A new habit I picked up this summer is running. I never really liked to run before – I think of walking the mall or a quick yoga video as “doing my part” for my health and my waistline. Don’t laugh. But when a good friend told me she was running trails near her house, I thought, “heck, I have a beautiful trail in my city, too!” It was time to check it out. Since July, I have been running the Clovis Dry Creek Trail, and loving every minute of it. First thing in the morning, I strap on the Nike kicks, blast my Beyonce and take off down Clovis Avenue.
According to Clovis’ director of planning and development, I am not alone on these trails. There are about three quarters of a million people using the trail system, and the trails are only getting better. Even USA Today has a scoop on walking paths in Clovis!
The Dry Creek Trail is one of six trails in the City of Clovis. The 5-mile trail starts at the newly finished Dry Creek Trailhead on Shepherd and Sunnyside, and ends just north of Herndon, east of Minnewawa. The shiny, new trailhead not only serves as a spot where locals can drive and park to use the trail, but it allows the booming cycling population in the valley to pump bike tires, repair bikes, and continue the ride. Restrooms and picnic tables are also at the aesthetically modern 2.5 acre, water-efficient trailhead.
For the beginner jogger, you’ll want to note that there are three rest stops along the path of the Dry Creek Trail, and a drinking fountain too (phew!)! All along the paved path you will follow the actual, natural Dry Creek, which had water in it today (woohoo!), and on some days you can hear the sweet babbling of the creek waters. Birds of all kinds, peach tree groves, and even horses are the scenery here, believe it or not. Runners, joggers, walkers, bikers, and stroller pushers can all be found taking advantage of this close-to-nature strip of the San Joaquin Valley.
Both the tree-lined Cottonwood Park, and the oh-so Clovis famous Dry Creek Park (epic 3-piece jungle gym set for kiddos of all ages) are along this trail. If you’re on your bike with a little one in toe, these parks make for an excellent pitstop! For an extra push (or a marathon trainer), you can continue your trek where the south end of the Dry Creek Trail meets the Clovis Old Town Trail. Hit up any of the coffeehouses, boutiques, library or antique shops when you head into Old Town Clovis, and you’ve got your entire day spent!
Check out a full list and map of the trails of Clovis here, and get out and enjoy.
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