Best Bike Trails in Denver

| May 15, 2018 | Uncategorized

 

There’s no doubt that the Mile High City is ideal for the active and health-conscious people who inhabit it. Visiting outdoor enthusiasts will also find Denver to have a wealth of options to get active outside. For cyclists, Denver has plenty of variety — from flat and family-friendly trails to more exciting ones that will get your heart rate up. With over 85 miles of paved trails connecting to many more miles of dirt trails, Denver’s cycling scene is welcoming of all levels. For visitors who don’t have their own bike, the city even provides a bike-sharing service via Denver B-cycle. This way, you can simply swipe to rent a bike for a one-way trip, and drop off at any of the other 85 stations around Denver. Here are some of the most popular trails to explore around the city:

 

Sloan Lake Trail

This is a shorter bike trail to explore when you don’t have all day to ride. The 2.6-mile trail loops around beautiful Sloan Lake, a lake that was accidentally created in the 19th century. This entertaining trail will give you gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and skyline. Locals recommend checking it out at sunset to get the full scenic experience.

 

Cherry Creek Bike Path

The Cherry Creek Trail is one of the most popular trails in Denver. Like many of the bike trails here, it offers stunning views. This semi-urban bike path spans from Confluence Park to Franktown along Cherry Creek. This 40-mile trail gives you some traffic-free riding with great street art along the way. It’s perfect for a peaceful ride of any length. Cyclists can easily hop on or off the trail alongside Cherry Creek.

 

Washington Park Loop

This loop trail is easily accessible from the Cherry Creek Bike Path, just a couple of blocks south. Many of Denver’s cyclists consider it to be the best loop trail in south Denver. Located just between the University of Denver and the downtown area, this loop is another quick trail of about 2 miles. The trail happens to be one of the oldest cycling spots in the city, and it’s been host to many races over the decades. People tend to ride around it counterclockwise, though you can choose your preferred direction.
Note: there is an enforced speed limit of 15 MPH, so be sure to adhere to it.

 

The Platte River Trail

At 28.5-miles long, this great trail follows the historic Platte River and winds north from Chatfield Reservoir to Henderson. Cyclists on this trail can brush up on the city’s history by checking out the many informative signs and plaques that detail its past along the route. The trail winds through Denver’s urban scenery, with industrial areas as well as grasslands, and the Rockies for a scenic backdrop. Overall, this well-maintained trail is a great escape for Denver cyclists. Make a longer ride by connecting parts of the South Platte River Trail with the aforementioned Cherry Creek trail.

 

High Line Canal Trail

This trail is one of the longest urban trails in the United States, with about 71 miles to ride. It spans from Waterton Canyon to south of the Denver International Airport, and it has even been designated a National Landmark Trail. You can expect a relatively flat and tranquil trail that follows along the High Line Canal, with some parks and benches to take breaks along the way. Of course, you could be so ambitious as to bike the entire trail, but most riders will choose a segment for an afternoon.

 

Bear Creek Bike Trail

This trail is one you can’t miss if you enjoy scenic bike rides around Denver. This 20-mile trail follows Bear Creek from the South Platte River all the way to Morrison, a historic mountain town. The trail will bring you through the Bear Creek Greenbelt, one of the most peaceful nature preserves around. The trail is particularly popular because it connects to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, where cyclists can ride around towering 70-million-year-old red-rock outcroppings and enjoy amazing views. Be aware that your ride from Morrison to the amphitheatre is steep, and once there, you’ll share the roads at Red Rocks with cars.

 

Denver’s mostly dry, sunny weather makes it a cyclists paradise. When Spring hits, residents and visitors of the Mile High City are sure to get out and explore the landscape on two wheels. Try a new trail or explore a new section of a longer one, and give your body and mind the rejuvenating escape they need this spring.