Bicycling About Parker #5 of a series

Click here for the index to all the articles

Viewing Wildlife while Bicycling About Parker, and a "Ride Around Cherry Creek Reservoir."

There is a lot of wildlife to be seen while riding the various Multi-Use Paths around Parker.

I'm not an expert on wildlife, but I have viewed some interesting and enjoyable sights along the way.

Deer. As we all know, there are deer all over the place. One of my most interesting viewings was along the Cherry Creek Trail between the "hill" and McCabe Meadows Park/Trailhead.

This was early in the morning, about 5:30 am. There were about 15 does, fawns and yearlings in the field. They were playing - much like young pups might play. Running around, chasing each other, having a blast - until . . .

the magnificent BUCK arrives. Standing to the side clearing, everything suddenly stopped and all became quiet. He was obviously "in charge." And he wanted this nonsense stopped, and it did.

Coyotes. There are also many coyotes. One day, on the "Bridge to Nowhere" on the Cherry Creek Trail, in the Cottonwood area, we watched a mother duck protect her 12 ducklings from the advances of a coyote. The ducks were swimming in the creek, and the coyote was walking - unhappily - in the water, trying to have a lunch of duckling. The mom protected the ducklings, and none was eaten. The coyote finally went away

Another time, a horse trainer was teaching a horse to ford Cherry Creek near the Stroh Ranch Bridge at the same time I observed a coyote running along in the distance. I rode on, and a minute later a wild bolting horse streamed by me rider less, having been spooked by the coyote. The rider was fine. I don't know if they ever found the horse!

On the east side of the creek, just west of 20 mile road, I saw a coyote "herd" a group of deer, moving them around as if the coyote was a sheep dog!

I saw one fox near the rec center.

Snakes/Rattlesnakes. There are numerous snakes who sun themselves on the cement trail when it is cooler and they want to get warm. I have counted 27 in a 20 mile stretch. I have seen two rattlesnakes, one near the Trailside Condos, right on the Cherry Creek trail, and one in Cherry Creek Reservoir, also on the Cherry Creek Trail. Several hikers had walked right by, not knowing it was a rattlesnake.

Raptors. There are a variety of raptors always flying around - eagles, falcons, hawks.

Beaver There are beaver several places on the Cherry Creek Trail. The most obvious is the bridge just north of the rec center. The water backup under the bridge is caused by the beaver dam, which you can view by walking east.

Birds of all varieties. I am not a bird watcher. However, the most common bird is the red-winged blackbird, which inhabits anyplace where there are bushes growing near water. They have several different "songs." Also, there are meadowlarks, nut hatch, swallows, doves, Sage Grouse, and pigeons, among others. There are owls that live in the trees on the Tallman Gulch Trail just east of the two gates. In the early morning as I bicycle by, I hear them hoot at each other.

Water animals. There seem to be no large fish in Cherry Creek, but there are guppies and minnows, if one looks carefully, along with " skeeter" water bugs and mosquitoes..

Squirrels and Rabbits. There is an inexhaustible supply of rabbits, and many squirrels. Both can be a real danger to bicyclists. One of the members of the Parker Breakfast Club got a rabbit in his spokes while riding to a meeting, and had serious injuries. I know of no safeguards, however.

Prairie Dogs. There are numerous prairie dogs on the more remote areas of the trails where there are fields. As more and more land gets developed, they are moving in closer to the homes. You do NOT want a prairie dog living in your yard.

Mountain Lions. I have never seen one, but others have, in the Hidden Mesa Open space (Cherry Creek Trail way south), and some have been seen in Parker. Bears have been infrequently reported.

If you have seen other wildlife while bicycling, please write me at:

BicycleParker@aol.com

The ride this week takes us about 13 miles around Cherry Creek Reservoir, just north of Parker.

You and your bike need to get to Jordan Road and Caley Avenue, just north of Arapahoe Road, about 5 miles north of Jordan and E470. Unfortunately, this section of the Cherry Creek Trail (CCT) has not yet been completed.

So, load the bike up in the back of the van or pickup or buy a bike rack. You will need a way to get your bike to a variety of wonderful trails in the area. I can put 3-4 bikes in the back of my van, with the 3 rd seat down or removed. Do notbicycle Jordan Road as it is very narrow, dangerous, and not built for nor suitable for bicycles.

At Jordan and Caley, go right (east) on Caley ½ block, and you will see the trail on your left. Park on the street.

Starting down the trail, one reaches an intersection in about ½ mile. To the right is the Piney Creek Trail, which heads east to Aurora. At about a mile east, the Piney Creek Trail intersects a strip mall, with a Mama Louise's restaurant. I often finish this loop with lunch at Mama Louise's. The CCT descends a wonderful 2 miles through the upper reaches of the reservoir and stream. Lots of water and water-type bushes, and water-type bugs to splat on your face and helmet. I saw a rattlesnake here once.

You are in Cherry Creek State Park, about 4,200 acres of open space smack in the middle of the south metro area, including an 880 acre flood control lake.

After 2 miles, when you get to the stop sign, cross over and continue on the trail to your left (west). The trail continues through the park and is very scenic, passing some porta-potties and fishing areas along the way. In about 2 - 3 miles, you will come to a major parking lot with picnic shelters. On the northwest side will be a real bathroom with running potable water. Be sure to refill your water bottle, as you won't see water for a bit.

Go up the access road to the west, and take the first cement trail to your right, bringing you past the entrance station to the intersection of the Dam Road and South Dayton Street, across from Cherry Creek High School. Cross the Dam Road, and turn sharply right, going by the parking lot for the Greenwood Village park (which does have water and bathrooms, if needed). Continue on the trail going east, and you will go down a long descent in front of the dam.

The trail to the left will take you over I-225 to the nine-mile light rail station. Continue going down, then up. It is a fun ride down, not so fun up, but just remember, "Hills are your friends."

There will be two shelters. Bypass the first one, and stop at the 2nd and recover. Just a bit further and the trail will split, to the left takes you to downtown Denver, about 15 miles. To the right continues your journey around the reservoir.

Try to smile as the hotshot riders pass you as you continue up the steep part. At the top, there will be a trail taking you to Parker Road and the Parker light rail station. Don't take that. Continue to parallel Parker Road, then come to a stop light, allowing you to once again cross the Dam Road safely.

The trail to the left goes to the East entrance station and connects with the "Spillway Trail" headed out to Aurora. Take this as a shortcut if you like. However, I always continue on the trail now going west, with a great descent to the access road passing by the campground (also water and restrooms).

Of course, once you have a great descent - you know what comes next!! Go to the left where the trail intersects the access road, and follow the bike lane on the access road up and down two hills to the stop sign. Cross the road from the East entrance at the stop sign, and zoom down the hill, preparing to turn left at the first intersection.

Turn left, continue around the loop - crossing Cherry Creek - about 1 mile, and you will once again be at the spur trail two miles from your car.

Go up the trail. Detour to Mama Louise's if you like for a sandwich. Go to your car. Load up and do what you like!!

You will have completed 13 to 15 miles, depending on Mama Louise's!

Congratulations.

Click here for the index to all the articles

Please send suggestions and comments to

BicycleParker@aol.com