Sand Creek Greenway from Star K Ranch

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

• Distance14 mi
• Elevation gain320 ft
• Leash ruleLeash required
• Water on trailSand Creek runs alongside much of the route
• SeasonYear-round; soft-surface sections get muddy after storms
• ParkingFree lot at the Morrison Nature Center; quiet except during nature-center programs
• FeeFree
• RestroomsRestrooms at the Morrison Nature Center (open hours)
• Managed bySand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership / City of Aurora

Sand Creek is a nearly 14-mile greenway that threads from Aurora through Denver to Commerce City, and the Star K Ranch stretch is its best dog section: cottonwood shade, a slow creek, and a quiet soft-surface trail that feels miles from the airport corridor it sits in. Head west toward Bluff Lake (where dogs are not allowed, so turn around at its boundary) or east along the ranch. Leashes are required throughout and coyotes den along the creek, so keep small dogs close at dusk. Mostly flat, good for seniors and puppies, and far less crowded than the High Line Canal.

After the hike

More trails near Aurora

• Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area

  Off-leash allowed in designated area (pass required); leash elsewhere in the park
  Aurora
• Aurora Reservoir Trail

  Leash required · 8.75 mi
  Aurora

All dog-friendly hikes near Aurora → · Aurora dog guide