary are particular highlights on this crossing of the wildlife refuge on foot.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to First Creek Trail: There are a few morning and evening buses (169) that run on Tower Road. We took the A train to 61st & Peña, which is about 1.4 miles away from the DOT. Sidewalks aren’t consistent, but there is always a dirt path along the road available for walking. Otherwise, you can park at Sprouts or similar at the intersection of 56th/Tower Road, at 61st & Peña Station (a paid airport lot), or at the RTD lot at 40th Ave & Airport Boulevard.

Getting to Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR: There is a parking lot at the visitor center. There’s no transit available. It’s free to enter the refuge, so a taxi/rideshare could easily pick-up/drop-off.

Facilities: Refreshments are available on Tower Road (Sprout’s and others). There are toilets available in between Lake Mary and Lake Ladora (6.7 mi) and at the visitor center at the end.

Segment 19: Northfield Greenways and Neighborhood Parks

Distance: 3.6 miles / Difficulty: Easy

A nice and short segment, an easy walk through green parks lined by new-build houses, with enough about it to keep things interesting as you go. Follow along the central avenue of park space through the redeveloped Stapleton Airport site, a lush green walk good for all.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR: There is a parking lot at the visitor center. There’s no transit available. It’s free to enter the refuge, so a taxi/rideshare could easily pick-up/drop-off.

Getting to Northfield Shopping Center: There is parking available at the shopping center. During the day, the 88 bus runs every 30 minutes on 49th Ave; it’s a short ride to Central Park Station on the A line.

Facilities: Toilets and refreshments available at the visitor center; toilets and water fountains available at one of the first parks after the wildlife refuge (1.1 mi), by Northfield High School (1.8 mi), and in Prairie Circle Park (2.7 mi). Refreshments galore available at the shopping center at the end of the segment.

Segment 20: Sand Creek to Platte River

Distance: 5.6 miles / Difficulty: Easy

A segment that looks worse on a map than it is! Follow the Sand Creek Trail along I-270, but with enough separation that it's very pleasant for walking, offering frequent views of the flowing Sand Creek. Pass several factories and a zone of stinky air - all part of the gritty experience of passing through this part of the DOT! Soon enough, reach the urban oasis that is the Platte River Trail.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Northfield Shopping Center: There is parking available at the shopping center. During the day, the 88 bus runs every 30 minutes on 49th Ave; it’s a short ride to Central Park Station on the A line.

Getting to Commerce City & 72nd Station: This is a stop on the N line between Union Station and Eastlake. There are bus connections, and it’s an RTD park and ride as well. The segment end point is around a 15-minute walk from the station.

Facilities: Refreshments and toilets galore at the shopping center at the start of the segment (we used Target). That's it for the rest of the segment, though there's a porta-potty 0.3 miles into Segment 21.

Segment 21: Platte River Trail to Riverdale Regional Park

Distance: 8.8 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

A straight shot, a gorgeous jaunt, along the Platte River Trail. A segment that's frequently beautiful, with many - and varied - water views. Discover cool bridges. Enjoy an oasis that feels miles from civilization at times. A real treat.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Commerce City & 72nd Station: This is a stop on the N line between Union Station and Eastlake. There are bus connections, and it’s an RTD park and ride as well. The segment start point is around a 15-minute walk from the station.

Getting to King Ranch Park: To get here by car, you can street park along the edge of the park. By RTD, the 120L runs every hour (between Brighton and Eastlake & 124th Station) and stops very close to the start of the segment, at 120th Ave & Quebec Street. If coming by car, you might wish to park at the station and take the short bus ride to the start.

Facilities: There are toilets 0.3 miles into the segment. There's a Conoco just off segment at 2.4 miles. There are toilets just on the other side of the pond at 5.7 miles. There are plenty of refreshments at the corner of Colorado and 120th, about a ten minute bus ride on the 120L or a 10 minute drive down 120th from the end of the segment.

Segment 22: Horizon Tributary Trail to Lee Lateral Ditch and Signal Ditch Trails

Distance: 6.3 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

Lots to discover here. Enjoy some slight ascents and descents that create pretty views through King Ranch. Walk through several parks and open spaces, pass the gem that is Marshall Reservoir, and enjoy the incredibly gorgeous Lateral Ditch and Signal Ditch trails.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to King Ranch Park: To get here by car, you can street park along the edge of the park. By RTD, the 120L runs every hour (between Brighton and Eastlake & 124th Station) and stops very close to the start of the segment, at 120th Ave & Quebec Street. If coming by car, you might wish to park at the station and take the short bus ride to the start.

Getting to Eastlake & 124th Station: Get here by the N Line, which runs every 30 minutes. It’s a 30 minute trip to/from Union Station. There’s also an RTD park and ride at the station. The segment end point is a little over a half mile from the station.

Facilities: There are toilets at Trail Winds Park (3.6 mi) and the York Street Pavilion (5.8 mi). There’s a Walmart shopping center about a quarter of a mile off the segment for snacks and refreshments (2.2 mi). There’s a few restaurants/pubs around Eastlake & 124th Station, too.

Segment 23: Signal Ditch Trail, Hunters Glen Lake, and Big Dry Creek Trail

Distance: 7.2 miles / Difficulty: Moderate

Walk around Hunters Glen, a real treat with the mountains to the west visible in the distance. A short walk along greenways and neighborhood streets brings you to and under I-25 (one of two crossings on the DOT). For the rest of the way, head straight along the Big Dry Creek Trail as you pass through an awesome corridor of open space. It's often very beautiful.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Eastlake & 124th Station: Get here by the N Line, which runs every 30 minutes. It’s a 30 minute trip to/from Union Station. There’s also an RTD park and ride at the station. The segment start point is about a half mile from the station.

Getting to Big Dry Creek & 112th: There’s a small parking lot at the Big Dry Creek/112th Trailhead. The 112 bus stops here and runs hourly between US 36 & Broomfield Park and Ride and Northglenn - 112th Station (N Line).

Facilities: There was a porta-potty in the parking lot at Hunters Glen Park (0.5 mi), there are toilets just off segment at Metzger Farm Open Space (5.3 mi), and there were porta-potties on the segment at 5.8 miles. We assume - though didn’t check - that you could find a restroom at Front Range Community College.

Segment 24: Big Dry Creek Trail: Front Range Community College to Wadsworth Parkway

Distance: 4 miles / Difficulty: Easy

You thought you were done with the Big Dry Creek Trail? Nope. Continue along the greenway corridor as the scenery gradually changes around you, bringing you through awesome underpasses and tunnels and past lush parks and blue ponds.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Big Dry Creek & 112th: There’s a small parking lot at the Big Dry Creek/112th Trailhead. The 112 bus stops here and runs hourly between US 36 & Broomfield Park and Ride and Northglenn - 112th Station (N Line).

Getting to Big Dry Creek & Wadsworth: There’s a small parking lot at the Big Dry Creek Trailhead. The 76 bus stops nearby; it runs every half hour between US 36 & Broomfield and Arvada (connections to the G Line), Lakewood (connections to the W Line), and south into Littleton.

Facilities: There's a porta-potty in the parking lot at Westminster City Park, just off route at almost exactly 1 mile in. The Butterfly Pavilion is just a short walk off the segment down 104th, accessible from 1.5 miles in. There was a porta-potty right at the end of the segment too, just before crossing under Wadsworth Parkway, at 3.9 miles.

Segment 25: Big Dry Creek to Standley Lake

Distance: 2.4 miles / Difficulty: Easy

The shortest segment, and the one that features one of our favorite views of the whole DOT, overlooking Standley Lake. Admire the vista sprawled out before you at the halfway point. Before, head towards the dam towering before you. After, walk along the lake shore and briefly along the Croke Canal. So much to love here.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Big Dry Creek & Wadsworth: There’s a small parking lot at the Big Dry Creek Trailhead. You could probably park at King Soopers, too. The 76 bus stops nearby; it runs every half hour between US 36 & Broomfield and Arvada (connections to the G Line), Lakewood (connections to the W Line), and south into Littleton.

Getting to Standley Lake Library: You can park at the library if coming by car. The 100 bus stops just out front. It runs every hour between US 36 & Sheridan Park and Ride, Arvada Ridge Station (connections to the G Line), and the Federal Center (connections to the W Line).

Facilities: There's a porta-potty just at the end of Segment 24, on the other side of Wadsworth Parkway from the start of this segment. There's a King Soopers grocery store and other refreshments a 5-minute walk from the start point. If the library is open at the segment end, you can use the toilets there, too.

Segment 26: Farmers & Croke Canals Trail through Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

Distance: 3.7 miles / Difficulty: Easy

A segment of canal trails and lovely parks galore. The canal trails are awesome, secluded greenways cutting through otherwise built-up residential areas. The parks and open spaces - from neighborhood play areas to National Wildlife Refuges - are beautiful to pass through on foot. Majestic View Park, at the end of the segment, lives up to its name.

See a time-lapse of walking Segment 26 here!

** We have received reports that the end of Segment 26 at Majestic View Park is under construction for several months. In the meantime, you can detour by walking down 72nd and Carr Street and avoiding just the last half mile or so of the Croke Canal Trail.**

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Standley Lake Library: You can park at the library if coming by car. The 100 bus stops just out front. It runs every hour between US 36 & Sheridan Park and Ride, Arvada Ridge Station (connections to the G Line), and the Federal Center (connections to the W Line).

Getting to Majestic View Park: You can park at the park lot, if coming by car. To get here via RTD, you can take the 76 bus to Wadsworth Boulevard / W 72nd Ave, where it’s then a 0.8 mile walk along 72nd to Majestic View Park. You could also continue onto Segment 27 and take the 100 bus from Kipling & 72nd.

Facilities: If the library is open at the segment start, you could use the toilets here. We assume - though didn't check - that you could use the toilets at the Majestic View Nature Center when it's open, just past the segment end point, onto Segment 27. There's also a porta-potty in the parking lot at the segment end point in Majestic View Park. In a pinch, Target and other stores are about a 20-minute walk off-segment, at the corner of 80th and Wadsworth.

Segment 27: Majestic View Park, Ralston Creek Trail, and Blunn Reservoir

Distance: 10.9 miles / Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Enjoy the challenge of this beast of a segment. Follow the very enjoyable Ralston Creek Trail through Arvada, with frequent scenery changes and occasional glimpses of North Table Mountain in the distance. Emerge from the Ralston Creek Trail at Blunn Reservoir, where the DOT brings you the long way around, up to the top of a bluff. Take in some of the most stunning mountain vistas on the whole trail.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Majestic View Park: You can park at the park lot, if coming by car. To get here via RTD, you can take the 76 bus to Wadsworth Boulevard / W 72nd Ave, where it’s then a 0.8 mile walk along 72nd to Majestic View Park. You could also start about a mile into the segment, taking the 100 bus to Kipling & 72nd.

Getting to Arvada Blunn Reservoir: There is a small parking lot before the entry gate that’s free to use while the reservoir is open (the sign says the hours of operation are 7:00 - 7:00 and the reservoir season is April 1st through October 31st). If this lot is closed, there’s the West Arvada Dog Park just down the road. There’s no transit available.

Facilities: We assume - though didn’t check - that you could use the toilets at the Majestic View Nature Center when it’s open. There are porta-potties in the parking lot at the segment start point. There are public toilets at 6.9 miles.

Segment 28: Fairmont Canal Trail to North Table Mountain, Tucker Gulch to Downtown Golden

Distance: 7.8 miles / Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Walk to, and then up, and then around, and then down North Table Mountain. Explore the nooks and crannies of the mountain as you wind your way through it. Finally reach the tabletop and the feeling of being in a whole other world. Descend into lively downtown Golden having completed an epic and challenging walk to get there.

TRANSPORTATION & FACILITIES

Getting to Arvada Blunn Reservoir: There is a small parking lot before the entry gate that’s free to use while the reservoir is open (the sign says the hours of operation are 7:00 - 7:00 and the reservoir season is April 1st through October 31st). If this lot is closed, there’s the West Arvada Dog Park just down the road. There’s no transit available.

Getting to Downtown Golden: There is plenty of parking in Downtown Golden nearby, including the Clear Creek Parking Lot and the public garage on Jackson Street. The RTD 17 bus comes every 30 minutes into Golden, with 10th St & Washington Ave a 5-minute walk to Vanover Park. Golden has a pilot transit program to provide free 'Ore Cart' shuttle services to local RTD rail stations.

Facilities: There are restaurants, shops, toilets, and water stops galore in Golden. There is a porta-potty in the parking lot at the start of the segment, though we've found it's sometimes locked. A bit sparse otherwise.