Best Bike Rides in Denver
You’ll crush scenic road climbs like the 33.4-mile Deer Creek loop with 3,674 feet of elevation gain, or tackle gravel grinders such as the 54-mile Sugarloaf route-bring a 1x drivetrain and 40mm tires for its steep, chunky sections. Families love the flat, 28.1-mile Cherry Creek Trail, while mountain bikers rip technical singletrack at Betasso Preserve or Buffalo Creek’s rock gardens. Packed routes span paved, gravel, and rugged terrain-all minutes from downtown, each revealing why Denver’s backyard rides stand apart.
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Notable Insights
- Scenic road loops like Deer Creek–City View offer challenging climbs with panoramic Front Range vistas.
- Gravel routes such as Sugarloaf and Highline Canal provide mixed-surface adventures near Denver.
- Family-friendly paved trails include the flat, low-traffic Cherry Creek Trail and Sloan’s Lake loop.
- Mountain bikers enjoy over 1,200 miles of singletrack at spots like Betasso and Buffalo Creek.
- Rides near Denver cater to all levels, from easy city paths to technical backcountry trails.
Scenic Road Rides in Denver
You’ll find some of the most rewarding road rides just west of Denver, where paved pathways climb into the foothills and deliver big views with every turn of the pedals. Your Bike will earn its keep on scenic routes like the 33.4-mile Deer Creek – High Grade – City View loop, with 3,674 feet of elevation gain and panoramic views of red rocks and the Denver skyline. The 17.8-mile Lookout Mountain road ride offers manageable climbing and sweeping Front Range vistas at the summit. For great riding through rolling terrain, try the 24.7-mile Grapevine and Lininger route, featuring 2,976 feet of elevation gain and constant Rocky Mountains exposure. Even longer challenges like the 47.4-mile Juniper Pass – Floyd Hill Loop reward endurance with steep ascents and scenic descents. Paved pathways like the Dinosaur Ridge ride, at 35.1 miles with 1,740 feet of elevation gain, mix fossils with fitness-all offering unbeatable panoramic views.
Gravel Rides Near Denver
Some of the best gravel riding near Denver spans rugged trails and rolling countryside, where mixed-surface routes challenge your fitness and your gear. You’ll find everything from rolling canal paths to alpine-grit climbs, all within a short drive of the city. These gravel rides explore the Front Range’s backroads, testing your endurance on dirt, rock, and gravel.
| Route | Distance (mi) | Gravel (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Highline Canal Trail | 33.8 | 70% |
| Castlewood Gravel Loop | 69.2 | 85% |
| Sugarloaf Gravel Loop | 54.0 | 95% |
| Crown Hill–Standley Lake–Westminster Hills | 50.6 | 55% |
Tackle the steep Sugarloaf Gravel Loop with a 1x drivetrain and 40mm tires, or cruise the Open Sky Loop near Boulder Reservoir for flowing singletrack and prairie views. Each route blends technical terrain with reliable access.
Easy Family Bike Trails in Denver
While Denver’s mountain trails draw experienced riders, families looking for safe, relaxed biking will find plenty of options close to home. The Cherry Creek Trail offers 40 miles of paved, flat pathways ideal for family-friendly rides, starting at Confluence Park and ending near Cherry Creek State Park. With only 744 feet of elevation gain over 28.1 miles, it’s low-traffic and perfect for beginners. You’ll enjoy great riding along the Creek, with access to picnic areas, boating, and parks. For a shorter loop, try Sloans Lake’s 2.6-mile paved path, just 29 feet of elevation gain, or Cheeseman Park’s 1.4-mile loop downtown. The Denver Bike Path Loop in Aurora spans 33.1 miles with minimal climbing-535 feet-making it another low-traffic, flat route great for kids. All are paved, safe, and designed for relaxed, confident riding.
Mountain Bike Trails Near Denver
Denver’s trail system ramps up quickly from family-friendly paths to serious mountain biking terrain just a short drive from the city. You’ll find over 1,200 miles of mountain bike trails across the region, with Golden Gate Canyon State Park offering great riding for all levels. The Park’s elevation changes and scenic views make it a top pick, whether you’re tackling beginner loops or expert singletrack. Betasso Preserve, just 20 minutes from Boulder, features a well-maintained 7.2-mile loop with moderate climbs and technical sections-perfect for a quick adventure. Hall Ranch boasts 17 miles of challenging climbs and panoramic Front Range views, while Buffalo Creek delivers more than 30 miles of rugged trail, including rock gardens and fast descents. Don’t miss Adventure on the Cherry, a standout route in State Park zones. Pack hydration, a repair kit, and wear armor-this is serious mountain riding.
On a final note
You’ll want a helmet with MIPS protection, like the Giro Syntax, and padded shorts under your kit, especially on rocky trails like White Ranch. Bring a 2.5-liter hydration pack, tubeless-ready tires (set at 28–32 psi), and trail shoes with sticky rubber-testers loved the Specialized 3V. Stick to singletrack in the morning, avoid midday heat on gravel routes, and always carry a multi-tool, spare tube, and a Lezyne pump. Ride ready, ride smart.
