Jefferson County Open Space is happy to finally announce the completion and opening of the Gateway Segment to Clear Creek Canyon Park on August 25, following a 4:00 P.M. “cable cutting” ceremony. This new section represents the entry into Clear Creek Canyon Park for visitors to enjoy the scenic water-side trail following Highway 6. This additional trail segment adds 1.75 new miles to the Peak to Plains Trail and connects with downtown Golden along Clear Creek. The Gateway Segment and the Peaks to Plains Trail honor the mining history of the area, which is reflected in the materials and treatments used throughout - from the stained concrete to the finish on the bridges and railings - blending in with the environment and paying homage to the past.
The two new trailheads feature over 170 parking spaces, permanent restrooms, shade structures, ADA accessibility, and sustainable design techniques. Additionally, this new segment of trail crosses over the first suspension bridge in Jefferson County, taking visitors along the restored wooden flume of the Welch Ditch, and offering water access at various spots along the way.
The vision of the Peaks to Plains Trail is a 65-mile trail of statewide significance that will one day connect the 3 million residents of the Denver metro area to the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass. Starting at the headwaters of Clear Creek it will follow the creek for 65 miles and drop 5,600 vertical feet before connecting with the South Platte Trail in Denver. Once completed, it will connect four counties and seven cities. The first portions of the Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon Park opened in 2016 and 2017, offering four miles of 10-foot-wide paved surface right along Clear Creek. This legacy project is made possible through partnerships between Jefferson County, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, Great Outdoors Colorado, and the Colorado Lottery.
For more information contact Matt Robbins, Community Connections Manager at [email protected] or 303-271-5902
Jeffco Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972. Our mission is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources, and provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, our organization contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 56,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks and more than 252 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado.