This land was Arapaho Indian territory until Denver gold seekers prevailed. The Church Ranch grazed cattle here until real estate ventures became lucrative. It is fortunate that the 12 mile Westminster off road trail system, and its slice of open space, was spared from development. Stepping out of the Westin Hotel is City Park. The Big Dry Creek bisects this park so head for the foot bridge and cross to the other side to join the route. It is generally flat and follows the creek with hard packed crushed rock sand. [ GPX ]

The Big Dry Creek Trail is the crown jewel of Westminster’s off-road trail system. The trail meanders nearly 12 miles, within Westminster, from Standley Lake Regional Park to Interstate 25 and beyond into Thornton. Big Dry Creek Trail crosses under most streets through underpasses, which are being beautified by local artists. The trail is located on more than 900 acres of Westminster open space and 200 acres of parkland along the creek.