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.
-
Cherry Creek Reservoir (#PHP)
-
Distance 18.5 mi
-
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.
-
-
Golden Gate Canyon Loop
-
Distance 56.9 mi
-
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.
-
-
Chatfield State Park / Roxborough
-
Distance 25.0 mi
-
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.
-
-
Lookout Mountain
-
Distance 39.9 mi
-
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.
-
-
High Grade/Deer Creek Canyon
-
Distance 33.1 mi
-
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.
-
-
Airport Loop
-
Distance 53.1 mi
-
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.
-
-
St. Vrain + Peak to Peak Loop
-
Distance 65.6 mi
-
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.
-
-
Old Stage - Left Hand - Lee Hill
-
Distance 20.3 mi
-
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!
-
-
Lefthand / Boulder Canyons
-
Distance 51.4 mi
-
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!
-
-
Gateway Ride
-
Distance 64.7 mi
-
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!
-
-
To Wolhurst via South Platte
-
Distance 29.0 mi
-
Elevation 408 ft
To Wolhurst via South Platte is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 124m over 46.71 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Platte River Trail, Platte River Trail;Mineral Ave Trail, Platte River & Mineral Ave Trail, South Huron Street, and South Platte River Trail.
-
-
Scream Scram
-
Distance 4.4 mi
-
Elevation 43 ft
Scream Scram is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 13m over 7.22 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Humboldt Street and South Marion Parkway.
-
-
Chery Creek Reservoir Spin
-
Distance 18.7 mi
-
Elevation 641 ft
Chery Creek Reservoir Spin is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 195m over 30.21 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek & Highline Canal Trail, Cherry Creek Trail (South), Cherry Crk Tr, and Cherry Cr Tr.
-
-
Top of Lookout Mtn
-
Distance 24.9 mi
-
Elevation 744 ft
Top of Lookout Mtn is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 227m over 40.16 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: West 32nd Avenue, West 27th Avenue, Water Street, Platte Street, and South Platte River Trail.
-
-
Clear Creek Trail
-
Distance 20.1 mi
-
Elevation 377 ft
Clear Creek Trail is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 115m over 32.44 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Clear Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail, and Platte River Trail.
-
-
Ride down to Wash Park
-
Distance 8.3 mi
-
Elevation 123 ft
Ride down to Wash Park is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 38m over 13.39 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Marion Parkway, South Humboldt Street, and Cherry Creek Trail.
-
-
Da Country Club
-
Distance 7.1 mi
-
Elevation 115 ft
Da Country Club is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 35m over 11.45 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Platte Trail East and Cherry Creek Trail.
-
-
Platte River Trail to Littleton
-
Distance 22.5 mi
-
Elevation 370 ft
Platte River Trail to Littleton is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 113m over 36.28 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Platte River Trail, Big Dry Creek Trail, and South Platte River Trail.
-
-
Bear Creek Trail
-
Distance 31.0 mi
-
Elevation 587 ft
Bear Creek Trail is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 179m over 49.97 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Platte River Trail, Fox Hollow Road, Bear Creek & Greenbelt Trail, South Lowell Boulevard, and South Platte River Drive.
-
-
Out South Platte - Back through Washington Park
-
Distance 17.2 mi
-
Elevation 348 ft
Out South Platte - Back through Washington Park is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 106m over 27.78 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Cherry Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail, East Dartmouth Avenue, South Marion Parkway, and South Platte River Drive.
-
-
Denver - Golden - Bear Creek Loop
-
Distance 55.2 mi
-
Elevation 1,871 ft
Denver - Golden - Bear Creek Loop is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 570m over 88.91 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: C-470 Trail, Clear Creek Trail, C-470 & Bear Creek Trail, US 6 Trail, and Clear Cr Trail.
-
-
Johnson Habitat Park
-
Distance 11.2 mi
-
Elevation 211 ft
Johnson Habitat Park is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 64m over 18.11 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Platte River Trail, Platte River Trail, Cherry Creek Trail, and South Platte Trail East.
-
-
Cherry Creek South - Platte River Ride to Sheridan
-
Distance 23.2 mi
-
Elevation 399 ft
Cherry Creek South - Platte River Ride to Sheridan is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 122m over 37.41 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Bear Creek Trail, South Platte River Drive, South Platte Trail East, Cherry Creek Trail, and South Platte River Trail.
-
-
Cherry Creek State Park Wetlands Reserve
-
Distance 24.5 mi
-
Elevation 767 ft
Cherry Creek State Park Wetlands Reserve is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 234m over 39.52 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: West Lake View Road, Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Park Road, Cherry Creek & Highline Canal Trail, and Cherry Crk Tr.
-
-
Denver - Sheridan Loop
-
Distance 22.8 mi
-
Elevation 584 ft
Denver - Sheridan Loop is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 178m over 36.75 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Garrison Street, West 13th Avenue, Greenbelt Trail, Dry Gulch Trail, and BCT.
-
-
Platte River Trail - Adams Country Regional Open Space
-
Distance 32.4 mi
-
Elevation 487 ft
Platte River Trail - Adams Country Regional Open Space is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 149m over 52.28 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Platte River Trail, McKay Road, South Platte River Trail Spur / E 120th Pky. Access - 120th Ave MUP, Platte River Trail, and 120th Avenue MUP.
-
-
Bear Creek Trail - C-470 Trail Loop
-
Distance 45.9 mi
-
Elevation 1,520 ft
Bear Creek Trail - C-470 Trail Loop is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 463m over 73.92 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Bear Creek Trail, C-470 Trail, Platte River Trail, South Platte River Drive, and Bear Creek & Greenbelt Trail.
-
-
High Line Canal Trail
-
Distance 40.9 mi
-
Elevation 658 ft
High Line Canal Trail is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 201m over 65.83 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Highline Canal Trail, Cherry Creek Trail, Highline Canal Trail (Paved), High Line Canal Trail, and Highline Canal & Goldsmith Gulch Trail.
-
-
Cherry Creek Trail - Washington Park
-
Distance 15.0 mi
-
Elevation 224 ft
Cherry Creek Trail - Washington Park is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 68m over 24.27 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: South Humboldt Street, University Boulevard, East Bayaud Avenue, Cherry Creek North Drive, and Cherry Creek Trail.
-
-
City Park - UCH
-
Distance 12.2 mi
-
Elevation 93 ft
City Park - UCH is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 28m over 19.77 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Montview Boulevard, Ursula Street, and East Montview Boulevard.
-
-
W Line Bike Trail to Bellows Park
-
Distance 13.4 mi
-
Elevation 521 ft
W Line Bike Trail to Bellows Park is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 159m over 21.58 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: W Line, W Line Bike Trail, Benton Street, Dry Gulch Trail, and South Platte River Trail.
-
-
Pleasant Park Road past Huebner Peak
-
Distance 64.0 mi
-
Elevation 3,737 ft
Pleasant Park Road past Huebner Peak is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 1,139m over 103.12 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Pleasant Park Road, High Grade Road, Deer Creek Road, Perimeter Road, and Platte River & Mineral Ave Trail.
-
-
City Park Riding
-
Distance 6.5 mi
-
Elevation 107 ft
City Park Riding is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 33m over 10.48 km.
-
-
Cherry Creek - Toll Gate Creek Trails
-
Distance 32.0 mi
-
Elevation 720 ft
Cherry Creek - Toll Gate Creek Trails is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 219m over 51.63 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Cherry Creek Spillway Trail, Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Trail (Spur), High Line Canal Trail, and Highline Canal Trail.
-
-
Highline
-
Distance 56.5 mi
-
Elevation 814 ft
Highline is a cycling route in Denver. It features an elevation gain of 248m over 90.93 km. Notable roads/trails that you'll be traveling on: Platte River Trail, High Line Canal Trail, South Platte Trail East, Highline Canal Trail (Paved), and C-470 & Highline Canal Trail.
-
- © 2020 Strava, Inc. All rights reserved.
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.
Sign up to Save this Route
Saving adds this route to your Strava Routes so you can always have them on hand.
Sign up to Print this Route
Print easy-to-read turn sheets to guide you on your adventure.