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A short gravel loop around Bluff Lake.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

98%

Runnable

5,345' 1,629 m

High

5,288' 1,612 m

Low

42' 13 m

Up

84' 26 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Wildlife

Closed from dusk till dawn. No bicycles.

Need to Know

Be aware that this loop is often incorporated into running events in the Stapleton area, which can dramatically change your experience. Also know that there is a short dirt path section that branches off the northeast part of the trail and follows along Sand Creek for a little way; this is a good area for sighting turkeys, coyote, and deer. This dirt path eventually turns back south and rejoins the main trail.

Runner Notes

Smooth gravel trail, tends to be a bit buggy in the spring.

Description

From the Bluff Lake Nature Center head down the stairs or the trail. The loop can be completed in either direction. There are also signs that denote 1 mile while circumnavigating the lake. The trail is mostly smooth gravel making it an easy run.

Flora & Fauna

This short, easy loop is great for urban wildlife viewing. Pelicans, bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, kingfishers, Swainson's hawks, and wild turkeys have all been sighted here. Coyote and deer also frequent Bluff Lake (and there is beaver sign along Sand Creek). There's also a thriving community of black-tailed prairie dogs along the south side of the refuge.

Shared By:

Scott Krankkala with improvements by Val Schwebach

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#1

in Aurora

#12286

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Aurora

#1,111

in Colorado

#12,286

Overall
2 Views Last Month
942 Since Sep 14, 2015
Easy Easy

100%
0%
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Photos

The Bluff Lake Loop
Sep 21, 2015 near Aurora, CO
Lots of urban wildlife out and about, especially near dawn and dusk.
Sep 9, 2018 near Aurora, CO

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Weather


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