Trail Run Project Logo

A stroll through the Denver Zoo. Admission fees charged to access this trail


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.2

KM

100%

Runnable

5,289' 1,612 m

High

5,254' 1,602 m

Low

41' 13 m

Up

42' 13 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

3%

Max Grade (1°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildlife

Open 365 days a year.

Overview

This route visits many of the animal residents of the Denver Zoo as well as many changing art installations. This is far from the most expedient route, but it visits many of the animals and totals about 2.5 miles. More is added by visiting the many indoor exhibits including Tropical Discovery, and Bird World. The Nurture Trail near Duck Lake was closed on this visit where I recorded this track and adds a few animals and a short shaded boardwalk to the west end of the zoo.

Need to Know

Admission fees charged depending on age and if you have a Zoo membership. Fees are used for conservation efforts and to care for the many animals on display.

Runner Notes

Nearly all concrete with a few graded dirt paths with mulch to prevent mud.

Description

Much of this trail is under lush tree cover for much of the year. Shade is abundant on the western end of this trail, sparser to the east. Bathrooms, concessions and drinking fountains abound. Many areas are available for a picnic on the lawn. Enjoy a rest on the Train or Carousel.

Did you know the rabbits, chipmunks and peacocks that roam the Zoo grounds are wild and not owned by the Zoo? As are many of the migratory birds that stop by to rest up and enjoy a free meal.

Flora & Fauna

This trail has manicured and "wild" gardens with flora from around the world.

History & Background

According to the sign at Bear Mountain, this enclosure is a "national historic landmark built in 1918, Bear Mountain was the first naturalistic habitat of its kind in North America, based on giant plaster casts of rock outcroppings from an area near Morrison, Colorado."

Shared By:

Rob M.

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#1

in City Park

#3022

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in City Park

#445

in Colorado

#3,022

Overall
26 Views Last Month
2,853 Since May 22, 2016
Easy Easy

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Interesting flower found planted along trail.
May 22, 2016 near Denver, CO
Small Iris blooming in the sun.
May 22, 2016 near Denver, CO
Lee the polar bear about to jump into the pool.
May 22, 2016 near Denver, CO
Sparrow, singing in the bath.
May 22, 2016 near Denver, CO
Clouded leopard on lookout.
May 22, 2016 near Denver, CO
Newborn gorilla "Whimsie" in mother's arms.
May 22, 2016 near Denver, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.