Peaks to Plains Trail

Adventure starts in downtown Golden, where the Peaks to Plains Trail stretches west into Clear Creek Canyon and east toward Wheat Ridge.

The Peaks to Plains Trail is a visionary 65-mile route designed to connect the South Platte River Trail in Denver to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass. Once fully completed, it will span four counties and seven cities, with a total elevation gain of more than 5,000 feet, offering breathtaking views and a continuous mountain-to-plains experience.

Golden is the eastern gateway to this landmark trail. The downtown Clear Creek Trail, now part of the Peaks to Plains Trail, flows seamlessly to other segments. Visitors can start in the heart of Golden and head west into Clear Creek Canyon Park or follow the creek east toward Wheat Ridge and beyond.

The first four miles of the trail opened in 2016, followed by many more miles over the years and more recently the popular Gateway Segment in 2021. New phases are underway in Clear Creek Canyon, with additional trailheads, bridges, and miles of paved path scheduled to open in 2026. From Golden, visitors can already enjoy a smooth transition from downtown to the canyon, with even more opportunities on the horizon.

Gateway Segment & Tunnel 1 Trailhead and Parking

The Gateway Segment is a 1.75-mile paved connection from downtown Golden into Clear Creek Canyon, following the creek along US-6 to Tunnel 1. It’s one of the most accessible and scenic ways to experience the canyon right from town. 

Two trailheads serve this section: the Gateway Trailhead at the canyon entrance and the Tunnel 1 Trailhead farther west. Together they provide more than 170 parking spaces, permanent restrooms, and shaded seating. The Gateway area also offers a bike repair station, artistic bike racks crafted from salvaged car parts, and a drinking fountain with a ground-level spout for dogs.

The trail is open daily from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Highlights include the hiker-only suspension bridge near Tunnel 1, which leads to the historic Welch Ditch wooden flume, and rock staircases that provide safe access down to Clear Creek.

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 Peaks to Plains Trail and create a family-friendly way to explore Clear Creek Canyon.