Denver Cycling Guide
The riding in Denver is incredible, especially outside city limits. Coast out of town for a mountain bike mecca and some of the most dramatic canyon climbs of any U.S. city.
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Cherry Creek Reservoir (#PHP)
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Distance 18.5 mi
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Elevation 774 ft
Looking for a fast and furious start to a mid-week morning? This route out to and around the Cherry Creek Reservoir could be the ride for you. A group of experienced cyclists typically sets out from the start at 6 o'clock on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
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Golden Gate Canyon Loop
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Distance 56.9 mi
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Elevation 6,542 ft
The Golden Gate Canyon Loop is another popular and challenging route that begins in Golden, Colorado (an easy ride west of downtown Denver) and heads up into the mountains. This is a longer ride with some serious climbing, so make sure to bring enough calories fuel you through the day.
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Chatfield State Park / Roxborough
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Distance 25.0 mi
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Elevation 1,376 ft
Another fast, Denver-area ride takes place to the southwest, near Chatfield State Park. Affectionately known as "Worlds of Pain" or just "Worlds" for short, this ride is filled with Saturday morning regulars. Many riders split into small groups afterward and take to the hills to mix in some extra elevation.
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Lookout Mountain
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Distance 39.9 mi
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Elevation 3,067 ft
Head straight west from downtown Denver to Golden, Colorado and a popular gateway to the Rocky Mountains. At roughly 4.5 miles and with an average grade of 5%, the climb itself is as challenging as it is beautiful.
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High Grade/Deer Creek Canyon
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Distance 33.1 mi
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Elevation 3,814 ft
Easily one of Denver's most popular (and most challenging) climbs, High Grade is a 10-mile, 2,700-foot slog. This loop and it's variations are well-trafficked by local cyclists — especially those looking to add some elevation to the equation. Use a nice ride through or around Chatfield State Park to warm up before tackling the climb itself.
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Airport Loop
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Distance 53.1 mi
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Elevation 1,367 ft
This aptly-named loop takes cyclists east out of downtown Denver, past the Denver International Airport (to the north) and the smaller Front Range Airport (to the east) before heading back west into town. It's a flat-to-lightly-rolling ride. If you're pressed for time, turn "Airport Loop" into "Picadilly Loop" by taking a right on Picadilly Road and cutting down the on distance.
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St. Vrain + Peak to Peak Loop
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Distance 65.6 mi
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Elevation 5,575 ft
Considered by many to be one of the best rides in the country, the St. Vrain + Peak to Peak Loop (also known as the Ward-Lyons Loop) takes cyclists from Boulder all the way up to the oft snowy Peak to Peak.
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Old Stage - Left Hand - Lee Hill
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Distance 20.3 mi
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Elevation 2,504 ft
If you're looking for a shorter ride that still packs a serious punch, look no further than this loop. Old Stage Road is short but very steep, and watch your speed when heading back into town. Otherwise, enjoy the ride!
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Lefthand / Boulder Canyons
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Distance 51.4 mi
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Elevation 6,625 ft
A typical weekend ride in Boulder might look something like this. You head west and climb Lee Hill to Lefthand Canyon, head south on the Peak to Peak highway, and then descend back into town via the Boulder Canyon. You'll be bowled over by impressive views, and you'll definitely have earned a Pearl Street pastry or two!
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Gateway Ride
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Distance 64.7 mi
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Elevation 2,918 ft
Arguably the most popular group ride in Boulder — and maybe one of the toughest in the country! — the Gateway Ride is a beloved route that has been enjoyed by locals for years. Expect 70-100 cyclists and some furious attacking off the front. Starting at the Gateway Fun Park Center, the ride takes cyclists along a mostly flat circuit all the way out to Carter Lake and back. Join the peloton for a good speed workout Saturday mornings at 10am, but watch out for wind, especially in the spring!
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