Updates
Project Updates
Current Construction: Mouth of Canyon Segment
In spring 2019, Concrete Express Inc. (CEI) began building the 1.75-mile section of the Peaks to Plains Trail at the entrance of Clear Creek Canyon in Jefferson County. This trail extends from the east entrance of the canyon at the intersection of U.S. 6/Highway 58/Highway 93 west to Tunnel 1 and includes two developed trailheads with amenities, new bridge crossings, parking lot improvements with about 140 total spaces between two lots, and improvements to approximately 3 miles of the historic Welch Ditch wooden flume. This restored trail will be for hikers only. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2020.
Completed Trail Segments
The first portions of the Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon Park opened in 2016 and 2017, offering four miles of the 10-foot-wide paved surface right along Clear Creek. These completed sections include:
Mayhem Gulch Trailhead
The first segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon opened in summer 2016. This 3-mile segment of the trail, two miles in Jefferson County and one in Clear Creek County, is a 10-foot-wide, stained concrete surface, with 500 feet in elevation gain, six new or improved river access points, the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead and three bridges over Clear Creek.
Mayhem Gulch Parking Lot
The recent expansion of the Mayhem Gulch parking lot has increased parking spaces from 56 to 110, and will alleviate congestion at this main trailhead.
Big Easy Recreation Area
The “Big Easy” Recreation Area (U.S. 6 Mile Point 262.67) opened in 2017 connecting the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead via a ¾-mile section of trail that includes a new trailhead, multiple safe river access points, a restroom, picnic areas, an additional 40 to 50 space parking lot and an adjacent fourth pedestrian bridge to provide safer access to the creek.
P2P Clear Creek Segment Open
Sneak Preview Day
On July 12, Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties opened the trail to an invite-only group made up of those who helped make the trail possible. In attendance were Jeffco Open Space Advisory Committee members, volunteers, members of the Colorado Pedal's Project and other non-profit groups.
Opening Day
After three years of rigorous work, Jefferson and Clear Creek counties proudly opened their first segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail on July 28. Three miles of paved, multi-use trail featuring three bridges, six river access points, six scenic overlooks and 16 boulder benches are available for exploring and taking in the scenery.
Gov. Hickenlooper Rides the Trail
Jefferson and Clear Creek counties were thrilled to have Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper visit the trail on Sept. 30. He even rode his bike to experience it first hand. He's shown here with County Commissioners Phil Buckland, Tim Mauck, Libby Szabo, and Casey Tighe.
