Walking & Hiking Trails in Thornton, CO
An Impressive Trail Network
With over 140 miles of trails and 2500+ acres of parkland, Thornton offers tons of opportunities for active endeavors. This includes:
- Over 734 acres of public parks
- Over 1,545 acres of open space and open lands
- Over 132 miles of off-street trails
- Over 42 miles of on-street bike lanes
The City of Thornton also provides full details on their website, including a map of the trail system.
Trail Corridors
South Platte River Trail
Spanning approximately 28 miles and connecting Thornton to Denver and surrounding areas, the scenic South Platte River Trail is part of the larger regional trail network. It also includes connections to the Cherry Creek Trail and Sand Creek Greenway. The trail is a favorite for cyclists due to its long, uninterrupted stretches and connections to other major trails; paved paths also make it suitable for casual walks and serious runs alike.
The trail buffers the city of Thornton’s eastern boundary. Parking is available at 8554 Colorado Blvd.
Farmer's High Line Canal Trail
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This scenic and historic pathway offers a mix of crushed stone and paved surfaces that weaves through different neighborhoods and parks. It follows the path of the Farmers’ High Line Canal, which was originally constructed in the late 19th century to support agriculture in the region. Approximately 10.5 miles long from the trail at 128th and Lafayette Street west to Standley Lake Regional Park.
Niver Creek Trail
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A peaceful route through Thornton's urban green spaces, this trail spans approximately 2 miles, with endpoints at Grant Street near East 84th Avenue and Pecos Park at West 96th Avenue. Access points include Pecos Park at 96th Avenue and Orangewood Drive, and the southeast endpoint at Grant Street near 84th Avenue. Limited street parking is available at Pecos Park and along adjoining streets such as Croke Drive and Conifer Road.
For a longer excursion, you can connect to the Niver Canal Trail on the east side of Washington Street, only a few blocks away. This trail travels about 2 miles along the Coronado Parkway down to the South Platte River, where it links with the 28-mile Platte River Trail.
Big Dry Creek Trail
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Stretching nearly 12 miles from Standley Lake Regional Park in Westminster to areas beyond Interstate 25 into Thornton, this is a popular multi-use trail with open vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. It runs through the southern and eastern portions of Thornton, specifically the areas near and just east of Interstate 25 (I-25). While Thornton residents can access the trail at variety of spots, Big Dry Creek Park has parking facilities. Please be aware that due to the Big Dry Creek stream bank restoration project, there may be periodic closures.
Brantner Gulch Trail
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Spanning approximately 5.1 miles, this scenic pathway connects the 107-acre Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve to Northaven Park. It also meanders near other parks and open spaces, including Brantner Gulch Open Space, Brantner Village Subdivision Park, Gleneagle Open Space, and Waterford Place Trail Corridor.
Grange Hall Creek Trail
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Spanning approximately 6.72 miles along a paved concrete path, this senic pathway traverses parts of Thornton and Northglenn, Colorado. It connects the Farmer's High Line Canal Trail in Northglenn to the Platte River Trail in Thornton.
The trail passes through several parks and open spaces, providing multiple access points in Thornton that include Grange Creek Park, Margaret Carpenter Park, the Happy Tails Dog Park, and more. At its southern end, the trail connects to the Platte River Trail, allowing for extended journeys along the river corridor.
Horizon Tributary Trail
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Part of the larger 4.7-mile out-and-back trail originating in Brighton, this trail connects Springvale Park (disc golf course) to Marshall Lake Park and Glen Eagle Open Space in the northeastern part of Thornton. It runs through neighborhoods and open spaces in the area around E 136th Avenue and Quebec Street, and near the Marshall Lake and Eastlake communities.
Lee Lateral Trail (Eastlake Heritage Trail Connect)
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Part of the Eastlake Heritage Trail Loop (see below), this pleasing east/west regional trail corridor comes off the Signal Ditch Trail at York Street and provides connection to Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve and Thornton Trail Winds Park & Open Space. Parking is available at either end of the trail. It also connects to other Thornton parks that include the Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center, Trail Winds Open Space in the east, as well as Heritage Park, Cottonwood Park, and Lake Village Park.
Lakeview Tributary Trail
View NaturalAtlas Page
This trail corridor connects the Lee Lateral Trail, Eagleview Park and Thornton Trail Winds Park & Open Space to the Brantner Gulch Trail via Woodbridge Station and Sage Creek Parks.
Signal Ditch Trail
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This 3.3-mile paved pathway running through the northern part of Thornton, Colorado, meandering through suburban housing, neighborhood open spaces, and parks. It begins at 128th Avenue and extends northwest to 141st Drive, following the Signal Ditch irrigation channel. It connects with the Lee Lateral Ditch Trail at York Street, which heads east, and links to the Farmers' High Line Canal Trail at its southern end, offering extended recreational opportunities.
Trail Loops
Eastlake Heritage Trail Loop
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A serene loop near Eastlake Reservoirs, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying tranquil water views. Situated in the northeastern part of Thornton, the loop encircles East Lake #3, offering a scenic 1.5-mile for walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. It's also a favorite spot for birdwatchers. A trailhead at 3100 E 128th Avenue provides convenient parking and direct access to the loop; Eastlake Shores Park also provides additional access points. It explores the history of Eastlake, a former Union Pacific railroad village now incorporated into Thornton. Along the trail, interactive features like a railroad handcart and interpretive signage bring Eastlake's history to life.
Trail Winds Park and Open Space Loop
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A family-friendly loop with access to playgrounds, open fields, and sports facilities at Thornton's popular Trail Winds Park. This loop offers a tranquil experience with views of open fields, wetlands, and the Rocky Mountain foothills in the distance. the paved pathway connects to other trails in the area. Running 2-3 miles, the total distance depends on your chosen path.
Carpenter Park Loop
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This popular, paved 2.1 mile walking and biking path is located within Margaret Carpenter Park and Open Space, circling the lake, open fields, and park amenities like the amphitheater, playgrounds, and a boathouse. With connections to the Grange Hall Creek Trail, it serves as a hub for exploring Thornton's extensive trail network.
Connecting Community with Nature
The City of Thornton is always working on adding more trails, focusing on linking neighborhoods and creating even more options for exploring. It’s all part of a bigger, master plan to keep the community connected and celebrate Thornton’s natural spaces.
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