Northeast Denver Loop

Overview: Enjoy Denver's northeast quadrant as you explore Cherry Creek Trail, Highline Canal Trail(East), Sand Creek Greenway, and the Platte River Trail.
At 42 miles, you're probably going to want to bike this one. Don't have a bike? No problem!
Denver B-cycles to the rescue. For an extremely reasonable price, you can rent a fun bike, with a basket and lock included. And to make it even better, you don't have to return the bike to the same station where you rented it. You can return to another B-cycle location
Of course you can travel in either direction on this loop trail, but for the purposes of this guide, we're traveling counter-clockwise starting on the Cherry Creek Trail at Confluence Park where Cherry Creek runs into the Platte River in downtown Denver.
This makes a good starting spot because it is central to just about everything: major bus stop, 16th Street Mall, train station, downtown Denver, a wonderful park, Tattered Cover Book Store, REI, coffee shops and, most importantly, the junction of Platte River Trail and Cherry Creek Trail.
You will begin your ride on Cherry Creek Trail as it passes two country clubs, an upscale mall, and a historic park. Then you'll turn onto Highline Canal Trail East and follow it through urban neighborhoods and into the suburbs. This trail continues all the way until you cross under Highway 225 and then connects you with the Sand Creek Greenway with its wide open spaces and urban trail views. Finally, you'll cross the Platte River and join the Platte River Trail, one of Denver's busiest and most cosmopolitan.
If you're yearning for a good workout and a pretty long ride, then this is the one for you. And this guide will come in handy when you're on the Highline Canal Trail and Sand Creek Greenway sections as there are a couple slightly confusing spots.

Tips: - If you are riding the entire loop, you will want a bike that has trail tires because much of the Sand Creek Greenway is gravel or dirt surfaced.
- Pack plenty of water, because there are very few fountains along the way.
-Rest rooms are also scarce, so check at parks and commercial establishments if the urge arises.
- Be aware that there are numerous road crossings on the Highline Canal Trail section.
- Most of the parks along the trail offer parking. One of the best options is to take a bus into Denver. Both the Union Station and Market Street stops are close to Confluence Park and the trails.
- Take advantage of Denver B-cycle rentals at Market Street station and at 15th & Delgany.