For the latest updates, bookmark the link below!

Future updates for the Jeffco Peaks to Plains Trail can be found at

https://www.jeffco.us/3792/Peaks-to-Plains-Trail

Jeffco Open Space Receives $9.75 million from DRCOG

Jeffco Open Space recently applied to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Board of Directors to request funding for a 3-mile segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail in the furthest East portion of Clear Creek Canyon. The request was made through DRCOG’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). On November 28, the DRCOG Board of Directors approved $9.75 million to fund the East Clear Creek Canyon segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail.

The East Clear Creek Canyon segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail project, which the $9.75 million award will fund, is a $29.9 million project that includes an approximately 3-mile segment of trail, three pedestrian bridges, one improved underpass beneath U.S. Highway 6, multiple creek access locations for visitors, and two parking lots totaling roughly 100 spaces. The segment runs from the west end of Highway 6 Tunnel #1 to Huntsman Gulch. The timeline for design and construction is between 2021 – 2023. This segment builds at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon of the Peaks to Plains Trail is estimated to be completed in 2020.

View the Peaks to Plains Trail map

Peaks to Plains Trail Receives Colorado Lottery 2018 Starburst Award

Jeffco Open Space, along with Clear Creek County Open Space, is thrilled to be awarded a Colorado Lottery 2018 Starburst Award for the Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon Park. Starburst Awards recognize excellence in the use of Lottery funds for community and conservation projects. Winners are chosen based on the creativity of the project, economic and social impact on the community, and whether the project achieved its goal.

The project area recognized is a collaborative effort between Clear Creek and Jefferson Counties, as well as the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), on a 4-mile segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail that straddles both counties in Clear Creek Canyon.  Three miles of this segment opened to the public on July 28, 2016 after more than three years of challenging design, permitting and construction. The final mile in this segment located in Jefferson County opened to the public with a cable cutting ceremony on September 29, 2017. The project would not have been possible without a $4.6 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, funded by the Colorado Lottery, which was awarded in 2012 as part of the River Corridors Initiative.

More information about the Colorado Lottery Starburst Awards 

Denver Post Highlight: Historic Welch Ditch On Track For Repairs

Denver Post
By HOLLY GRAHAM
April 5, 2018 at 12:01 am

Hikers and history buffs rejoice: Historic Welch Ditch will reopen in 2020 as part of the Peaks to Plains Trail project.
Historic irrigation flume will be part of Peak to Plains Trail

Welch Ditch, an old irrigation trench near the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon partially closed because of safety concerns, is scheduled to reopen to the public…

Read full article.  

New Handrail Makes Creek Access Safer

A new handrail was installed just in time for the snow. The Big Easy Trailhead water access points are now easier and safer to experience. Remember to always be cautious near icy and swift water.

Big Easy Trailhead Open!

The Big Easy trailhead is officially open! Experience it for yourself at 32088 US Highway 6, Golden. Almost nine miles West of the US6/Hwy 58/Hwy 93 intersection.

Adding another .75 miles to the Peaks to Plains Trail, The Big Easy trailhead and recreation area has a permanent restroom, 54 parking spaces, fishing platforms over the water, picnic pavilions, a geology garden, and a boardwalk in areas where vegetation needs to be protected. A new bridge also spans the creek, leading onto the Peaks to Plains Trail, which connects to the Mayhem Gulch trailhead westward up the canyon. Opening cable cutting ceremony photos can be viewed here.

Notice: Trail Closures 9/18 & 9/19

With the cooperation of fall weather, both Jeffco Open Space and Clear Creek County will be closing sections of the trail on Monday and Tuesday, 9/18 and 9/19 of 2017.

Access to Peaks to Plains Trail from Mayhem Gulch trailhead will be blocked down from the restrooms and through the underpass for staining and maintenance. In addition, Clear Creek County will be closing their section of the trail from the county line to the west side of the box culvert.

Parking is available at Cannonball Flats and the Oxbow lots. However, if parking at the Oxbow, be advised only about ¾ of a mile of trail will be accessible at this time.

Please plan accordingly and thanks for your patience.

Big Easy Trailhead Opening September 29!

Join us for the opening ceremony of the new Peaks to Plains trailhead located at 32087 US Highway 6, Golden CO, 80403, or nine miles west from the intersection of 6th Avenue/Hwy 93/Hwy 58.

The ceremony will conclude with a ‘cable-cutting’ at 3:30 p.m., using the same cable seen on the new bridges in the canyon, and harkening back to the mining era. Visitors will then be able to enter The Big Easy and the Peaks to Plains Trail.

Food trucks and activities will be available until 6:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to carpool as parking will be limited. Parking at the Mayhem Gulch trailhead is suggested on this opening day, with access to the Big Easy trailhead via the newly connected Peaks to Plains Trail. The trail will open at Mayhem Gulch trailhead at 3:30 p.m.

The Peaks to Plains Trail, a key future state-wide connection, will gain another three quarters of a mile on Friday, September 29, 2017. This section adds more to the popular trail, which will eventually span the entirety of Clear Creek Canyon, all the way to Golden. In addition to the new trail, a developed recreation area and trailhead will open to the public in the part of the canyon known as ‘The Big Easy’.

The Big Easy trailhead and recreation area will have a restroom, 54 parking spaces, fishing platforms over the water, picnic pavilions, a geology garden, and a boardwalk in areas where vegetation needs to be protected. A new bridge also spans the creek, leading onto the Peaks to Plains Trail, which connects to the Mayhem Gulch trailhead westward up the canyon.

Clear Creek County Section of Trail Closed for Repairs August 7-18, 2017

Peaks to Plains Trail section in Clear Creek County will be closed this week for repairs. Crews will be starting near intersection of 119 & US Hwy 6 to approximately 1/4 mile west. The trail will remain open from the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead west 2 miles to the county line at the intersection of Hwy 119 & US 6. The Oxbow Trailhead on the west side of Tunnel 5, and east approximately 2/3 of a mile around tunnel 5 is still accessible, but the Clear Creek County segment of the trail along the highway will be closed.

Summertime, When the Construction is Big Easy

Crews are making solid progress at the Big Easy Recreation Area and Trailhead in anticipation of an early fall grand opening.

Jeffco Open Space construction crews building the new bathroom structure.

The walls are up and the vaulted ceiling is being framed for the permanent restroom.

Paving the new 50 car parking lot near US Hwy 6 near mile marker 262.5.