As I strolled along the perimeter of the diverted downtown river channel, I admired the transformation of Pueblo’s Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. The concrete channeled offshoot of the mighty Arkansas River had become a vibrant urban track, inviting exploration and offering a glimpse into the city’s renewal. Pueblo, often overlooked by Colorado travelers, has undergone a remarkable revitalization.

Having spent the night in a converted jail cell at Station of the Riverwalk (call at 719-569-7904, email at FrontDesk@StationOnTheRiverwalk.com, or visit https://stationontheriverwalk.com/), I could practically roll out of bed and right onto the trail at dawn. Only a few joggers and early-bird strollers were out at that hour, and it felt like I had the path and the city to myself.

The trail circumnavigates a skinny, three-pronged loop, where I found myself surrounded by reclaimed, post-industrial space, with plenty of public art and even inspiring street art on neighboring buildings. The Riverwalk is not just a means of getting around town, but a testament to the city’s commitment to providing authentic experiences. As I walked, more folks came out onto the trail.I began near my hotel and the Alan Hamel Avenue parking lot, where I was greeted by the graceful Native American Woman statue, seemingly dancing beside a long, accessible ramp. Crossing the elevated walkway and Veterans’ Bridge, I caught a breathtaking sunrise view of the fountain and a series of bronze statues depicting the wildlife and people of the Plains.

The trail led me to Murray Island, with its menagerie of Colorado wildlife statues, and a monument honoring Zebulon Montgomery Pike. I rang the bells at the end of the bridge, then continued toward a tunnel under Main Street, placing me in a different downtown section; the river’s edge was flanked by pedestrian areas and outdoor restaurant patios. The Riverwalk Info Center and its adjacent bathrooms served as a hub for gathering information or booking a gondola tour.

As I looped around Lake Elizabeth, I appreciated the juxtaposition of the old factory rising on one side and the newly developed residential units on the other. I passed cattails and geese, and a fleet of rubber ducky paddleboats.

Completing the loop, I found myself back in front of Brues Alehouse on Alan Hamel Avenue, rooftop views and their signature dish, the “Slopper,” featuring smothered beef patties with Pueblo green chiles. If it’s later in the day, you can slide right into happy hour at The Clink Lounge, in an adjacent part the restored prison.

The full loop around the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is fewer than 2 miles, but the city packs a lot into that short distance and it’s the perfect way to get a glimpse of a town that most travelers simply drive straight past.

Joshua Berman is the author of “Moon Colorado Hiking” (Avalon Travel, fall 2023).