Start your adventure in downtown Golden, Colorado on the Clear Creek Trail. This scenic trail connects west into Clear Creek Canyon and east toward Wheat Ridge and Denver, forming part of a visionary 65-mile regional corridor (formally the Peaks to Plains Trail) that will eventually stretch from the South Platte River in Denver to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass.

Golden’s Canyon Connection

Golden serves as the eastern gateway to the trail, where visitors can begin in the heart of town and enjoy a seamless path west into Clear Creek Canyon Park or head east toward the metro area. The first four miles opened in 2016, followed by the popular 1.75-mile Gateway Segment in 2021, featuring two trailheads, over 170 parking spaces, restrooms, shaded seating, a bike repair station, and unique artistic bike racks. Trail highlights include a hiker-only suspension bridge near Tunnel 1, the historic Welch Ditch wooden flume, and rock staircases that provide safe creek access.

The Clear Creek Canyon (CCR) segment opened in 2025, and the next phase, the Huntsman Segment, is under construction opening later this year. This segment will add 1.5 miles of ADA-compliant trail, seven new bridges, a bridge and underpass at US Highway 6, multiple creek access points, and two new trailheads with parking. Once complete, the Clear Creek Trail will offer a continuous mountain-to-plains experience with breathtaking views and more than a mile of total elevation gain.

The trail is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Visitors can enjoy walking, running, and biking along this picturesque corridor while exploring Golden’s vibrant outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and mountain-town charm. Plan your visit to Golden and explore the Clear Creek Trail today.

Recreational Activities Along the Trail

Mayhem Gulch and Big Easy Trailheads

Further up Clear Creek Canyon, the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead connects to a three-mile paved segment that climbs about 500 feet in elevation. Along the way, visitors will find six designated creek access points and three bridges, each with an overlook for enjoying the rushing water and canyon views.

The Big Easy Trailhead and recreation area offers another hub for outdoor adventure, with 54 parking spaces, restrooms, fishing platforms, picnic pavilions, and a geology garden. Elevated boardwalks allow for exploration while protecting sensitive vegetation, and a new bridge here links directly to the Mayhem Gulch segment to the west. Together, these trailheads expand access to the Clear Creek Trail and create a family-friendly way to explore Clear Creek Canyon a short drive outside of Golden.