The Willow Creek Greenbelt Trail is a six mile, paved and soft-surface trail that runs along a creekbed in the suburban area around Centennial. The trail begins in the north outside the Holly Park Open Space, an open grassland area that offers appealing views of the Denver skyline. The park also hosts part of the Centennial Link Trail, which in turn offers a connection to the lengthy and popular High Line Canal Trail.
The Willow Creek Greenbelt Trail heads south along a quiet, tree-lined corridor that passes through residential neighborhoods and local parks. The trail heads under County Line Road, taking users right next to a large shopping complex and offering a connection to the C-470 Bikeway. Continuing under the highway, the trail passes through several open fields on its way to Cook Creek Park, which is home to the beginning of the short Cook Creek Trail. The trail continues to the southeast, ending in the small community of Lone Tree.
This peaceful trail offers residents and visitors a chance to experience some of the area's natural beauty - it's not uncommon to catch a glimpse of foxes and other wildlife along the route - while also providing a useful link in the area's extensive system of trails.
Parking is available at the trail's northern end via a lot for Holly Park, just off of S Krameria Way, at the trail's midpoint via a lot for Willow Creek Park off of E Phillips Circle, and near the southern end in Cook Creek Park. Additional parking may be available on-street; be sure to follow any posted signs or warnings.
To reach the northern end of the trail from the direction of Denver, take I-25 south towards Centennial, then take exit 197 and turn right to proceed west on E Arapahoe Road. Proceed about a mile, then turn right onto S Krameria Way; the parking lot will be on the left just past the turn.
This is a really beautiful trail. I ran it so as to scout out inline skating trails. It's not 100% ok for inline skating. Many parts are dirt/gravel. Some parts are old asphalt with lots of cracks etc. Some areas, when going under roadways, have steep decline/incline. Did someone actually inline skate this before rating?
Fun stroll to Sweetwater Park with varied terrain, tunnels, traffic noise, & access to C470 trail.
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