
Clear Creek Trail
Explore diverse Clear Creek Trails: paved urban paths in Golden, CO, or rugged canyon hikes with swimming holes in AZ.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Clear Creek Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse Clear Creek Trails: paved urban paths in Golden, CO, or rugged canyon hikes with swimming holes in AZ.
"Golden's Clear Creek Trail is a paved gem for easy walks and bikes, while AZ's offers a wild canyon swim."

Know Your Clear Creek
There are multiple Clear Creek Trails! Research the specific location for your hike.
Golden: Paved & Easy
Golden's trail is mostly paved, great for bikes & strollers. Dog-friendly!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden's Paved Greenway
Golden, Colorado
Enjoy paved paths with canyon views along Clear Creek, perfect for easy walks and bike rides. Connects to downtown Golden.
West Clear Creek Canyon
Camp Verde, Arizona
Hike through a lush canyon with swimming holes and red rock formations. An 8.8-mile out-and-back adventure.
Peaks to Plains Trail
Golden, Colorado
A newer trail offering paved sections and scenic views, ideal for all skill levels and dog-friendly.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Choice Matters
Golden's Paved Path Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Know Your Clear Creek
There are multiple Clear Creek Trails! Research the specific location for your hike.
Golden: Paved & Easy
Golden's trail is mostly paved, great for bikes & strollers. Dog-friendly!
AZ: Bring Water Shoes
West Clear Creek Trail has water access. Water-friendly shoes are a must!
AZ: Bumpy Road Access
The road to West Clear Creek Trail is bumpy; high clearance vehicle recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Know Your Clear Creek
There are multiple Clear Creek Trails! Research the specific location for your hike.
Golden: Paved & Easy
Golden's trail is mostly paved, great for bikes & strollers. Dog-friendly!
AZ: Bring Water Shoes
West Clear Creek Trail has water access. Water-friendly shoes are a must!
AZ: Bumpy Road Access
The road to West Clear Creek Trail is bumpy; high clearance vehicle recommended.
Golden: Fall Colors
Golden's trail is beautiful in fall with changing leaves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Clear Creek Trail's accessibility and scenic beauty, particularly the paved paths in Golden, CO, which are great for families and cyclists. The West Clear Creek Trail in AZ offers a more rugged, natural adventure with swimming opportunities. Some find the Golden trail can be busy and less 'wild' than desired.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Clear Creek Trail in Golden is easily accessible. You can park at various trailheads, including Clear Creek Canyon Park, or access it directly from downtown Golden. It's also a popular spot for cyclists coming from Denver.
Access to the West Clear Creek Trail involves a bumpy dirt road. While some visitors with standard vehicles have managed, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smoother journey.
Yes, parking is available at trailheads for both the Golden, CO, and Camp Verde, AZ locations. Parking can get busy, especially on weekends in Golden.
Public transportation options are more readily available for the Clear Creek Trail in Golden, CO, especially if you're coming from Denver. Check local transit schedules for routes that service the Golden area.
Absolutely! The Clear Creek Trail system has multiple access points. In Golden, CO, you can find trailheads at Clear Creek Canyon Park and connect to downtown. The West Clear Creek Trail in AZ also has a designated trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For the West Clear Creek Trail in Arizona, no permit is needed. Similarly, the paved Clear Creek Trail in Golden, Colorado, is a public park and does not require an entry fee or permit.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the Clear Creek Trail, whether you're visiting the paved paths in Golden, Colorado, or the canyon hike in Arizona. Parking is typically free as well.
As public outdoor spaces, both the Clear Creek Trail in Golden, CO, and the West Clear Creek Trail in AZ are generally accessible from dawn to dusk. However, it's always best to check local park regulations for specific hours.
While there aren't typically guided tours for the main Clear Creek Trails, local visitor centers in Golden, CO, and Camp Verde, AZ, can provide maps and information. Some adventure outfitters might offer specialized tours for the AZ location.
The paved Clear Creek Trail in Golden, CO, is very family-friendly and suitable for all ages and abilities. The West Clear Creek Trail in AZ is more rugged and may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Clear Creek Trail in Golden, CO, features a mix of paved paths and some dirt/wood plank sections, making it easy for walking and biking. The West Clear Creek Trail in AZ is more rugged, with rocky terrain and creek crossings.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on leash on the Clear Creek Trail in Golden, Colorado. Always check local leash laws and be sure to clean up after your pet.
Trailheads for Clear Creek Trail often have basic amenities. The West Clear Creek Trailhead in AZ has a vault toilet. In Golden, CO, you'll find more facilities like restrooms and picnic areas near the main park entrances.
Fishing is possible in Clear Creek, particularly for smallmouth bass in the southern sections closer to lakes. However, be aware that the water quality can be a concern due to pollution.
The elevation gain varies significantly. The paved trails in Golden, CO, have minimal elevation gain (e.g., around 232 ft for a 2.4-mile loop). The West Clear Creek Trail in AZ has a more substantial gain of about 790 ft over its 8.8-mile length.
📸 📸 Photography
In Golden, CO, look for scenic shots along the creek, bridges, and the surrounding canyon walls, especially during fall foliage. In Arizona, the red rocks, lush canyon, and clear water create stunning natural backdrops.
The Golden, CO, trail offers nice light during golden hours, with the canyon walls providing dramatic shadows. The Arizona trail's canyon setting might limit direct sunrise/sunset views, but the landscape itself is photogenic throughout the day.
For the paved trails in Golden, a smartphone or basic camera is sufficient. For the West Clear Creek Trail in AZ, consider a waterproof camera or phone case if you plan on getting close to the water, and a wide-angle lens can capture the canyon's grandeur.
While not marked as specific viewpoints, the bridges and overlooks along the Peaks to Plains Trail in Golden offer great photo spots. In Arizona, any bend in the creek or higher vantage point in the canyon can provide excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage regulations vary by location. It's crucial to check with local park authorities for Clear Creek Canyon Park in Colorado and the surrounding national forest in Arizona regarding drone operation policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the West Clear Creek Trail in Arizona is beautiful, its rugged terrain and longer distance might be less suitable for very young children. However, older kids who enjoy adventure might appreciate the creek access and unique canyon environment, provided they have appropriate footwear and supervision.
🚴 Cyclists & Runners
For trail runners looking for a more challenging and scenic experience, the West Clear Creek Trail in Arizona offers a rugged, out-and-back route. Be prepared for varied terrain and potential water crossings, which can add an interesting element to a run.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
In Golden, Colorado, the Clear Creek Trail offers a different kind of natural beauty, especially during fall when the leaves change color. While less rugged, it provides lovely views of the creek and canyon, perfect for a relaxing nature walk or photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Different Clear Creek Trails
When planning your visit, always confirm which Clear Creek Trail you intend to explore. This distinction is vital for setting expectations regarding difficulty, amenities, and the overall experience. For instance, the Golden trails are ideal for families and casual outings, while the Arizona trail requires more preparation and is suited for experienced hikers seeking a wilderness immersion.
Understanding these differences ensures you choose the right trail for your adventure, whether you're looking for a scenic bike ride near Denver or a challenging hike through a desert oasis.
Golden, Colorado: Urban Oasis & Fall Colors
A significant draw for the Golden trail is its connection to the Peaks to Plains Trail and the Welch Ditch Loop, expanding the network and offering varied scenery. Many visitors appreciate the trail's proximity to downtown Golden, allowing for a combined experience of outdoor activity and exploring local shops and eateries. It's also a popular spot for dog walkers, provided pets are kept on a leash.
During the autumn months, the Clear Creek Trail transforms into a vibrant spectacle of changing fall colors, making it a prime location for leaf-peeping. This seasonal beauty, combined with its accessibility and family-friendly nature, solidifies its reputation as a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.
West Clear Creek, Arizona: A Desert Gem
Navigating this trail requires some preparation. The access road can be bumpy, making a high-clearance vehicle advisable. Once on the trail, hikers can expect a more rugged terrain with creek crossings, necessitating water-friendly shoes. The trail offers numerous opportunities to cool off by dipping into the creek, making it a popular choice during warmer months.
While more challenging than its Colorado namesake, the West Clear Creek Trail rewards adventurers with its natural beauty and the chance to explore a unique riparian environment. It’s a destination for those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience away from urban centers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit