Final stretch of the East/West Regional Trail completed
Information and photo provided by Douglas County
After more than 20 years of planning, partnership and physical labor, the East/West Regional Trail celebrated the completion of the 28-mile trail with the final 4.7-mile stretch that now connects Douglas County communities.
The completion of the final section of the 28-mile East/West Regional Trail was celebrated last month with the opening of the final stretch of this scenic portion of the trail connecting Douglas County communities from western Highlands Ranch through Parker.
The new section runs east 4.7 miles from a trailhead, located near RidgeGate Parkway and I-25, at Schweiger Ranch and connects to the existing trail underpass at South Chambers Road in Parker. The final 8 miles of the East/West Regional Trail were made possible by a $2 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado to Douglas County and the Town of Parker.
County officials and neighbors gathered on July 24 for the grand opening.
Construction on the East/West Regional Trail system began in 2002 and with this opening now runs from Redstone Community Park in Highlands Ranch to the Cherry Creek Trail in Parker, serving as the backbone for a network of local trails and creating a commuter and recreational connection for the entire region.
The East/West Regional Trail system provides access to recreation, employment, transportation and retail opportunities to the residents of Douglas County living in Highlands Ranch, the City of Castle Pines, the City of Lone Tree, the City of Littleton and the Town of Parker, as well as individuals from throughout the Denver metro area.
A soft surface trail with varied terrain accommodates bicyclists, dogs on-leash, equestrian users and hikers. With an elevation gain of approximately 200 feet that includes short bursts of climbing and moderate hills, the trail is considered to be moderately easy.
Successful completion of this portion of the project relied on the collaboration of local and state partners.
As part of a much larger state-wide trail system, users will eventually be able to utilize off-street trails from the Denver metro area west to Durango through connections to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, High Line Canal Trail, Waterton Canyon Trail and the Colorado Trail.
For more information on the East/West Regional Trail and the other regional trails located in Douglas County including maps, visit https://www.douglas.co.us/dcoutdoors/trails/regional-trails/.
