Everything You Need to Know About the Peaks to Plains Trail
The Peaks to Plains (P2P) Trail inside Clear Creek Canyon in Golden, CO is one of the most popular hiking and biking trails near Denver - it’s just 20 minutes away to be exact.
In this post, I’ll break down why it’s so popular, fun activities along the trail, and other important details like where to park. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
About the P2P Trail
Welch Ditch Trail parallel to the P2P Trail
The first thing to know about this trail is that there are multiple sections and various parking lots along the trail. Where you start is totally up to the kind of experience you want and depends on what section of the trail you’d like to do and for how long.
The entire trail is paved, making it a great spot for families with strollers, casual walkers, and bikers. However, there are some dirt trails that connect to the Peals to Plains trail, like the Welch Ditch Trail, if you’re looking to get off the pavement.
As of 2025, the trail is broken up into two segments. The first being the Gateway Segment (2.3 miles) and the second being the Up Canyon Segment (7.7 miles).
Currently, the construction of the Huntsman Segment is underway and is expected to open sometime in 2025. This will add an additional 3 miles to the Gateway Segment. The construction will end with the connection of each of the two segments. You can learn about the construction plans here.
P2P Trailheads and Parking Info
Gateway Trailhead Parking Lot
Where to Park for the Gateway Segment:
Downtown Golden
Did you know you can access the Peaks to Plains Trail from downtown Golden, CO? You’ll have to walk for about 1 mile westward on the Clear Creek Trail which you can access from Parfet Park in downtown. After a mile, you’ll arrive at the Gateway Trailhead and cross over the footbridge that connects the Clear Creek trail to the P2P trail.
Find parking in downtown Golden here. I’ve usually found parking in either the North or South Parking Garages.
It’s also a great way for visitors staying in town to explore the area without driving.
This is probably one of the most popular places to park for Peaks to Plains trail access. The parking lot is large, equipped with restrooms, and is at the start of the Peaks to Plains trailhead. From here, you can walk the full out and back 2.3 mile trail or choose to do the Welch Ditch Loop.
In the summer, the lot can fill up quickly as it is a popular destination for tubers floating down Clear Creek.
This second lot along the Gateway Segment is a great option for people who want to do a shorter walk that takes you directly into the canyon. It also acts as a back up lot in case the Gateway lot is full.
Where to Park for the Up Canyon Segment:
Clear Creek Canyon Park Big Easy Trailhead
This is one of the lesser known sections of the Peaks to Plains trails, but it’s a much longer section, making it a better option for bikers.
The best spot to park for the Up Canyon Segment is the Big Easy Trailhead, which is where this segment of the trail starts. Like the previous segment, there are other parking lots you can park at along the trail which I’ve listed below.
From this lot, you have the option to hike either the Mayhem Gulch Trail or the Peaks to Plains trail.
Clear Creek Greenway Trailhead
This is a very small parking lot that is typically used by rock climbers, but you can access the end of the P2P trail here. The location is on the south side of U.S. 6 just after tunnel #5.
Things To Do On and Along the P2P Trail
The Peaks to Plains trail takes you straight into the mountains and is the ultimate destination for outdoor activities. Not only is it great for running, biking, and hiking, there’s so many things to do adjacent to the trail like fishing, rock climbing, and even white water rafting.
Like I mentioned above, because the entire trail is paved, it’s an easy hike for families with kids because it allows strollers and wagons. There’s no easier way to escape to the mountains.
If you’re looking for an easy trail near Denver, this is it!
Be aware, that the trail can become very congested on the weekends, especially when tubing is in season.
Trail Highlights
