Day 8 South Platte Park, Littleton Colorado
On Day 8 of 365 Things to Do in South Denver Suburbs – we are going to take a trip down memory lane and re-visit a post I made back in 2007: Living in Denver – South Platte Park.
South Platte Park is located in Littleton, along the South Platter River and has two main entrances by car. The first is just west of Santa Fe off of Mineral – behind the
Aspen Grove shopping area. The second is off of Platte Canyon Drive on the north side of the South Platte Reservoir and you must travel a dirt road along that runs between the reservoir and C470 to get to the parking lot. The Platte Canyon Rd entrance is a popular place as well for folks walking into Chatfield State Park, including the dog park there, which has been up for quite a bit of debate lately. The Platte Canyon Rd entrance is also where the trail leads into the Mary Carter Greenway – whereas the Mineral entrance is the closest parking to the Carson Nature Center.
As I wrote in 2007, it is one of my favorite places nearby for a bike ride or walk with my family – and remains to still be that way. Now that my kids are older we ride far from the park and its amazing how far this trail can take us.
Updates
A few things to add since that original post. South Platte Park now has a Facebook page. “Like” that page to stay connected on updates in the park & at the Carson Nature Center.
While you are at it – pop on over to our Facebook Page – 365 Things To Do in South Denver Suburbs – and click on that “like” button. You will stay connected with our new Things To Do Each day. We do want to build a community there - share with your friends and family and we encourage you to participate. Have you already done our Thing of the day? Tell us what you thought of it, what was your favorite part – tips & hints! You can also subscribe to our Denver Real Estate feed to be updated every day on our new blog posts in your feed reader.
You will also note that I wrote the original piece at the beginning of the spring and there is a reference to the late season snow – we certainly don’t have that issue this week here in Denver!
Enjoy!
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Original article about South Platte Park from 2007
As the snow melts today from our latest run-in with winter – I can’t help but wonder if the trails will be clear enough to take our first ride of the year on the trail at South Platte Park.
So very convenient from so many areas of the South Denver Metro area, South Platte Park is what living in Colorado is all about -abundant open space (800 acres!), the South Platte River, bike trails, a nature center, 7 lakes (fun fishing!) and plenty more. It has become a family favorite for us – its is very convenient to get to from many parts of the South metro area – it is only about 8 minutes form my Highlands Ranch home and anywhere in Littleton, Englewood and even parts of Centennial can say the same. South Platte Park is located just off of Mineral Avenue, west of Santa Fe Drive. It is tucked away behind Aspen Grove Shopping Center and you can also reach it by Light Rail via the Mineral Station.
When you arrive at South Platte Park in Littleton at the Mineral entrance, there is a large parking lot, and it has become a very popular starting point for bike riders to start their rides – whether they are going on a short trip for fun with the little ones – or a more strenuous ride to downtown along the South Platte River. If you are bringing the little ones, it is a great first trail – mostly flat – but there are some hills and turns too so just make sure they have mastered steering before riding near the river. In the spring and early summer the current is generally very strong from mountain run off and while it is a fascinating nature lesson explaining where the water comes from – you don’t want to get too close.
The Carson Nature Center (part of South Suburban Parks & Rec) at South Platte Park offers a variety of educational events and classes geared toward kids, families and adult-only classes as well. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Fridays from 12:00 – 4:30 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 – 4:30.
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Other Things to Do in the South Denver Suburbs you may like:
Day 3 – Savory Spice Shop – Littleton CO
Day 5 Ice Skating to Beat the Denver Heat – Denver & south suburbs
Day 7 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado
Steve Scheer – Denver Realtor®
Denver Real Estate
