Best Places To Take A Walk In Denver

Staying fit is a goal of CBS4's Fit 4 Colorado initiative. The station offers monthly community walks in various communities to encourage people to get out and exercise. Here are some of the spots we've held walks. They're all good spots to regularly visit, lace up your sneakers and improve your health and fitness.

Mile High Loop

2001 Colorado Blvd.
(303) 331-4113
www.cityparkalliance.org

The Mile High Loop is a new 5k trail that winds through City Park in Denver. "We wanted to provide other recreational opportunities for people in Denver and we wanted to do something that really celebrated the Mile High City," said Denver Parks and Rec spokeswoman Jill McGranahan when the trail opened in 2009. The trial follows the mile high contour of City Park with markers at the points that are 5,280 feet above sea level. Historic features, scenic spots, as well as miles are marked along the trail. "You walk through kind of the jewels of the park along the trail," McGranahan said.

Belmar Park

801 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
303-987-7800
www.lakewood.org

The trails of Belmar Park wind around Lakewood's Heritage Center and Kountze Lake and past the Irongate Office Complex and Bonfils-Stanton Amphitheater. Park at the Heritage Center along South Wadsworth Boulevard. The trail distances measure from 1.1 to 1.8 miles.

Ralston Creek Trail

59th Ave at Allison St., Arvada
720-898-7000
www.arvada.org

The Ralston Creek Trail in Arvada stretches for miles, but we like the section that runs through Memorial Park just east of the Arvada Square Shopping Center. The creek gurgles past as you hike, and you're often sharing the trail, but not overwhelmed by, joggers, roller bladers, skate boarders and strollers. If you start at Memorial Park and head east you'll eventually get to the mast bridge near I-70 and Sheridan. Head west and you'll go through town all the way to Tucker Lake Park and the Arvada Reservoir.

Hudson Gardens

6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton
(303) 797-8565
www.hudsongardens.org

Hudson Gardens has a lot to offer, but just simply taking a walk in this non-profit botanical gardens is a basic treat. They are located along the bank of the South Platte River and there's no admission fee in the winter months. The gardens are outstanding, and sculptures and other man-made objects merge nicely with the natural setting.