The South Platte Trail is perhaps the most important bike path running through the Denver metro area from Chatfield Reservoir all the way to Thornton.  It serves as the backbone from which almost all the other major bike paths end or start.  Unfortunately, the South Platte is not immune to the ills of any river or trail which runs through the heart of a major city: industrial pollution and urban blight.  Even so, the South Platte Trail offers many rewards to its riders: noteably, Elitch's Amusement Park and Confluence Park near downtown and the naturalistic settings at the south and north ends of the trail.

The heart of the Denver bike path system at Confluence Park.