Photos: Ten best Colorado hikes

By Michael Roberts Thu., Jun. 21 2012 at 7:28 AM

Categories: Things to Do

Continued from page 4

Westerly Creek Trail

AmericanTrails.org

When Stapleton International Airport was retired, most of its concrete runways were crushed and reused (as an aggregate) in constructing nearby warehouses. But the more incredible runway-return-to-nature vision lies along Westerly Creek Trail, hidden beneath the MLK Boulevard bridge. Here, large concrete chunks were used like stones to line the hike and bike trails and retain the soil of low rolling slopes around the bridge. The concrete slabs look amazingly "natural" -- almost like stone rockfalls -- in a park that was landscaped with native plants. The beauty of the Westerly Creek Trail makes it a local favorite and proves that if we unbuild it, they will still come.

Best Return to Nature, Best of Denver 2010

Erik Weihenmayer Trail for Health: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve

Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind climber to conquer Everest, has teamed with the American Hiking Society to promote outdoor hiking, even for folks with allergies and disabilities. His namesake trail on Lookout Mountain is an easy walk for almost everyone, making Weihenmayer the perfect poster boy in the campaign to get folks off their butts and into the great outdoors.

Best Trail Named for a Blind Mountaineer, Best of Denver 2002

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