In Bicycle Colorado, we are aware that we must acknowledge the history in addition to talking about the future. We ride on stolen property. Since the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations were the original inhabitants and guardians of the area where we have done our work for millennia prior to genocide and ethnic cleansing led by European settlers, we reserve space to recognize and commemorate them. We are appreciative of the knowledge and tenacity of these cultures, their living descendants in Colorado, and those who were forcibly transported here.
Everybody travels and recreates regions that were taken. It’s crucial that we remember the relationships between these American Indian communities and leisure and transportation. Many people decide how they travel and how they affect the environment. Many of us also make choices that affect the footprint of our community regarding land use and transportation options. And while we frequently talk about having the freedom to move around, we also need to recognize that individuals have the right to remain in areas that were seized from American Indians by colonists.
Ride Through The Rocky Mountains. Mountain bikers of all skill levels will find the Rocky Mountains to be a pleasure. Our mountain bike excursions have it all, whether you’re an expert looking for new terrain or a novice looking for excitement. You won’t be let down by any of the Front Range trails near Denver, including the fabled Colorado Trail. The excursion is made especially memorable by the breathtaking scenery, unusual rock formations, and lovely natural surroundings.
Bike Trails Colorado
Colorado has been named the No. 1 most active state, the second-best place to live, and the fourth-happiest state overall in various polls. We like to assume that the enormous trail system in the Centennial State has a lot to do with that. Here is a list of our top Colorado trails, which span the Front Range and Rocky Mountains and offer a combination of urban and rural adventures.
1.) Peaks To Plains Trail
As it descends for 65 miles from the Continental Divide into the eastern Rocky Mountains, this smooth concrete route will provide a really iconic panorama of Colorado. From Clear Creek’s headwaters to where it flows into the South Platte River north of Denver, the Peaks to Plains Trail essentially follows the path that it cut through mountains and high plains thousands of years ago. The trail’s peak section in Clear Creek Canyon is quite popular due to the stunning mountain scenery and numerous bridge crossings that provide views of the creek below. The route will be brought out of the canyon and connected to a river walk through Golden, a town at the base of the Rockies, by a significant gap-filling project that is expected to be finished in the spring of 2021.
2.) The New Santa Fe Regional Trail
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail, a 17-mile stretch of crushed stone and gravel that parallels the foot of the Rocky Mountains, provides magnificent vistas of the Front Range and Pikes Peak. The contrast between the omnipresent red dirt and virtually continuously blue skies is breathtaking. You almost always see cadets out for a run, gliders circling overhead as novice pilots practice their abilities, and parachutists floating through the air when you pass by the United States Air Force Academy. Even the infrequent noise of military aircraft rumbling overhead barely disturbs the peace of this trail. Both Palmer Lake at the trail’s northern terminus and the tiny town of Monument through which it passes have restaurants. Connecting trails take users to Colorado Springs as they move south.
3.) Regional Trail in Cherry Creek
Riders follow the 40-mile track directly into downtown Denver, the largest metropolis in the mountain states, leaving semi-rural exurbs behind. The urban portion of the Cherry Creek Regional Trail never deviates from its namesake river; it follows it along a corridor decorated with works of art that is a dozen feet below the busy streets above. Denver residents who enjoy the outdoors frequently use this section, making it the most popular. Highlights include Larimer Square, the area where Denver was founded in the 1850s, and the Denver middle for the Performing Arts, one of the largest nonprofit theater companies in the country. The multiple train lines that supplied this formerly frontier town are evidenced by the imposing iron bridges that cross overhead, some of which have been transformed into auto bridges and others of which are still hauling locomotives.
4.) Trail of the Mineral Belt
In addition to providing views of some of Colorado’s highest peaks and the city of Leadville below, an 11.6-mile circle through the conifer forests and aspen groves around Leadville takes guests on a journey through the area’s rich mining history. The Mineral Belt Trail is difficult because it maintains a relatively steep average slope of 3% with a maximum of 5%, unlike many rail trails. Additionally, the air is thin, and the sun’s rays are powerful at the height of 2 miles above sea level. Even Coloradans may struggle with lower oxygen levels. Therefore outdoor recreation shops in the ancient city proudly sell bottles of oxygen! The trail is maintained in the winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire mountain biking, so take it easy, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning experience at any time of year.
5.) Manitou Incline
A total of 2,700 unevenly spaced railroad tie steps that were formerly part of a cog train and a funicular cable-car route up the side of Mt. Manitou can be found on the Manitou Incline’s natural surface. Although it’s challenging, the vistas and sense of success at the summit make it worthwhile. Though the average Slope is only a mere 45%, the highest gradient is 68%, which puts you relatively close to moving upward with each step. Take into account that you will begin your ascent over 6,500 feet above sea level before beginning this hiker-only track. Take heart in the fact that elite athletes frequent the Incline; an American athlete once passed you on the way up as if you were standing still. Just 10 miles separate you from the Olympic training center.
6.) Animas River Trail
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge railway has been connected to the town of Durango, which is tucked away in the state’s southwest, since the 1880s. The association still exists today, as seen by the frequent sightings of antique locomotives along this rail-and-trail path. The Animas River Trail is a little more than 9 miles long, with multiple river crossings and winds through the heart of the city along a river walk that has been referred to as the backbone of the city’s trail system. Durango welcomes almost a million tourists each and is known for its vintage train trips and plenty of outdoor activities.
7.) Colorado Riverfront Trail
The paved Colorado Riverfront Trail borders the south side of Grand Junction on the western end of the state, hugging the Colorado River for the majority of its 24 miles. The Colorado and Gunnison Rivers meet at this point, giving rise to the city’s name. The route provides a fantastic perspective of this impressive confluence as well as the towering red sandstone cliffs of the Colorado National Monument to the south. Nearby restaurants abound, and birding is a particularly popular activity along the walk. In fact, the Audubon Nature Preserve, which is home to 200 different bird species, is just across the river. The trail leaves the city towards the west and travels via Fruita before coming to an end in Loma, next to James M. Robb Colorado River State Park.
Mountain Biking Trails Colorado
1.) Waterton Canyon, the Colorado Trail, or Silverton to Durango
Bicyclists and hikers both enjoy using this multi-use track. From beginning to end, it spans approximately 500 kilometers of difficult alpine terrain. You must be physically fit to complete the entire Colorado Trail and be able to withstand its duration. If you make the decision to participate, stick with it until the end. Commitment is also essential for such celebrations to be successful. The Silverton to Durango track includes a spectacular single track with epic mountain views and no wilderness bypasses for those seeking just a portion of Colorado’s most famous path. As it crosses several mountain passes, it has some challenging vertical climbs. Waterton Canyon in Littleton is a more accessible location.
2.) Park Doctor, Crested Butte
Another great trail in Colorado with a breathtaking vista is found here. 14.2 miles of trails at Doctor Park see little traffic. It starts with a 2,500 vertical foot fire road ascent and transitions to a middle ring double track before reaching the trail’s highest point of 10,877 feet. It offers some long-distance beauty.
3.) Salida Monarch Crest
A singletrack cycling trail with beautiful valleys and mountains can be found here. You need to be well-prepared with drinks and snacks because riding it may be extremely strenuous and taxing on the body. The trail’s beginning is relatively flat when you start your ride in Monarch Crest, which is located west of Salida. The path is relatively smooth and free of large rocks. You should stay on the single track after a brief ascent on a double track. You must bicycle past various rocks and roots in this area.
4.) Pine, Buffalo Creek
There are singletrack and double-track trails at Buffalo Creek. On Buffalo Creek, you can go biking all day long. It’s big! And Pine is a charming tiny community that is conveniently located near Denver, south of Highway 285
Better yet, with the speculator campsites you find along the way, why not make it a weekend adventure? You can view the magnificent rock formations, barren landscapes, and stunning mountain peaks while you’re there.
5.) Loop for Lunch in Grand Junction
There is a dirt bike playground on this single track, which also descends. There are restrooms, a location to get water, and a spot to resupply available while on the path. There isn’t much shade here in the summer, so it becomes scorching. Numerous challenging trails can be easily reached from Grand Junction itself.
Although Lunch Loop is a fantastic network and is frequently described as difficult, there is something for everyone, from greens to blacks. Watch carefully for blind corners, some of which are tight. The Lunch Loop, so named because it is practical, is another stop for trail runners. There are restrooms on-site, and canines are welcome.
6.) Durango’s Horse Gulch
In Durango, which is usually dry and hot in the summer, there is a spectacular single track called Horse Gulch. So it’s advised to carry adequate water with you. Depending on the path you pick, this trail can be used by both experts. Sugar, Telegraph, Snake Charmer, Raider Ridge, and Power Line are just a few of the popular routes in Horse Gulch.
Bike Trails Colorado And Parks Guide
The Colorado 14ers Loop, a 285-mile mixture of singletrack, dirt roads, and mountain climbs, is one of the amazing bike routes that can be found the entire way from the Front Range through the Rockies to the Western Slope. You can select paths that are appropriate for each type of bike, whether you ride a city bike, hybrid, or mountain bike.
Mountain biking: Colorado residents like riding their bikes while taking in the breathtaking aerial vistas that come with the rise. These trails can be found in nearby parks as well as on a number of federal lands, such as national forests and BLM. Mountain bike routes are typically accessible for no charge.
City biking: In this state, it is simple to find paved pathways that are appropriate for city and hybrid cycles. Most municipalities have bike lanes, while cities like Denver have bike pathways that are sometimes shared with people.
Bike rentals are simple to come by in most larger cities and tourist destinations. More than 80 B-Cycle stations are managed across numerous neighborhoods in Denver.
Trails & Parks for Biking in Colorado
From the plains to the peaks, Colorado has fantastic mountain biking. For a range of biking styles and skill levels, bike routes and parks are being built. Each summer, a large number of ski resorts welcome mountain bikers.
Colorado’s Mountain and Dirt Bike Parks
In the summer, several ski resorts provide bike lift access to a variety of high mountain courses. These offer fantastic opportunities for focus-testing aerial views and exhilarating downhill mountain biking. Additionally, there are bike parks and pump tracks run by the city.
Bicycle Paths
1.) Bear Creek Canyon Loop is a challenging 8-mile route.
Gain a fantastic exercise while experiencing a thrilling descent through the forest. Within the first 5 miles, this trail gains about 2,200 feet in elevation. In order to successfully complete this difficult trail, be ready for stream crossings and a nice deep burn.
2.) Beginner’s 4-mile Black Forest Section 16 Trail
Make a four-mile loop through the trees that are beautiful and easy. Enjoy beautiful views and lots of shade. This trail just offers a relaxing, rolling ride; there are no significant peaks or descents. Horses, runners, and dogs are all common on the trail, so keep a lookout for them.
3.) 20-mile intermediate park in Cheyenne Mountain
You can select your own experience on the 20 miles of paths at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It offers a superb balance of climbing for all skill levels, complexity, and technicality. There are numerous routes that may be connected to create rides of 2 to 20 kilometers. Parking costs $7.
4.) Garden of the Gods: 5 miles of beginner-level hiking trail
In Colorado Springs, are you looking for bike routes to help you get used to the altitude? Enjoy a leisurely bike through stunning landscapes on this trail. As you visit the nation’s top park (as chosen by TripAdvisor® users), let your senses be captivated by the stunning red spires of the natural rock formations. For visitors from outside the area or beginners, it’s an excellent ride.
5.) North Catamount Reservoir, a 10-mile intermediate reservoir
This Colorado Springs cycling path is renowned for its outstanding beauty. The rolling hills are guaranteed to keep your heart beating and lungs working overtime, even if there are no characteristics to designate it as an advanced trail. Nothing compares to the view of Pikes Peak from the reservoir as you travel around it.
Trails For Every Level Of Bike Trails Colorado
Mountain bike routes are revealed throughout the state of Colorado once the winter snow has melted. Bikers of all skill levels enjoy magnificent rides that range from red-rock shelves and creekside tracks to high mountain passes and aspen-lined loops. Bike racks rapidly replace ski racks. Below, you can find your ideal transportation.
Trails for Novice Bikers
6 miles from Breckenridge to Boreas Pass Boreas is a fantastic family route that begins on a broad road that was formerly an abandoned narrow-gauge rail bed and branches off into forested singletrack that winds past old mining artifacts. For those looking for a short adventure with breathtaking mountainside views, the track is ideal for a ride in the late afternoon or early evening.
Fort Collins, Pineridge Natural Area, 7 Miles For novice bikers looking to develop a feel for the sport, the Pineridge Natural Area, which is close to Fort Collins, provides mild rolling hills and smooth routes. Dixon Reservoir, marshes, and high-grass prairie abounding with local animals are all surrounded by a system of pathways.
Advanced Bike Trails
2 Miles, Hunter Creek Trail, Aspen This popular local walk begins close to Aspen’s downtown, follows Hunter Creek, and eventually opens up to a stunning meadow of wildflowers. The shaded trail ascends more than 700 feet in the first mile along the steep, rocky terrain, crosses multiple bridges, and then flattens out into rolling singletrack.
7 miles from the boneyard in eagle With this easily accessible route west of Vail, you’ll work up a sweat. Before entering undulating sagebrush fields, tight-turning singletrack travels through dense woodlands. Beginning with brief ascents, three sections then include thrilling descents down sweeping trails for a delightful mix of ascents and descents.
14 miles to buffalo creek, Pine Buffalo Creek’s remote loop is located in the foothills southwest of Denver and is frequently rated as one of the state’s best trails. Riders are drawn to the Slickrock parts and hairpin twists that pass spectacular rock formations by the sensation of gravity. As lengthy, steady climbs lead to even longer periods of downhill; minimal effort yields maximum rewards.
Expert Bike Trails
8 miles, zippitty-doo-dah, fruita Zippity-Doo-Dah is as whimsical as its name suggests and offers challenging singletrack with swooping downhills that are not for the faint of heart. The track blasts across the desert terrain of western Colorado in an 8-mile loop, gliding through the magnificent Book Cliffs rock formations and up steep hills and over precipitous sides.
32-mile monarch crest trail in Salida
A strong pair of lungs and endurance are essential for this long-distance, high-altitude ride. At the top of Monarch Pass, the technical rider’s playground begins, with a large portion of the trail lined with stones and trees. After a challenging ascent that reaches a peak elevation of 11,960 feet, motorcyclists descend in a thrilling manner through rock gardens and eventually over a streambed.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Colorado’s Road Biking Trails
Which Colorado national parks provide road bike trails?
Several well-known national parks in Colorado are recommended by hikers on AllTrails.com. One road bike track can be found in Mesa Verde National Park, and 116 evaluations from locals have given it an average rating of 4.6 stars. One road-riding path in Rocky Mountain National Park has had an overall rating of 4.7 stars from 273 user reviews.
What Colorado road riding route is the longest?
The Golden Gate Canyon Loop is Colorado’s longest road biking trail, according to AllTrails.com. The estimated length of this trail is 85.1 km, and the average hiking time is 22 hours and 12 minutes.
Which Colorado road bike route gains the most elevation?
Colorado: Of all the local road riding trails, Pikes Peak Highway: Cascade to the Summit of Pikes Peak has the highest elevation rise at 2,053 m. With 1,922 m of elevation rise, Golden Gate Canyon Loop has the next-highest ascent among road riding trails.
What is Colorado’s most well-liked and challenging road bike route?
Turquoise Lake Loop, which has a 4.6-star rating from 93 reviews, is the most well-liked and challenging road-riding course in Colorado.
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