Date Hiked: October 30, 2022

Distance: 3.3 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation: 5,560 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 39.63458, -104.86299

Managing Agency: CO Division of Parks & Wildlife

Fee: Yes

Hike Description:

This hike starts at the Prairie Loop Trailhead, but if you can’t find parking at this trailhead, you can park at the Lake Loop or Mountain Loop Trailheads and follow the Cherry Creek Trail or social trails along the lakeshore down to the Prairie Loop Trailhead. At the Prairie Loop Trailhead, I recommend taking the Prairie Loop Nature Trail across the creek and through the beautiful cottonwood stands.  At the end of the Nature Trail, hook up again with the paved Cherry Creek Trail and look out for the Wetlands Preserve Trails on your left, they will have small trail markers.

The Wetlands Preserve section of Cherry Creek State Park is incredible.  The trails are narrow and often overgrown, but they allow you to get off the beaten path and into some wilderness. The Wetlands Preserve has colorful cottonwoods, tall riparian grasses, and access to the reservoir shoreline.  In my opinion, this is the most scenic part of the State Park. The trails are not marked on the park maps so you just have to explore until you find your way to the lakeshore, the official Wetland Loop Trail, Pipeline Trail, or back to the Cherry Creek Trail.  You can make nice loops in the Wetlands Preserve and eventually you will find your way back.  Follow the Cherry Creek Trail back to the particular trailhead where you started from.