Best Parks and Trails in Aurora For An Afternoon Hike
Explore Aurora outdoors!
Discover Aurora’s natural landscapes and Rocky Mountain views! With countless miles of trails and fantastic parks, there's something for everyone. Whether you're into leisurely strolls or thrilling bike rides, our parks have it all!
Jewell Wetlands Park
Where: 13005 E. Jewell Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
Escape to tranquility at Jewell Wetlands Park! Unwind with outdoor adventures on its extensive hiking, walking, running, and biking trails. Whether you're seeking a refreshing breather from daily life or a pause from work, Jewell Wetlands offers a serene haven for a rejuvenating stroll. Immerse yourself in 50 acres of wooded wetland beauty, complete with winding trails, a gentle boardwalk into the heart of the wetland, and a vibrant butterfly garden. Your perfect getaway awaits at the northwest corner of Potomac and Jewell Avenue, just east of Utah Park.
Sand Creek Park
Where: 2700 N. Peoria St.
Discover Aurora’s natural beauty by exploring Sand Creek Park’s 85.6 acres of native flora, featuring the exciting Discovery Playground and breathtaking elevated overlook. For those seeking longer trails, continue on the 14-mile Sand Creek Regional Greenway. This paved trail is ideal for longer hikes and nature viewing. Winding through Commerce City, Denver, and Aurora, the trail gives you a great sense of Colorado’s natural landscape.
Piney Creek Trail
Where: Starting from Cherry Creek Trail south of Cherry Creek Reservoir, Piney Creek Trail follows Piney Creek east along Orchard Road, then through the suburban housing of east Aurora.
Grab your walking shoes; Piney Creek Trail is 10 miles of paved trail that runs through the southern portion of Cherry Creek State Park. This semi-reclusive trail has a variety of sights along the way, including Red Tailed Hawk Park and views of the beautiful Saddle Rock Golf Course. It’s ideal for biking, walking, or running.
Utah Park
Where: 1800 S. Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80012
Escape into leisure at Utah Park, Aurora's haven of recreation! Uncover a realm of possibilities with walking paths, open grass spaces, a pond, tennis courts, baseball fields, a rec center, and a playground. Whether you're seeking a change of scenery, a breather from work, or an exciting family adventure, Utah Park welcomes you for a fun outdoor outing. Freshly renovated and nestled on Peoria Street between Jewell Avenue and Mexico, this community gem is tailor-made for picnics, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation in the great outdoors.
Star K Ranch
Where: 16002 E. Smith Rd, Aurora, CO 80011
Escape to the natural wonder of Star K Ranch! Immerse yourself in 250 acres of pristine riparian woodland, a hidden gem renowned for its peaceful trails and flourishing biodiversity. Star K Ranch offers the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, from leisurely strolls to invigorating hikes. With two beginner-friendly trailheads, Wetlands Loop and Creekside Trail, seamlessly connected by the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, you can traverse approximately 2.5 miles of scenic beauty in a single afternoon. Wander through wetlands beneath the canopy of expansive cottonwood forests and bask in the splendor of Aurora's breathtaking outdoors.
Cherry Creek State Park
Where: 4201 S. Parker Rd. Aurora, Colorado 80014
With more than 20 mapped trails, Cherry Creek State Park is filled with hiking variety. Head out for a long trip on the Chery Creek Trail, 7.79 miles that cross directly through the park and has wonderful mountain views. Or spring for something a little shorter, like the 2.11-mile Railroad Bed Trail. It's the ideal spot for watching the sun set into the mountains.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Where: 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022
View nature on an afternoon hike at the Wildlife Refuge. With more than 10 miles of interconnected and easy-to-navigate trails, you’ll be able to enjoy wildlife right before your eyes. Home to hundreds of local creatures, including bison and coyotes, the Wildlife Refuge is great for getting the true Colorado experience.
Plains Conservation Center
Where: 21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013
Take a step back in time at this 1,000-acre open space and true-to-life homestead known as the Plains Conservation Center. Remember to bring your boots for the designated trail spaces. You might even spot a pronghorn deer or red-tailed hawk along the way.
High Prairie Park at Painted Prairie
Where: E 59th Pl &, N Orleans St, Aurora, CO 80019
Experience the beauty of nature of High Prairie Park at Painted Prairie! Revel in the vast open spaces that provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and family enjoyment. The park offers playgrounds, basketball courts, treehouses, vibrant gardens, and a network of walking and biking paths that meander through the Painted Prairie neighborhood and beyond. At High Prairie Park, the allure of the outdoors is ever-present, offering endless opportunities for leisure and exploration. And don't miss the park's unique ski and beach chairs, which provide the perfect vantage point for soaking in those picturesque mountain views.
Hogan Park at Highlands Creek
Where: Visitor Center, 3900 E-470, Aurora, CO, 80019
Discover Hogan Park at Highlands Creek, the newest jewel in Aurora Highlands. This expansive park, spanning nearly 100 acres, promises to be the community's vibrant focal point. Offering an array of attractions, from art installations to climbing walls, zip lines to nature play areas, it's a testament to the Colorado lifestyle. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Hogan Park has something for everyone. Stay updated on further developments through the Aurora Highlands website, and be sure to make this park a must-visit on your list.
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