JUNE 2008 BIG DRY CREEK REPORT

Question: What passenger rail road has operated in the Denver for over 30 years and averages 60,000 riders a year?

The answer lies along the Big Dry Creek Trail.

Today we're going up the Big Dry Creek from it's confluence to the end of the trail, it's only a couple of miles but it has some cool features.

To get to the confluence ride about seven miles south of Alameda on the Platte River Trail.

The Platte is running pretty full right now.

Here's a boat chute. I've seen bumper stickers that say "Surf Colorado" and it shows a kayak on a river wave like this one.There was a kayaker getting ready to get in but he took too long for me to take a picture.

That bridge is the beginning of the Big Dry Creek Trail.

From the bridge you can see Big Dry Creek entering the Platte.

There is is...

Here's Big Dry Creek in a natural setting. Very tranquil.

Pretty soon you come across Belleview Park. There's a train that operates 6 days a week from Memorial Day till Labor day. Closed Mondays.

There's the big trestle. Up on the hill is a water park. I've never been to the water park, I use the one at Elitch Gardens.

Here's the train, it has been maintained and operated for 30 years by the Englewood Lions Club.

Made by Chance Rides Incorporated, Wichita Kansas.

Yes I rode the train. It costs $1.

After the trestle there's a straightaway and a tunnel.

Once you ride the train there's a Zoo, also $1.

Here's where you go in.

The Birds that bite exhibit.

A Lizard named Sydney...

And Bunny Rabbits.

Then you go into the barn yard.

Turkey Lurkey living large.

There were Goats.

There were Cows.

Chickens too.

I tried to get a better picture of the Pig but every time I got in front of him to take a picture he turned around. This is the best picture of his backside.

After Bellevue Park the trail continues through parks with picnic shelters and baseball fields.

Here's another shot of Big Dry Creek meandering along.

Some interpretive signs




This is the end of the trail. The road is Lehow Avenue, turn left and go a few blocks to Broadway. There you can catch an RTD "O" northbound to Denver.

As for me I took the O to the Englewood Transit Hub then transferred to the light rail for the rest of the way home.

There was some art at the station.

on the light rail to home. Your destination may vary.

It's a short ride but because of the special attractions I give this ride 4 stars out of 4.