SOUTH PLATTE RIVER TRAIL FROM CARSON NATURE CENTER

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

Description: This is one of my favorite South Metro nature-in-the-city trails in any season. From the Carson Nature Center, we’ll head south on the trail along the South Platte River and then stay on the trail on the EAST side of the river instead of going over the pedestrian  bridge to the west side to the much-more-bicycle-trail on the  west side.  We’ll be on the opposite side of the river from where we’ve previously walked the Mary Carter Greenway Trail. The trail we’ll take winds along the river through a protected natural area and the riparian cottonwoods. The trail is a fairly wide, well-maintained and very smooth dirt and small gravel path. It’s in  a very nice birding area and waterfowl are almost always present in the river.

Where: Carson Nature Center behind, that is, west, of the Aspen Grove shopping area. From the intersection of  Santa Fe Drive and Mineral Avenue, go west on Mineral to the first light. Turn north on South Platte Parkway. You’ll be going between the paved and unpaved RTD parking lots. Go to the first stop sign. Turn left (west) to go into the “South Platte Park / Carson Nature Center” parking lot.  If the lot is full there is plenty of overflow parking at the adjacent RTD lot. 

Google Maps Plus Code:  HXMC+FGV

Entrance fees:  No

Distance: 3.2 miles total (out and back) if we go where the trail dead ends.

Elevation gain: Very flat (follows the river)

ADA accessible:  Although the trail is very smooth, it is not paved and not a good choice for standard wheelchairs or walkers.

Dogs allowed: Yes, if leashed and well-behaved.

Toilets at the trailhead: Yes (indoor at the Carson Nature Center)

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.