Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapWith only 5 miles of an eventual 65 miles open, the already award-winning Peaks to Plains Trail is attracting new users every day. Paralleling US 6 and Clear Creek, the Peaks to Plains Trail provides a conduit for non-motorized transport through the scenic Clear Creek Canyon along a route once utilized by the Colorado Central Railroad.
During the journey, travelers can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the landscape, enjoying views of craggy canyon walls, native grasses, shrubs and trees, and the rushing water at the bottom of the valley. Rocky overlooks allow visitors to take in picturesque scenes of the creek, and you can use one of the six river access points to get even closer for some fishing.
A new, discrete portion of trail called the Gateway Segment was completed in August 2021 at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon, connecting the Peaks to Plains Trail to the Clear Creek Trail in Golden, which in turn extends eastward and connects to Denver's Platte River Trail. To the west, the trail will eventually connect with other trails that wind through the Rockies.
To get to the trailhead, from the SR 93/US 6 junction in Golden, head west on U.S. 6 for 9.8 miles. You will find the Mayhem Gulch parking lot on the north side of the road (between mile markers 262 and 262.5). There are restroom facilities available on site. The lot is being expanded to accommodate the additional demand from users of the new trail.
The trailhead for the Gateway segment of trail outside Golden is located along U.S. 6 by the entrance to Tunnel 1, with additional access available from the Clear Creek Trail.
I'm a huge fan of trails and have ridden over thousands of miles in numerous states.
1) This is not a rail-trail, so not sure why it is being called that.
2) The cost seems to be about $10 million dollars per mile, it has been under construction for 8 years, and I doubt it will ever be completed.
3) The concept was way over-ambitious - this trail is being hacked into the steep north-facing side of a rocky canyon.
4) The open segments are so short as to be barely worth hiking or running, let alone cycling, and basically require use of a car to reach.
5) Being on a north-facing cliff, it will be unrideable significant parts of the year, and the construction budget will be sucked up by the need for maintenance.
We'd all love a multi-use trail across Colorado! Thank you for the idea! But the selected route appears unrealistic.
We rode this trail as Stage 3 of our Tour de Great Plains and Colorado. Started at the “Big Easy” Trailhead and went west four miles - it’s only open four miles. The pavement is in good shape and about 10 feet wide. The trail is uphill going west and a nice downhill ride back east. There are nice restrooms at the trailhead and plenty of paved parking. This is a beautiful trail and not very crowded. When all segments (65 miles) are completed this will be one of the best trails in the US.
Great trail to bike and the sound of the river made it even better!
A friend and I biked this trail on a Sunday afternoon. It was magical. A slight incline from East to West but so much fun on the way back! Plenty of overlooks to view the stream that runs along side the trail. And plenty of parking. I can't wait to be back.
I had a great time here! I have disabilities and walking this was less stressful due to the paved path. Many bikers and climbers out for the difficult terrain as well. The water is beautiful and great to focus on while walking through here.
Four fantastic miles of cycling. This may be the most beautiful paved trail we have experienced in 46 years of cycling. Parking lots do not allow for RVs but we found a pull-off just east of the current Eastern trailhead.
Many outlets to the water, and hiking. Wide bridges with beautiful views. Lots of people though, but plenty room for biking.
This is a scenic trail that follows Clear Creek. This trail just opened so everything looks new and shiny.
_145943_nb.jpg)
_165852_nb.jpg){kind=spacer}
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
