Deer Creek Canyon - Cycling

Review

Intro

Most rider start this adventure either at Confluence Park, Chatfield Reservoir or simple park on Deer Creek Canyon Road itself. 

This is the beginning of a moderate hill climb and good road ride through rural Jefferson County. You can do a decent out-and-back or piece together a couple of loops out here and come back to the trail and/or the car via a thrilling descent down Deer Creek.

And no pun intended here, but do keep an eye out for wildlife, prominent in the area. Don’t be looking up at an eagle and have a deer jump out in front of you, I’m serious.

What Makes It Great

It’s a classic nearby road ride that isn’t the toughest ride out there but still requires good road skills, with some traffic especially on the weekends, so it’s not for the faint of heart. And, it’s nearby some beautiful hiking and mountain biking, as well as the reservoir, where there’s an off leash area for the dogs.

Who is Going to Love It

It's a good place to set up for a long ride, so cyclists who want to log in a big day will like the isolation and relative tranquility of this road. 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The starting point for this ride is just to the west of Chatfield Reservoir at the intersection of Deer Creek Canyon Road (HYW 124) and S Wadsworth Blvd (HWY121), just off C-470.

There’s parking along the road on both sides of the road at the intersection. You can park here, change clothes, get your bike ready, (everybody does it). Or park in the park and ride over, but you’ll pay a day fee, which is worth it if you plan to enjoy the lake while you’re here.