Mountain - Plains - Bike Path/Trail Conditions in Denver?

Fairly popular question this time of the year, but is anyone aware of the bike path/trail conditions in Denver? In particular, the Cherry Creek and South Platte trails? Any dodgy spots to be aware of or avoid?

Getting a bit weary of jutting out into traffic lanes to dodge ice/slush packs that consume the entire shoulder, but I really don't want to hop on the trainer (aka, Torture Device) either....

Thank you.

Fairly popular question this time of the year, but is anyone aware of the bike path/trail conditions in Denver? In particular, the Cherry Creek and South Platte trails? Any dodgy spots to be aware of or avoid?

Getting a bit weary of jutting out into traffic lanes to dodge ice/slush packs that consume the entire shoulder, but I really don't want to hop on the trainer (aka, Torture Device) either....

Thank you.

They are always plowed in Parker, but that doesn't mean there aren't slick and icy spots, especially on bridge underpasses, and where snow melts during the day and freezes at night as ice.

Fairly popular question this time of the year, but is anyone aware of the bike path/trail conditions in Denver? In particular, the Cherry Creek and South Platte trails? Any dodgy spots to be aware of or avoid?

Getting a bit weary of jutting out into traffic lanes to dodge ice/slush packs that consume the entire shoulder, but I really don't want to hop on the trainer (aka, Torture Device) either....

Thank you.

Here is a phone # for Denver parks and rec, and (if they decide to answer) they should be able to tell you at least the Cand C of Denver trails...303 458 4856 (only during the week) I looked at the Highline the other day and it had lots of icy spots , and all the streets to get there are still real icy..
Bud

The South Platte (south of Littleton at least) is passable, although lengthy sections are packed snow. The 470 trail from the Platte round to Morrison is mostly clear. This time of year I find the roads to be a better option generally.

Cherry Creek trail is mostly clear, though there are snowy/icy patches. Haul ass on the dry portions, and just take it easy on the rest, and its fine.

Thanks for the info.

Part of my ride today took me along the Cherry Creek Trail. It seemed to get better the further south of REI I went. Some ice patches here and there that were pretty easily avoided -- however, I was just about the only rider out there today (@ ~2pm) and I could see things getting a bit dicey if there were a lot of oncoming riders, joggers, etc.

All in all, the conditions aren't much different than most of the roads I ride on -- oh well.

I find Cherry Creek is usually great with the exception of the area where it is also the sidewalk in front of The Denver Country Club. Plow Trucks from the road throw crap all over it.

Beware the North sides of tall buildings.:mad:

I was cruising along 128 Eastbound late last night, with the headlight on low to conserve batteries.
The road was dry with the occasional damp area.
As I passed by a building on the South side of the road, I suddenly found myself on 1.5" of ice/snow, fishtailing wildly.:eek:
I skillfully handled the situation by diving headfirst into the building's North lawn.

Thanks for the info.

Part of my ride today took me along the Cherry Creek Trail. It seemed to get better the further south of REI I went. Some ice patches here and there that were pretty easily avoided -- however, I was just about the only rider out there today (@ ~2pm) and I could see things getting a bit dicey if there were a lot of oncoming riders, joggers, etc.

All in all, the conditions aren't much different than most of the roads I ride on -- oh well.

I think you meant the platte river path...REI is on the Platte and it runs N and south...I rode cherry creek from Downing to confluence the last few days and its totally clear except for a few bits of water here and there...

I think you meant the platte river path...REI is on the Platte and it runs N and south...I rode cherry creek from Downing to confluence the last few days and its totally clear except for a few bits of water here and there...
I'm sure he meant Cherry Creek as I know exactly what he was talking about. REI is at the confluence of the rivers, so you could consider cherry creek from "REI south".

Also, not to pick a nit, but at the confluence, the Platte runs almost perfectly NE/SW and the Cherry Creek runs almost perfectly NW/SE, mirroring downtown's street grid.

Like I said, not to pick a nit.

Rode on the Parker trails today. Many folks out cycling and walking, trails perfection.

I would consider The Platte River Trial to be North/South and Cherry Creek East/West in that context. If anyone said "Trail South of REI" I would never question that they meant "South Platte River Trail".

Now the semantics of the actual directions are obviously going to differ, they follow the "natural" flow of fresh water.

For information, the Platte river trail is closed going south from Confluence, at the Lakewood gulch trail entrance. That is S of Invesco... I went past the barrier sign because I needed to go to Englewood, and there was a bunch of machinery and stuff,a couple blocks down, and it was indeed impassable...Had to go back up to Cherry creek and then to Downing,and south to Wash park and Franklin to Dartmouth to get there...Gonna call Denver trail number tomorrow and see how long thats gonna last...

Went by there again today (Fri 1/15) , and theyhave put up Detour signs to guide you thru and around the Public housing project and back to the trail...
Bud