Mary Carter Greenway Trail along South Platte River and Ponds

Leader(s): Blaine, Jan, Cal and Ilan

Where:  The Mary Carter Greenway Trailhead is in South Platte Park barely north of C470 on west side of the South Platte river.  The Park’s entrance is where the east-west running Chatfield Avenue bends northeast to become South Platte Canyon Drive.

Plus Code: HX93+9VQ 

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If coming from the East on C470: take the Platte Canyon exit.  At the roundabout right after the off-ramp take the 1st exit to go NE on Platte Canyon.  Take the next right – it’s a very sharp hairpin curve. You’ll quickly see a sign that says you’re entering South Platte Park and, above it in smaller letters, Mary Carter Greenway.  Follow the road (there are no possible turns to take before coming to the first of two parking areas. 

If coming from the West on C470: take the Wadsworth exit (there is no exit from east-bound C470 to Platte Canyon Drive).  Turn right at the first light and go east on Chatfield Ave.  to the roundabout. Take the second exit to continue on Chatfield which then becomes Platte Canyon.  As above, take the next right – it’s a very sharp curve.  You’ll quickly see a sign that says you’re entering South Platte Park and, above it in smaller letters, Mary Carter Greenway.  Follow the road (there are no possible turns before coming to the first of two parking areas. 

If coming from the east or the west on Ken Caryl Road:  turn South at the light at Platte Canyon and take the second left.  It is  across from Depew St.  The road  immediately bends to the right and you’ll quickly see a sign that says you’re entering South Platte Park, and, above it in smaller letters, Mary Carter Greenway.  Follow the road (there are no possible turns to the first of two parking areas. 

We’ll meet in the first parking lot --- it’s bigger than the one next to the river and it has nice restrooms.

Description: This area is another urban treasure. Multiple trails traverse the area along the river and around several ponds. The ponds provide great reflections of the riparian trees looking back to the foothills. We’ll do 1.5 to 3  miles depending on the group’s interests. For our wheelchair participants or those wanting a short outing, we’ll start with a nice loop going to the river and then around Eagle Watch Lake and its wildlife viewing blind – a loop just under a mile. For those wanting to continue, we’ll loop go back to river for an out-and-back walk along the river up to another 2-3  miles roundtrip.

Entrance fees:  No (we’ve timed our outing to avoid the peak season and any requirements to pay for, or reserve, parking)

Distance:   1.5 to 3 miles based on the groups interests and abilities

Elevation gain: Negligible

Dogs allowed:  Yes, if mellow and leashed.

Toilets at the trailhead: Yes

Be sure to bring:  Water, sunscreen, hat and desire to get out and enjoy nature

Hike Leader Number:  720-392-3421 – Blaine’s cell ---  Please call or text if you need to cancel or if you are running late.

Plus Code: HX93+9VQ 

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