Open Space & Trails

  1. Parts of Clear Creek Trail will be closing for fire mitigation work & invasive species removal

    Parts of Clear Creek Trail will be closing in October and November for fire mitigation work & invasive species removal in partnership with the Mile High Youth Corps. Read on...

  2. New playground coming to Anderson Park!

    A large, nature-themed playground designed by GameTime will be installed at Anderson Park next to the nature play area! Read on...

  3. Regenerate Wheat Ridge Returns for Third Year!

    Regenerate Wheat Ridge kicks off it's 3rd year on April 12th! Seven workshops on regnerative agriculture topics will be offered from April - October 2023. Topics include seed saving, goats for regenerative grazing, preserving the harvest and more! Read on...
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Open space is protected land of significant value conserved in its natural state, or improved or restored with native landscaping to a natural condition. 

Wheat Ridge Greenbelt

Wheat Ridge is home to 300 acres of open space land comprised primarily of the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt situated along Clear Creek. This preserved open space runs through the heart of Wheat Ridge and is one of the City’s greatest attractions. Boundaries begin west of Youngfield Street and end at Harlan Street. This stretch of the Greenbelt supports an abundance of native plants and wildlife and provides numerous recreation activities.

Clear Creek Trail

A popular regional trail that connects Denver to Golden, with 7 miles of paved trail running through Wheat Ridge that opportunities for walking, biking, hiking, horseback riding and nature viewing.

Wheat Ridge Greenbelt & Clear Creek Trail Map (PDF)

Trailheads

There are four parks in Wheat Ridge with direct access to Clear Creek Trail (from west to east):

Designated Conservation Area

For a more serene experience, you can break off the main trail to access the conservation area between Miller Street and Youngfield Street on the south side of Clear Creek via a 1.5 mile stretch of crusher fine trail that’s off limits to bikes (except those used as ADA devices). The Ute Ladies’ Tresses Orchid inhabits the designated conservation area - a federally listed threatened plant species.

Lakes

Clustered along the west end of Clear Creek Trail are four small lakes created from reclaimed gravel mines:

  • Prospect Lake
  • Tabor Lake
  • Bass Lake
  • West Lake

They are stocked by Colorado Parks & Wildlife with large and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill and perch, providing fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages.

Bass Lake Boardwalk

The Bass Lake wetlands area is home to more than 100 species of migratory birds making it one of the top birding spots in the Denver Metro area. The 550-foot-long Bass Lake Boardwalk, located at the west end of the conservation area, is equipped with viewing platforms and a bird blind (all ADA accessible), providing a peaceful escape and ideal spot for bird and wildlife observation and photography,