Union Station is Denver's largest transit hub and is a point of attraction for many visitors. Since Union Station is centrally located, there are many different routes you can take when riding your B-cycle or personal bike. As mentioned in our previous post, some routes are faster while others are more pleasant to ride. To give you some ideas on the best ways to ride to Union Station, we came up with two different options for common starting destinations in Denver.
While each route is either a "fast" route or a "quiet" route, each one is specifically outlining official bike routes and is our suggestion for what a safe bike route might look like. However, remember to bike at your own risk and choose a route you feel most comfortable riding.
These suggestions take into consideration routes given by Google Maps, personal experience, as well as Avi Stopper's Bike Streets Map for the quieter, neighborhood streets best for biking. While these routes give general ideas for riding to Union Station, they are not precise directions. Make sure you plan your specific route ahead of time.
How to Ride To Union Station
From City Park:
The Fast Route: Head west on 21st and 20th Ave, turn left on California St. and right on 18th St. Turn left on Wynkoop St to arrive at Union Station.
The Quiet Route: Head north on Gaylord St., turn right on 25th Ave, and take 25th Ave and 26th St. down to Blake St. Turn right on 18th St, and then left on Wynkoop St to get to Union Station.
From Cheesman Park:
The Fast Route: Head west on 12th Ave then enter the Cherry Creek Trail at Speer Blvd. Take the trail all the way to Wynkoop St. and head north to reach Union Station.
The Quiet Route: Head south on Williams St and Gilpin St. to enter the Cherry Creek Trail at 1st Ave. Take the trail again to Wynkoop St.
From Washington Park:
The Fast Route: Ride to the north side of the park at Virginia Ave. and head north on Marion Pkwy and Downing St. Enter the Cherry Creek Trail at Speer Blvd and ride to Wynkoop St.
The Quiet Route: Ride north on Ogden St. until you reach the Cherry Creek Trail that will take you to Wynkoop St. and Union Station.
From S. Broadway/Baker Neighborhood:
The Fast Route: Take Lincoln St. north to Speer Blvd. then take the Cherry Creek Trail to Wynkoop St. and Union Station.
The Quiet Route: Head west on 1st Ave, turn right on Inca St., and ride north until you reach 12th Ave and Galapago St. Enter the Cherry Creek Trail on Speer Blvd and ride down to Wynkoop St. and Union Station.
From Decatur Federal Station/Sun Valley Neighborhood
The Fast/Quiet Route #1: Take Howard Pl. to the Lakewood Gulch Trail. Head east to the South Platte River Trail and ride to Speer Blvd. Cross the bridge over the river to get to Confluence Park and take the Cherry Creek Trail. Ride east to Wynkoop St. and Union Station.
The Fast/Quiet Route #2: Take Howard Pl., Lakewood Gulch Trail, and South Platte River Trail, but this time turn on Walnut Street, then left on 7th and right on Auraria Pkwy. Ride across Speer Blvd, turn left on the Cherry Creek Trail, and exit the trail at Wynkoop St to get to Union Station.
From Highlands neighborhood:
The Fast Route: Ride east on 29th Ave, make a slight right on 15th St. and use that street to cross 1-25. Ride down 15th St. all the way to Wewatta St. and and turn left to Union Station.
The "Quiet" Route: There's nothing quiet about crossing I-25, but take 33rd Ave east to Tejon St. and then turn slightly left on 16th St. Cross the highway using the Highland Bridge, turn right on the South Platte River Trail, turn left on the bridge at Confluence Park, and then take the Cherry Creek Trail to Wynkoop St. and Union Station.
From the Auraria Campus:
The Fast Route: Head north on Walnut St., turn right onto Auraria Pkwy, then enter the Cherry Creek Trail and take it to Wynkoop St. and Union Station.
The Quiet Route: Make your way through campus to Curtis St, then ride to Speer and enter the Cherry Creek Trail to ride to Wynkoop St. And Union Station.
From the RiNo/Five Points/Cole neighborhoods:
The Fast Route: Make your way to and head south on Blake St., turn right on 18th St, left on Wynkoop St., and arrive at Union Station.
The "Quiet" Route: If you're coming from the norther parts of the area, you can take High St. south, turn right on 35th Ave., left on Downing, and then a slight right on Champa St. This will take you to 18th St. Turn right on 18th and then left on Wynkoop St. to arrive at Union Station.
The best part about riding to Union Station is that most routes use a multi-use trail, such as the Cherry Creek Trail or the South Platte River Trail. If you are anywhere in the south or central-south neighborhoods of Denver, just follow the yellow brick road (the Cherry Creek Trail) and it will lead you practically right to Union Station. Always make sure you wear a helmet and be aware of other cyclists and pedestrians.
Find the City of Denver's official bikeways map here: Denver Bike Map (2017).
Find the Bike Streets Map of quiet, neighborhood roads here: Bike Streets Map