10 Best Bike Trails in Denver

Denver is a cyclist’s playground if you’re up for an adventure on two wheels. From road biking, mountain trails, BMX, or commuting, the city has a route for everyone. It didn’t earn a top 5 spot on Redfin’s most bikeable cities in the USA for nothing.

With a bike score of 72, Denver has more than 200 miles of bike lanes, trails, and greenways and nearly 400 miles of signed bike routes. With the city’s LEED Platinum Certification, getting around on two wheels is easier than ever.

So, grab your helmets and take a look at the best places to ride bikes in Denver.

1. Washington Park Loop

Washington Park Loop is one of the most scenic, easygoing Denver bike trails. This loop has paved, gravel, and natural paths. It is ideal for casual and intermediate cyclists, except for technical riders.

It’s mostly flat with a few gentle inclines. If you are going clockwise, you’ll hit the steeper sections about 0.2 and 0.5 miles from the parking lot.

Along the way, you’ll find picnic areas, restrooms, and water fountains for a quick break. You can even explore Smith Lake by paddle boat or check out Grasmere Lake and Lily Pond.

For any last-minute essentials, such as an energy drink or a snack, you can head to Hi Market. The 24/7 convenience store is just a quick 9-minute drive away.

Rating:

#1593 place in the world

#4 place in the region

Distance: 2.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 42 ft.

Estimated Time: 42 Minutes

Route Type: Loop

Level: Easy

Best for: Beginners & Intermediate Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: April to October

Accessibility: Four entry points in the paved parking lot off of South Downing Street (north end of the trail), accessible by van.

Challenges:

• Joggers in the 2.6-mile perimeter loop.
• Moderate crowding during weekends, especially in summer.

2. Cherry Creek Trail

If you are looking to escape the city while still staying close to it, then try the Cherry Creek Trail bike path. It is one of the most scenic and accessible Denver bike paths. You can start from Denver’s Confluence Park and wind through urban areas, parks, and quiet countryside.

Most of this trail is an 8-foot-wide concrete path, perfect if you are in the mood for a casual ride. If you are craving a little adventure, you can go south, where the trail turns gravel.

When you begin at Confluence Park, a 24/7 convenience store, Hi Market is just a quick 4-minute ride away. You can grab any essentials or snacks there. A few miles down the trail, you’ll pass Cherry Creek Shopping District, offering plenty of spots to refuel. As you ride south, you’ll go by Cherry Creek State Park. You can find picnic areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds there.

Rating:

#1298 place in the world

#1 place in the region

Distance: 45 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1220 ft.

Estimated Time: 3 Hours

Route Type: Out and back

Level: Easy

Best for: All Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: February to November

Accessibility: Two designated accessibility spaces in the paved parking lot off of Water Street (north end of the trail), including one van-accessible spot.

Challenges:

• Fast-moving cyclists, with some exceeding 20 mph.
• Moderate crowd near the city center, especially on weekends.

3. Sloan’s Lake Loop

Sloan’s Lake Loop is one of the best places to ride bikes in Denver. The paved loop is ideal for a laid-back ride. It is smooth, easy, and packed with gorgeous views.

You can enter from the West Byron Place parking lot and go south to see Denver’s Skyline on the west side. If you keep pedaling and cross a small bridge, you’ll find basketball courts and a playground. Eventually, you’ll hit the east shore, where you’ll see the snow-capped front-range peaks.

The moment you feel the heat getting to you, you can dip your toes in the lake to cool off or find shade under the trees lining the edges.

After the ride, you can either sit by the lake for a picnic or swing by Joyride Brewing to relax.

Rating:

#1996 place in the world

#5 place in the region

Distance: 2.6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 13 ft.

Estimated Time: 45 Minutes

Route Type: Loop

Level: Easy

Best for: Beginners & Intermediate Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: Any time of the year

Accessibility: Two designated accessibility spaces in the paved parking lot off of West Byron Place (north end of the trail). Both are van-accessible spots with a striped access aisle.

Challenges:

• Huge crowds on the weekends make parking tricky.
• Watch out for pedestrians and joggers along the path.

4. Dakota Ridge Trail

Dakota Ridge Trail is one of the most rewarding bike trails in Colorado. The loop is perfect for experienced riders as it offers a thrilling adventure through challenging climbs, slick rock, and paths so difficult that you’ll just have to walk.

You can start from the Alameda parking lot and ride 3 miles uphill to reach the main Dakota Ridge Trail. Along the way, you’ll get stunning views of Denver to your left and Red Rock Park to your right. Further ahead, as you descend the ridge, you’ll come across a green, single-track stretch.

Eventually, you’ll loop back toward the starting point. On the way back, you can take the Morrison Slide Trail if you want to recharge at a picnic area. In case you forget anything, Hi Market, a convenience store on E Colfax Avenue, is just an 8-minute drive away. You can get anything from energy drinks and cold drinks to protein bars and snacks.

Rating:

#1369 place in the world

#3 place in the region

Distance: 6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 706 ft.

Estimated Time: Under 3 Hours

Route Type: Loop

Level: Difficult 

Best for: Experienced Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: Avoid rainy (the trail gets muddy) or snowy days

Accessibility: Trailhead at Alameda parking lot. The Stegosaurus parking option is also available for an alternate start.

Challenges:

• Walk through tough climbs and slick rock in some sections.
• The trail gets extremely hot, so carry plenty of water, especially in summer. 
• Expect seasonal closures after rain or snow due to bentonite clay.
• Look out for hikers on the Red Rocks Trail and occasional rattlesnakes.

5. Bear Creek Trail

Bear Creek Trail takes you through the most beautiful and scenic views of Colorado. The 14.9 miles of out-and-back trail starts behind the Regal Cinemas at the South Platte Trail. The trail follows Bear Creek through Bear Valley parks.

You can expect an easy start on this Denver bike trail, which is perfect for a relaxing outing. However, the moment you approach Bear Creek Regional Park, the trail goes around a golf course before climbing steeply over a dam.

On top, the views of downtown Denver (northeast) and the Front Range (west) are breathtaking.

Then, as you go back down through Bear Creek Lake Park, you’ll cross campgrounds and park headquarters. After this, you can either continue towards Morrison to reach Red Rocks and Winter Open Space or head north to explore Dakota Ridge.

Rating:

#1,278 in Colorado

#1 in Denver

Distance: 14.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 344 ft.

Estimated Time: 4 Hours 55 Minutes

Route Type: Out and back

Level: Easy to Moderate 

Best for: Beginners and Intermediate Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: July to September 

Accessibility: Four designated accessibility spaces in the paved parking lot off South Sheridan Boulevard. All are van-accessible spots with striped access aisles.

Challenges:

• The trail gets crowded during peak season.
• Watch out for narrower sections where painted lines and metal bollards reduce the width.

6. Clear Creek Trail

Clear Creek Trail is one of the best long-distance bike rides around Denver and Golden. This Denver bike trail is mostly smooth and paved and goes through parks, residential neighborhoods, and industrial areas, offering a bit of everything.

You can start from Golden, where free parking is available at 11th Street. Hi Market E Colfax Avenue convenience store is just a short ride (11 minutes) away. It is a great place to grab some energy bars and water before hitting the trail.

On the way, you’ll cross paths with Ralston Creek Path and Tucker Gulch Trail. If you are in the mood for a detour, you can take either one of the paths. You’ll also pass the Colorado Railroad Museum, North Table Mountain Open Space, and various breweries like New Terrain Brewing.

If you are tired or just want to relax, benches and rest stops are conveniently located along the route.

Rating:

#1,882 in Colorado

#2 in Denver

Distance: 20.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 223 ft.

Estimated Time: 5 Hours 57 Minutes

Route Type: Point-to-point

Level: Easy (but a few short, steeper sections) 

Best for: Beginners and Intermediate Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: February to November 

Accessibility: Two designated accessibility spaces in the paved parking lot off 11th Street (southwest end of the trail).

Challenges:

• Parts of the trail get crowded near parks on weekends.
• A few short sections require riding low-traffic roads.

7. South Platte River Trail

The South Platte River trail runs along the South Platte River, right in the heart of Denver, where much of the city’s early history can be seen.

You can begin at Confluence Park, right by the REI Denver flagship store. Be prepared for a tough stretch between Confluence and 20th Street, where dividing lines and bollards make the path tighter.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Downtown Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, the historic 19th Street Bridge, and even Denver’s sports arenas. If you keep pedaling north, you’ll eventually reach the South Platte River, where you can sit and relax, so pack refreshments.

 

Rating:

#1,458 place in the world

#2 in the region

Distance: 32 Miles

Elevation Gain: 318 ft.

Estimated Time: 4 Hours 9 Minutes

Route Type: Out and back

Level: Easy 

Best for: All Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: Any time of the year 

Accessibility: Two designated accessibility spaces in the paved parking lot off Water Street at the north end of the trail. One of them is van-accessible with a striped access aisle.

Challenges:

• The south section tends to have heavier traffic and a bit more of an industrial environment.
• Narrower sections between Confluence and 20th Street can feel cramped.
• There are limited shaded areas.

8. Cheesman Park Loop

If you need a peaceful, slow morning ride, then Cheesman Park is one of the best places to ride bikes in Denver. The paved trail loop is perfect for soaking in the green space and welcoming vibe at any time of the year.

You can start from the main parking lot and make your way around the beautiful park. Be mindful of runners and walkers during peak hours. There are benches along the way for you to pause and relax. 

Swing by the Hi Market at Zuni Street, which is just an 8-minute drive away from the park, to get food and drinks for a picnic. It is a great place to spread out a blanket for a picnic under the sky.

Rating:

It is not ranked globally, but locals love it!

Distance: 1.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 72 ft.

Estimated Time: 28 Minutes

Route Type: Loop

Level: Easy 

Best for: Beginner Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: Any time of the year 

Accessibility: Six designated accessibility spaces at the trailhead. Four of them are van-accessible with an access aisle.

Challenges:

• It is crowded during the weekends and sunny afternoons.
• Limited shaded areas, so be sure to pack your sunscreen. 

9. Ruby Hill Loop Trail

Ruby Hill Loop Trail, also known as XC Loop Trail, goes around Ruby Hill Park. You can start this Denver bike trail at the trailhead on the access road, climb a few switchbacks, and move ahead. Once you reach the top, veer left and follow the single-track past the community garden.

Cross the paved multipurpose path and wind through some trees, and you’ll hit a beautiful open field section. As you head back towards the baseball fields, the trail offers options like wooden kickers and roller features before climbing gently back to the starting point. Despite posted directional rules (which change monthly), many riders go both ways, so be cautious.   

Rating:

#296 in Colorado

#1,293 Overall

Distance: 1.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 130 ft.

Estimated Time: 39 Minutes

Route Type: Loop

Level: Easy (but a few short, steeper sections) 

Best for: Beginners and Intermediate Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: Any time of the year (watch for weather closures) 

Accessibility: N/A

Challenges:

• There are several road crossings, so stay alert for cars.
• Watch your speed on the loose, tight switchbacks.
• There’s a steep, walkable climb at the start.

10. Waterton Canyon Trail

The Waterton Canyon trail is perfect for riders who want to test their endurance and skill. The stretch is a mix of smooth stretches, rocky climbs, and adrenaline-pumping descents.

The trail begins at the Waterton Canyon parking lot. The first 6 miles are crowded with hikers and runners. Beyond that, the adventure begins along the Colorado Trail, with a gradual climb toward beautiful land and forested areas.

Push through, and you’ll eventually reach the South Platte parking lot at the 17-mile mark. It is the perfect spot for you to rest and move ahead or turn back. After resting for a while, you can head to the Hi Market convenience store at Zuni Street, which is just a 3-minute drive away, to get refreshments and energy drinks for the ride ahead.

   

Rating:

#3381 place in the world

#1 place in the region

Distance: 12.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 668 ft.

Estimated Time: Varies (based on fitness level)

Route Type: Out and back

Level: Difficult 

Best for: Expert Bike Riders

Best Time To Go: Spring to Fall 

Accessibility: N/A

Challenges: 

• The first 6 miles will be crowded with hikers and families.
• Rocky ascents and motorcycle-accessible sections make the ride tough.
• Strenuous climbs, especially on the return trip. 

Get Your Bike Riding Essentials at Hi Market  

Don’t hit the trails without proper supplies, especially for long rides. Head to Hi Market, a convenience store, to get snacks, energy drinks, sunscreen, and more. It is the perfect stop for locals and anyone checking off their list of things to do in Denver. The store is at 2727 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80211, and 1895 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218.

Conclusion

From smooth city loops to scenic escapes, you can only find the best places to ride bikes in Denver. Whether you are cruising around Sloan’s Lake, chasing an adventure on Cherry Creek Trail, enjoying the laid-back vibes of Washington Park, or going on any other bike trail Denver has to offer, there’s always another bike path calling your name. So, grab your bike and strap on your helmet to hit the Denver bike trails!