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Prairie Gateway Open Space

4.7 ★★★★★ 110 Google reviews · Running trail in Denver, Colorado · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Prairie Gateway Open Space's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyQuiet

Tranquil nature area encompassing trails, prairies and a bison herd.

What runners say about Prairie Gateway Open Space

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (110 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“While your there drive thru the arsenal if you have time, great peaceful drive”

Absolutely amazing to see the wild life and scenery. My kids were so excited especially to see all of those gophers popping in and out of their wholes. It's a really nice drive 11 miles through to see it all I believe

★★★★★ — Kate , May 2021

A few miles of packed rock running/biking trails. Great place to get off of the city streets but not go too far from Denver to get a good morning run. Good amount automobile parking by trails. Does have restroom.

★★★★★ — Jonathan , Jul 2017

It's a blessing to be able to have wide open space to walk. My furbabies love it. While your there drive thru the arsenal if you have time, great peaceful drive

★★★★★ — Stephanie , Aug 2021

This is a great place for a walk. Staff at the visitors center was friendly and knowledgeable. Saw prairie dogs in the wild for the first time here.

★★★★☆ — Les , Mar 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 110 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“While your there drive thru the arsenal if you have time, great peaceful drive”

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🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Maybe it's the fact that I can chill and enjoy the best views in my car while on break, or a good cardio sesh while the sun shines energy and good vibrations to us all.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Clean and tidy, well cared for and we got to see bison and a zillion prairie dogs”

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Plan your run at Prairie Gateway Open Space

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitec3gov.com
  • Phone+1 303-289-3763

Hours

Monday 5 am–10 pm
Tuesday 5 am–10 pm
Wednesday 5 am–10 pm
Thursday 5 am–10 pm
Friday 5 am–11 pm
Saturday 5 am–11 pm
Sunday 5 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Prairie Gateway Open Space

Prairie Pkwy, Denver, CO 80239

Get directions

Running trails near Denver

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Lake Mary Loop Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 99 reviews

Denver, CO

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Park and wildlife refuge featuring wildflowers, birding, fishing, and hiking.

1.6 miles away

Rocky Mountain Arsenal - Lake Ladora hike

4.7 ★★★★★ 89 reviews

Denver, CO

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with picnic facilities known for its population of bison.

1.6 miles away

Fairfax Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 545 reviews

Commerce City, CO

Dog-friendly

Park featuring picnic and play areas, plus basketball and tennis courts, a baseball field, and a playground.

2.1 miles away

Dahlia Trailhead

4.1 ★★★★☆ 111 reviews

Commerce City, CO

Scenic

2.3 miles away

Smith Road Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 44 reviews

Denver, CO

Recreational area featuring kid-friendly hiking trails and opportunities for walking and biking.

2.9 miles away

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,686 reviews

Commerce City, CO

11 miLoopMixedScenic

Open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands & woodlands home to more than 330 species.

3.0 miles away

All running trails in Denver, CO →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.