Trails

FAQ: Lakewood Gulch Bridge Closure (8th & Vrain)

Why is the bridge at 8^th Ave. & Vrain St. over Lakewood Gulch closed?
In August 2024, the bridge was found to have critical structural issues which could not be repaired and required a complete replacement of the bridge.

Why wasn’t this designed and replaced before it was closed?
Due to budget limitations, funds are typically not immediately available to avoid bridge closures like these. With nearly 200 structures along Denver’s trails and parks, more closures may be required as bridges continue to age.

What is the timeline for replacing the bridge over Lakewood Gulch?
With no funding available in the 2024 budget, a timeline to replace the Lakewood Gulch bridge has not been established.  Design and construction of a new bridge will be pending future budget allocations.

What is the detour in the meantime?
Trail users will be detoured along W 9^th Ave, Tennyson St, and Utica St.

Download the FAQ sheet(PDF, 286KB)

FAQ: West Harvard Gulch Bridge Closure

Why is the bridge on the West Harvard Gulch Trail near Clay St and Vassar Ave closed?
The bridge was found to have critical structural issues in August 2024. These critical issues may be able to be repaired when budget is available.

Why wasn’t this designed and replaced before it was closed?
Due to budget limitations, funds are typically not immediately available to avoid bridge closures like these. With nearly 200 structures along Denver’s trails and parks, more closures may be required as bridges continue to age.

What is the timeline for replacing the West Harvard Gulch Trail bridge?
There is no current timeline to replace the bridge. City staff is working to identify the needed repairs along with funding in order to hire a contractor to repair the bridge.

What is the detour in the meantime?
Trail users will be detoured along Vassar Ave. and Clay St.

Download the FAQ sheet(PDF, 316KB)

FAQ: DeBoer Park Bridge Closure

Why is the Harvard Gulch DeBoer Park bridge closed?
In June 2023, the bridge was found to have critical structural issues which could not be repaired and required a complete replacement of the bridge.

Pictured above: 

Photo on the right shows one of multiple vertical truss members with swelling and section loss from water getting trapped inside.  Photo on left shows one of many locations where the stringers have rested-through holes up to 2 feet long. 

Why wasn’t this designed and replaced before it was closed?
Due to budget limitations, funds are typically not immediately available to avoid bridge closures like these. With nearly 200 structures along Denver’s trails and parks, more closures may be required as bridges continue to age.

What is the timeline for replacing the DeBoer Park bridge?
The existing bridge does not meet modern standards and requires a new design, which has added to the project timeline. Currently under design, the new bridge must comply with all local, state, and federal requirements. Because it is located in the Harvard Gulch floodplain, construction must be completed within the low-flow season of October to April, meaning construction cannot begin any earlier than October 2025. Pending project funding, the new bridge is expected to be complete by Summer 2026.

What is the new bridge going to look like?
The new bridge will look a little different and will likely be a low-flow crossing. These structures are used widely along Cherry Creek such as the bridge pictured below near Holly Street.

Download the FAQ sheet(PDF, 475KB)

Many of our parks have perimeter and lake loop trails to serve as a defined route within the park. Here is a list of some of those loops to help you start exploring our park system.