Best Walking Trails and Parks

Aurora is home to hundreds of miles of trails, winding through scenic parks, hidden lake paths, and neighborhoods. It offers the perfect blend of nature and urban energy to explore any time of year.

Quick Walks (1 mile or less)

Star K Ranch

The Star K Ranch Open Space Loop, stretching just 0.8 miles, winds through cottonwood forests and peaceful wetlands, providing a refreshing escape into nature. It's an ideal spot for those looking for a short but scenic stroll surrounded by native wildlife and the calming sounds of the outdoors.

For a slightly longer adventure, the 2-mile Creekside Trail follows the gentle curves of Sand Creek. This shaded pathway offers an abundance of wildlife, making it perfect for an urban nature walk.

Jewell Wetlands Loop

A tranquil, easy 1-mile trail in Aurora that meanders through 50 acres of wetlands, ponds, and native prairie, offering visitors a peaceful escape with excellent birdwatching, interpretive signs, and scenic bridges perfect for a short stroll or relaxing nature walk.

Great Lawn Park

Great Lawn Park is a spacious and beautifully landscaped urban oasis in Aurora, featuring expansive green fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and vibrant native gardens. The loop trail around the park is approximately 1 mile long, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings, outdoor play, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk in the sun.

Longer Nature Breaks (1 - 5 Miles)

Quincy Reservoir Loop

A scenic 3.1-mile trail that circles the reservoir, offering beautiful water views, excellent birdwatching, and a peaceful spot for walking, running, or biking in Aurora.

Plains Conservation Center

The Plains Conservation Center in Aurora is a 1,100-acre shortgrass prairie preserve where visitors can explore prairie wildlife, pioneer history, and replica homesteads and Cheyenne tipis. The main hiking loop is approximately 4.6 miles, but you can easily shorten your walk by turning around at any point, taking marked connector trails, or exploring only the central portion near the historic buildings.

Horseshoe Park

This 110-acre green space in south Aurora offers peaceful creekside walking paths, prairie views, and frequent wildlife sightings. Typically a 2.4 mile loop, it connects to Toll Gate Creek, Cherry Creek Spillway, and High Line Canal trails, making extending or shortening your route easy.

Half Day Adventures (Over 5 Miles)

Toll Gate Creek Trail

This 6.3-mile paved trail offers a peaceful walking experience through wooded areas and diverse wildlife, perfect for those wanting a quieter side of Aurora. Starting at Quincy Reservoir or Delaney Farms, you can easily customize your walk to fit your time and energy while enjoying scenic views and nature along the way.

Aurora Reservoir Trail

This 8-mile paved loop offers a full-day walking adventure with wide-open views, gentle terrain, and plenty of space to stretch your legs along the shoreline. It’s ideal for long-distance walkers looking for a peaceful route, with picnic areas and rest stops.

Sand Creek Greenway Trail

The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a nearly 13-mile trail that meanders through Aurora, Denver, and Commerce City, offering a peaceful escape along Sand Creek. In Aurora, the trail spans approximately 6 miles, providing a mix of paved and soft-surface paths, making it ideal for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It's a great option for those seeking a nature-filled walk without venturing far from the city.

Highline Canal Trail

This extensive trail meanders through urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, offering a relatively flat and scenic route for walkers. While the entire trail spans 71 miles and reaches the foothills of the mountains, the Aurora section covers just over 13 miles through parks and neighborhoods.

For even more scenic paths to explore, read our blog on the best trails for biking.