How to Explore the Highlands Suburban Trails Denver

The Highlands neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, is more than just a historic district with Victorian homes and vibrant local cuisine—it’s a gateway to some of the most scenic, under-the-radar suburban trails in the metro area. While many visitors flock to Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain National Park, or the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Highlands Suburban Trails offer a quieter, more intimate connection with nature, urban history, and local culture—all within a short drive from downtown. These trails weave through residential neighborhoods, creek corridors, and restored greenways, providing hikers, runners, and cyclists with a unique blend of serenity and accessibility. Whether you're a longtime Denver resident looking to rediscover your backyard or a traveler seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, exploring these trails opens a window into the soul of the city beyond its skyline.

Unlike major state parks or designated wilderness areas, the Highlands Suburban Trails are not always clearly marked on standard maps. Their charm lies in their organic integration with the community—connecting parks, schools, and local businesses through pedestrian-friendly pathways. This guide will walk you through exactly how to navigate, prepare for, and maximize your experience on these trails. From understanding trail etiquette to identifying the best access points and seasonal conditions, this comprehensive tutorial ensures you’ll explore with confidence, safety, and deep appreciation for the landscape and culture that define this part of Denver.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Trail Network

Before setting foot on any path, it’s essential to grasp the structure of the Highlands Suburban Trails. This network is not a single trail but a curated system of interconnected routes that span approximately 15 miles across the Highlands, West Highland, and parts of the Baker neighborhood. The core trails include the Highlands Ranch Trail, the Ward Road Greenway, the Cherry Creek Spur, and the 16th Street Connector. Each segment varies in surface type, elevation gain, and proximity to urban amenities.

The Highlands Ranch Trail runs parallel to the South Platte River and is paved, making it ideal for families and casual walkers. The Ward Road Greenway, by contrast, is a natural surface trail with gravel and packed dirt, winding through wooded buffers and private conservation easements. The Cherry Creek Spur links to the larger Cherry Creek Trail system, offering a seamless transition to downtown Denver if you’re looking to extend your journey. The 16th Street Connector is a lesser-known but highly scenic route that passes historic stone bridges and old railroad beds repurposed as pedestrian walkways.

Use the Denver Parks and Recreation Trail Map (available online) to visualize how these segments interconnect. Print a copy or save an offline version on your phone. Pay attention to trailheads marked with blue icons—they indicate official access points with parking, signage, and restrooms.

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point

There are four primary trailheads recommended for first-time explorers:

• Highlands Square Trailhead – Located at 3200 W. 32nd Ave. This is the most accessible entry point with ample street parking, public restrooms, and a kiosk with trail maps. Ideal for families and those seeking a gentle introduction.
• Ward Road Access Point – At the corner of Ward Road and Downing Street. Offers a more rugged, natural experience with shaded canopies and birdwatching opportunities. Parking is limited; consider biking or using public transit.
• Cherry Creek Spur Junction – Near the intersection of Downing Street and Alameda Avenue. Best for those connecting to longer routes or aiming to reach City Park. Bike racks and water fountains are available.
• 16th Street Connector Entrance – Found just south of the old Denver & Rio Grande Railroad tunnel. A hidden gem with historic markers and minimal foot traffic. Requires a short walk from the nearest bus stop on West 16th Avenue.

Beginners should start at Highlands Square. The initial half-mile is flat, well-lit, and lined with interpretive signs about native flora and local history. Once comfortable, you can branch out to other segments using the trail connectors.

Step 3: Prepare Your Gear

Even though these are suburban trails, proper preparation is non-negotiable. Denver’s elevation (5,280 feet) means thinner air and stronger UV exposure. Weather can shift rapidly, especially in spring and fall.

Essential gear includes:

• Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners – Even paved paths may have cracks or tree roots. Avoid sandals or dress shoes.
• Layered clothing – A moisture-wicking base layer, a light insulating mid-layer, and a wind-resistant shell. Temperatures can vary 20°F between morning and midday.
• Hydration pack or reusable water bottle – Carry at least 20 oz. of water. Refill stations are sparse.
• Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. UV levels are 30% higher than at sea level.
• Trail map and compass (or offline GPS app) – Cell service is inconsistent in wooded sections.
• Small first-aid kit – Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for ticks or splinters.

For longer excursions (over 3 miles), bring a lightweight snack—trail mix, energy bars, or fruit. Avoid carrying heavy backpacks; these trails are meant for leisure, not endurance training.

Step 4: Navigate Using Landmarks and Signage

Unlike national parks, the Highlands Suburban Trails rely on subtle signage. Look for:

• Blue diamond markers – These indicate the main trail route. They’re mounted on fence posts, trees, or lampposts.
• White rectangular signs – These denote side paths, rest areas, or historical points of interest.
• Brass plaques – Embedded in sidewalks near the 16th Street Connector, these detail the history of the old railroad and early settlers.

Do not rely solely on GPS. Satellite signals can be blocked by tree canopies or building overhangs. Instead, use landmarks: the red brick water tower near 30th and Ward, the stone arch bridge at Alameda and Downing, or the cluster of cottonwood trees just before the Cherry Creek junction. These are consistent, visible, and easy to recall.

At intersections, pause and check your map. If you’re unsure, look for trail volunteers—often local residents in bright vests—who are happy to offer directions. They’re part of the Highlands Trail Stewards program, a community initiative dedicated to trail maintenance and visitor assistance.

Step 5: Respect Trail Etiquette and Wildlife

These trails are shared spaces. You’ll encounter dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, birders, and children playing. Follow these guidelines:

• Always yield to pedestrians. Cyclists should announce themselves with a polite “On your left!” before passing.
• Keep dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Many sections pass near private yards and school zones.
• Do not feed wildlife. Squirrels, rabbits, and even deer are wild animals. Feeding them disrupts natural behaviors and can lead to dangerous encounters.
• Stay on marked paths. Off-trail hiking damages native plants and disturbs nesting birds.
• Carry out all trash—including biodegradable items like apple cores or banana peels. They do not decompose quickly at high altitudes and attract pests.

Also, be mindful of quiet hours. Between 7–9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m., many residents use the trails for morning walks or evening relaxation. Keep music to headphones and avoid loud conversations.

Step 6: Extend Your Journey

Once you’ve mastered the core trails, consider extending your route:

• Connect to the Cherry Creek Trail at the Alameda junction and ride or walk 3 miles to City Park. You’ll pass the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science.
• Follow the 16th Street Connector east to the South Platte River Greenway, then head north to the Denver Art Museum area.
• On weekends, join the Highlands Heritage Walk, a guided historical tour that departs from Highlands Square at 10 a.m. (check the city’s event calendar for dates).

These extensions add cultural and historical depth to your experience, transforming a simple walk into a full-day exploration of Denver’s urban evolution.

Step 7: Track Your Progress and Reflect

Keep a simple trail journal. Note the date, weather, trail segment covered, and any notable observations—a rare hawk sighting, a blooming wildflower, or the sound of a distant train whistle echoing through the canyon. This practice deepens your connection to the landscape and helps you identify patterns: which trails you prefer in summer versus winter, which times of day feel most peaceful, or which routes are best for photography.

Consider sharing your experiences (without revealing exact addresses or private property) on community forums like Denver Hikers or Reddit’s r/Denver. Your insights may help others discover these hidden gems.

Best Practices

Plan Around Weather and Season

Denver’s climate is semi-arid with four distinct seasons. Each brings unique advantages and challenges to trail exploration.

Spring (March–May) – Wildflowers bloom along the creek banks, and the air is crisp. However, trails can be muddy from snowmelt. Avoid the Ward Road Greenway after heavy rain. Stick to paved sections like Highlands Ranch Trail.

Summer (June–August) – Long daylight hours (up to 15 hours) make this ideal for early morning or late evening walks. Temperatures can soar past 90°F. Start before 8 a.m. to avoid peak heat. Carry extra water and wear breathable fabrics.

Fall (September–November) – Arguably the best season. Cool temperatures, golden aspen trees, and fewer crowds. The 16th Street Connector is particularly stunning with sunlight filtering through the canopy. Be prepared for sudden afternoon thunderstorms.

Winter (December–February) – Snowfall is common but rarely heavy in the Highlands. Paved trails remain passable with proper footwear. The Ward Road Greenway may close temporarily after snow. Check the city’s Trail Status Dashboard before heading out. Winter walking offers serene solitude and beautiful frost-covered landscapes.

Use Public Transit to Reduce Environmental Impact

Many trailheads are accessible via Denver’s RTD bus system. Routes 1, 15, and 34 serve key access points. Use the RTD Journey Planner app to map your route. Biking to the trail is also encouraged—Denver has over 200 miles of bike lanes, and many trails have bike racks at entry points.

By avoiding car travel, you reduce congestion, lower emissions, and support sustainable urban mobility. It also gives you the freedom to explore multiple trail segments in one day without worrying about parking.

Engage with the Local Community

The Highlands Suburban Trails thrive because of community involvement. Attend a monthly Trail Clean-Up Day hosted by the Highlands Neighborhood Association. Volunteers gather on the second Saturday of each month to remove litter, prune overgrowth, and repaint signage.

Support local businesses near trailheads: grab coffee at Highlands Coffee Roasters, pick up a trail snack at Denver Baked Goods, or browse maps and books at BookBar on 33rd Street. These small businesses often sponsor trail improvements and provide free water refills to walkers.

Photography and Mindful Observation

These trails are rich with photographic opportunities: the interplay of light through cottonwood leaves, the reflection of clouds in the creek, the texture of aged brick walls along the 16th Street Connector. Use a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife.

Practice mindful observation. Sit quietly for 10 minutes at a bench near the creek. Listen to the rustle of leaves, the call of a heron, the distant hum of traffic fading into the background. This isn’t just exercise—it’s a form of urban mindfulness.

Trail Safety and Emergency Preparedness

While these trails are generally safe, incidents can occur. Always:

• Inform someone of your planned route and return time.
• Carry a fully charged phone. Even without service, emergency calls often go through.
• Know the location of the nearest emergency call box. These are marked with blue signs and located every 1.5 miles on major segments.
• Learn basic first aid for altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness. Descend to lower elevation if symptoms persist.

Never hike alone at night. While the trails are well-lit, visibility is reduced, and some sections lack surveillance. Stick to daylight hours unless you’re part of an organized evening event.

Tools and Resources

Official Trail Maps and Apps

• Denver Parks and Recreation Trail Map – Available at denvergov.org/parks/trails. Download the PDF version for offline use. Includes elevation profiles and surface types.
• AllTrails – Search “Highlands Suburban Trails” for user-submitted photos, reviews, and recent condition reports. Filter by difficulty, length, and pet-friendliness.
• Trailforks – Ideal for mountain bikers. Shows real-time trail closures and user-reported maintenance issues.
• Google Earth Pro – Use the historical imagery feature to see how the trails have evolved over the past 20 years. Fascinating for history buffs.

Local Organizations and Guides

• Highlands Trail Stewards – A volunteer group that offers free guided walks, trail maps, and educational materials. Contact via their Facebook page or email: steward@highlandstrails.org.
• Denver Audubon Society – Hosts monthly birdwatching hikes on the Ward Road Greenway. All skill levels welcome. Register at denveraudubon.org.
• Denver Botanic Gardens – Urban Trails Program – Offers free workshops on native plant identification along the trails. Held quarterly.

Weather and Air Quality Tools

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Air Quality Forecast – Check daily ozone levels at cdph.colorado.gov/airquality. High ozone days (common in summer) can make breathing difficult for sensitive individuals.
• Weather.gov Denver – Provides hyper-local forecasts, including wind speed and UV index. More accurate than generic apps.
• Dark Sky App – Excellent for real-time precipitation tracking. Useful for planning morning walks when thunderstorms are common.

Historical and Cultural Resources

• Highlands Historical Society – Offers downloadable walking tours that tie trail segments to Denver’s early 20th-century development. Includes photos of original railroad workers’ cottages still standing near the 16th Street Connector.
• Denver Public Library – Western History Collection – Access digitized maps and oral histories of the area. Search “Highlands Trail History” in their online archive.
• “Denver’s Hidden Pathways” Podcast – A 12-episode series featuring interviews with trail volunteers, urban planners, and local historians. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Equipment and Gear Recommendations

• Footwear – Merrell Moab 3 (paved trails), Salomon X Ultra 4 (mixed terrain)
• Hydration – CamelBak Chute Mag 20 oz or Nalgene wide-mouth bottle
• Navigation – Garmin inReach Mini 2 (satellite communicator with offline maps)
• Lighting – Black Diamond Spot 400-R (rechargeable headlamp for early/late walks)
• Weather Protection – Columbia Women’s Bugaboo II Jacket or similar wind-resistant shell

Real Examples

Example 1: The Daily Commuter Who Found Peace

Julia, a software engineer living in West Highland, used to drive 15 minutes to the mountains on weekends to decompress. After reading a blog post about the Highlands Suburban Trails, she decided to try the Ward Road Greenway during her lunch break. Within two weeks, she began walking the 1.2-mile loop every day from 12:30–1:30 p.m. She now carries a small journal and sketches the birds she sees—her favorite is the Western Bluebird, which nests near the creek bend. “I used to think nature was something you had to escape to,” she says. “Now I realize it’s right outside my door.”

Example 2: The Family Who Rediscovered Their Neighborhood

The Rivera family moved to Denver from Texas and struggled to feel connected to their new city. They started visiting the Highlands Square Trailhead on Sunday afternoons with their two young children. They joined a family-friendly “Story Walk” event hosted by the library, where pages of a children’s book are posted along the trail. Now, every month, they pick a new trail segment to explore and document their findings in a scrapbook. “We’ve seen more of Denver in six months than we did in the first two years,” says their father, Carlos.

Example 3: The Photographer Who Captured a Changing Landscape

David, a freelance photographer, spent a year documenting the seasonal changes along the 16th Street Connector. He captured the same stone arch bridge in spring blossoms, summer heat haze, autumn gold, and winter frost. His exhibit, “The Quiet Corridor,” opened at the Denver Public Library and later traveled to three other Colorado cities. “These trails aren’t just paths,” he says. “They’re living archives. You can see the city’s heartbeat in the way people use them.”

Example 4: The Retiree Who Volunteered and Found Purpose

After retiring from teaching, Margaret joined the Highlands Trail Stewards to stay active. She began by picking up litter on weekends and soon started leading guided walks for seniors. She now trains new volunteers and has helped install 12 new benches along the trail. “I used to think retirement meant slowing down,” she says. “Turns out, it’s about planting seeds—literally and figuratively.”

FAQs

Are the Highlands Suburban Trails safe for solo walkers?

Yes, especially during daylight hours. The trails are well-trafficked in the mornings and evenings, and many sections are visible from nearby homes. Avoid walking alone after dark. Stick to paved, well-lit segments like Highlands Ranch Trail if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Can I bring my dog on all trail segments?

Dogs are allowed on all trails but must be leashed at all times. Some sections near schools and private residences have stricter rules. Always clean up after your pet. The Ward Road Greenway is particularly popular with dog owners due to its wooded buffers and open spaces.

Are the trails wheelchair accessible?

The Highlands Ranch Trail and the 16th Street Connector are fully paved and ADA-compliant. The Ward Road Greenway and Cherry Creek Spur have gravel and uneven surfaces and are not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers. Check the Denver Parks map for accessibility icons before heading out.

Is there a fee to use the trails?

No. All Highlands Suburban Trails are publicly funded and free to use. Donations to the Highlands Trail Stewards are appreciated but not required.

When is the best time of year to see wildflowers?

Mid-May to early June is peak bloom for native species like purple coneflower, blanket flower, and yarrow. The best spots are along the creek banks near the Cherry Creek Spur and the grassy meadows just east of 32nd Avenue.

Do I need a permit to hike or bike?

No permits are required for recreational use. However, organized events with more than 20 participants must register with Denver Parks and Recreation.

Are there restrooms along the trails?

Restrooms are available at the Highlands Square Trailhead, Cherry Creek Spur Junction, and near the 16th Street Connector entrance. Portable toilets are placed seasonally during peak usage. Plan ahead if you’re going on a longer route.

Can I run or jog on these trails?

Absolutely. Many local runners use these trails for recovery days or tempo workouts. The paved sections are ideal for speed work, while the gravel paths offer soft, low-impact terrain. Be courteous to walkers and announce your presence when passing.

What should I do if I encounter a snake?

Denver’s suburban trails are home to the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, a non-venomous species. Keep your distance, do not provoke it, and slowly back away. Most snakes will flee if given space. Do not attempt to handle or photograph closely.

How do I report a trail issue like broken signage or trash buildup?

Use the Denver 311 app or call 311. Select “Parks and Recreation” and report the specific trail segment and issue. Photos help expedite repairs. You can also notify the Highlands Trail Stewards directly via email.

Conclusion

Exploring the Highlands Suburban Trails in Denver is not merely a physical activity—it’s an act of reconnection. In a world where urban life often feels fragmented and fast-paced, these trails offer a rare space for presence: to notice the way light filters through cottonwoods, to hear the quiet rhythm of a creek over stone, to walk beside neighbors without rushing to a destination. They are not grand or dramatic, but they are deeply human.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—from choosing the right trailhead to respecting wildlife and engaging with the community—you transform a simple walk into a meaningful ritual. These trails are not destinations; they are living threads in the fabric of Denver’s identity, connecting past to present, nature to neighborhood, solitude to community.

Whether you’re a runner chasing the sunrise, a parent teaching a child to identify a robin, or a photographer seeking quiet beauty, the Highlands Suburban Trails welcome you. You don’t need to travel far to find wonder. Sometimes, all you need is to lace up your shoes, step onto a gravel path, and begin.