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Print Friendly MapAt the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the Coal Creek Regional Trail offers spectacular views of the front range. You can even identify surrounding peaks with the "peak finder" signage provided at the Aquarius Trailhead near Louisville. You'll meander along Coal Creek from west of Superior in Boulder County to Erie in Weld County, with occasional scenic bridge crossings and trail connections along the way. Be sure to watch for herons, ducks, raptors and many other birds and wildlife.
Parts of the trail are shaded with large cottonwood trees, while other areas offer wide open views of the countryside. Most of the pathway is hard-packed dirt and gravel, although some areas in danger of erosion have been paved with concrete.
In Louisville, you can connect to the US 36 Bikeway, a paved pathway paralleling the roadway between Denver and Boulder.
Horseback riding is allowed on some sections of the trail, such as through Lafayette's Flagg Park; check official trail websites for more information.
Near its western end, trail-goers can find parking and a trailhead in Superior, near the intersection of E. William Street and S. 1st Avenue, across from the Superior Town Office. In Louisville, parking and the Aquarius Trailhead can be found near the western border of Coal Creek Open Space Park, just off Empire Road.
We’re parked up at the top of the hill on Highway 42, and rode into Louisville along Coal Creek all the way to the golf course and almost all the way up to McCaslin.. The trail offer is a lot of enjoyable winding and a lot of shaded area which was very welcoming on a hot day like today.
My wife and I rode this trail out and back this week. Parking was good but you do need to find the lots and that can be difficult. The trail itself is wonderful. Lots of shade, open areas, and mixed riding with a nice climb and decent coming and going. The surface is well packed and wide. We saw many other bikers and walkers even though it was a workday. Our biggest complaint, and it caused more miles than planned, is horrible to non-existent signage. There are large blue signs at some intersections with the trail name but no direction on the signs. There are numerous trail junctions to neighborhoods, other trails, and shopping but not one sign to show where the main trail leads. For added confusion these off-shoot trails have the same surface as the main trail and look the same. At one major intersection the trail split 3 ways, we took what looked like the main trail and ended up in a car wash and the trail literally disappearing. Talking with locals who were on the trail was no help as many only used the connector trails and did not know where the main trail was. After finally figuring out the main trail with many detours we turned around before we would have liked and headed back. So, if going on this trail, know the trail before you go.
This is my second review for this trail. The starting point is S. Public road in Lafayette. The trail parallels the river and is quite nice. It goes by the park in Lafayette, then up toward 42. There is a decent climb up to the Aquarius trail head and a spectacular view. From then on, you are heading down hill with some lessor hills along the way. The trail goes by the back of the Dillon road tech center. Then you will go by the Rock Creek country club. There are signs saying to watch out for golf balls. At Superior, you have the opportunity to link with the Coulton trail. The trail does a button hook by the town hall. This is an out and back trail for the most part with nice scenery and wildlife. Note that there will be construction from Nov 19, 2018. The Coal Creek Regional Trail will be closed between McCaslin Boulevard and the US 36 Bikeway on Monday, November 19th. This closure will be ¿in place for approximately 6 months while improvements are made to the Coal Creek corridor. A signed detour will be available to guide bicyclists and pedestrians from the US 36 Bikeway through Downtown Superior to McCaslin Boulevard.
I started on S Public road in Lafayette. The trail is well marked and a mixture of gravel, small sections of concrete. There were underpasses to avoid major roads. The countryside was pretty, starting out very lush by the creek, then turning more arid from Lafayette to Eire. There are sections of the trail that were washed out, so while biking, care is needed to navigate those sections. There is a good deal of wild life in and around the trail. Watch out for several prairie dog holes right in the middle of the trail. Bring water and some snacks. Overall, I would recommend the trail.
Had fun on this trail. I started in Erie, although I couldn't locate the trail head by using the directions on here, instead it took to me a residential neighborhood, so I parked there without upsetting homeowners.
Didn't notice the gradual incline, although there were two significant climbs, it wasn't until my return from Superior back to Erie did I notice the decent and FLEW back..... Awesome! Will definitely do this again!
I started at the Aquarius Trailhead and went North East towards Erie. The majority of this trail is dirt which makes it easy on your knees! While I did run through some suburban areas, there were also large stretches through wooded creek areas and open spaces. This trail is great for a long run!
June 10, 2014, I started a mile west of Hwy 287, and immediately encountered 'Trail Closed' signs. Ignoring those, (!) I continued west to Louisville, CO and went as far as the golf course and the crossing of Dillon Rd. Workers were making repairs, so large parts had to be walked rather than biked.
This is a really nice trail that even though it is fairly near civilization most of the time, you can forget that with nice stretches by creaks and open space. Nice to run on with a smooth gravel trail with occasional strips of concrete crossings. Lot's of fun!
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