Washington Park & Beyond

It was another beautiful day today and I knew I better get out and enjoy it.  I didn't feel like driving anywhere so another bike ride it was.  I set out late afternoon intending for a short bike ride to Washington Park--the place I'd skipped last weekend--and back, but end up riding nearly as many miles as yesterday.

To get to the park, I planned to follow one of Denver's many designated bike routes.  I've seen directional signs for these routes all over, but never paid too much attention.  I found a map online, which showed that route D-16 led almost point to point from my place to the park, but when I got on on the road, I didn't see the first sign until after five miles of riding.  I ended up winging it most of the way, which is what I usually do anyway, but still feel a little cheated.

I made Washington Park in well under an hour and, after loop and a half around, decided to continue east a few more miles.  I ended up connecting with the High Line Canal.  It parallels and old irrigation ditch, and as such is pretty flat, but to maintain this level the ditch takes a pretty circuitous course, which should be evident on the map.  It took me more than ten trail-miles to travel three miles as the crow files.

Full Screen Version


I would have liked to have stayed on the trail a little further, but to avoid being out too late for a second night, I turned west at Quincy Avenue and followed an increasingly familiar route back.  At the top of the last major hill, I saw splendid sunset over the mountains.  I stopped in Sanderson Gulch Park for picture before completing the ride.

Trip Statistics
Length: 38.8 miles
Ride Time: 3 hours 33 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Avg. Speed: 10.9 MPH
Max. Speed: 23.2 MPH
Min Elev:  5,230 ft.
Max Elev.: 5,532 ft.
Total Ascent: 1,400 ft.

Elevation Profile

First Bike Route Sign

Washington Park

High Line Canal Trail

Sunset from Sanderson Gulch Park