Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN DENVER
Planning a cycling trip to Denver? You’re picking one of the best cities in the U.S. for bike lovers. With over 85 miles of paved trails, mountain panoramas, and easy bike-friendly access across neighborhoods, Denver offers something for every kind of rider. Whether you're rolling through downtown, pedaling by the Platte River, or heading toward the Rockies, this guide covers Denver’s top cycling routes, what makes them special, and how to plan your perfect riding holiday.
Best city-to-trail rides
Denver is where urban grit meets natural beauty, and for cyclists, that means you can start in the city and be on a scenic trail in minutes. Whether you’re after skyline views, riverside paths, or historic neighborhoods, these city-to-trail rides offer the best of both worlds.
Cherry Creek Trail
This is Denver’s signature cycling artery, stretching over 40 miles from downtown to the Cherry Creek Reservoir. You’ll ride under bridges, past murals, and alongside the peaceful creek that cuts through the city. It’s smooth, fast, and easy to navigate.
Access: Start at Confluence Park
Best for: Touring riders who want a long, uninterrupted ride
Pro tip: Stop at the Cherry Creek Shopping District for a bite
South Platte River Trail
If you’re looking to feel the breeze while cruising past Denver’s evolving industrial zones and natural habitats, this trail delivers. It’s a 28-mile stretch of paved path with mountain views, water features, and plenty of connection points to other routes.
You can ride south toward Littleton or north past the stockyards. Along the way, expect public art, scenic river crossings, and even a few breweries if you're into mid-ride refreshments.
Central Denver Loops
Not looking for a long haul? Denver’s downtown neighborhoods are incredibly bikeable. Loop through Capitol Hill, City Park, and Washington Park for a relaxed half-day ride. These loops are perfect if you want to combine biking with museum visits, cafes, and people-watching.
Washington Park: 2.2-mile loop with mountain views
City Park: Beautiful trees, a lake, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Cheesman Park: Historic mansions and shady trails
Routes for adventurous bike tourers
Denver is a killer base for more than just urban rides. Bike touring enthusiasts looking to log serious miles will find a network of regional trails that roll into the foothills, connect to mountain towns, or offer multi-day loops.
Clear Creek Trail to Golden
Want a day ride that ends with a cold beer and mountain town vibes? The Clear Creek Trail runs from Denver’s western edge into the heart of Golden. It’s about 20 miles roundtrip, mostly on paved trails with gentle inclines.
Scenery: Rushing water, red rock cliffs, mountain views
Rest stops: Golden has restaurants, cafes, and Coors Brewery tours
Best for: Intermediate to advanced cyclists with hybrid or road bikes
High Line Canal Trail
This 71-mile gem snakes around the southeast suburbs of Denver and is one of the longest urban trails in the country. It’s packed with history, shade, and mellow terrain that’s ideal for day-after-day of touring.
Bring a GPS or use a trail app—wayfinding can get tricky as the path crosses multiple roads and neighborhoods. But once you get into the rhythm, it’s a peaceful, scenic ride through cottonwood groves and quiet stretches of suburban greenbelt.
Denver to Boulder via US 36 Bikeway
This is the big one. If you’re up for a challenging 27-mile ride with elevation gain and panoramic views, the US 36 Bikeway connects Denver to Boulder with a separated bike path for most of the route.
Start: Westminster or Table Mesa
Highlights: Flatirons views, wide shoulders, smooth pavement
Cool off: Reward yourself with tacos and brews in Boulder
Pro tips for cycling in Denver
Riding in Denver is awesome, but it pays to know a few things before you roll out. From mile-high altitude tricks to local etiquette and what gear to pack, here’s how to make the most of your cycling vacation.
Deal with the altitude
At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver’s thin air can surprise you—especially on the climbs. Hydrate more than usual, pace yourself early in your trip, and take frequent breaks if you're not used to higher elevations. Your lungs will thank you.
Know where to ride (and not)
Denver has a great grid of bike lanes, but not all roads are bike-friendly. Stick to marked routes and use Denver’s excellent bike maps to plan your path. Apps like Strava and TrailLink show rider-tested routes that avoid sketchy intersections and maximize chill vibes.
Best neighborhoods: RiNo, Wash Park, Highlands
Avoid: I-25 corridors and busy freeway intersections
Connectors: Use underpasses and creekside trails
What to bring
The weather can flip fast in Colorado. Always carry a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and a backup layer. Denver’s dry air also means you’ll need to drink more water than usual. A portable charger and tire kit are must-haves, especially on longer tours.
Local bike shops are helpful and plentiful, but hours can vary—check ahead before banking on them for repairs mid-ride.
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