Denver Bike Trails
Denver is a virtual biker’s paradise. It has one of the largest networks of over 850 miles of paved and off-road paths that intersect throughout the seven county metro area, ideal for biking, hiking and jogging. These paved bike paths connect to hundreds of dirt trails that head directly into mountains. You can also rent a bike throughout the city – two notable names for bike rentals are Confluence Kayaks (at 1615 Platte Street, near the South Platte River bike trail) and Cherry Creek Bike Rack (at 171 Detroit in Cherry Creek North).
South Platte River trail
A picturesque, scenic bike pathway that runs along the South Platte River starting at Confluence Park, moving along to Chatfield State Park, which is very close to downtown Denver passing through Englewood and Littleton on your way to all the way up north to Commerce City covering a total distance of 32 miles.
This beautiful stretch of a paved bikeway has sprawling views of the river, mountains and wildlife, not to mention, wayside exhibits, parks, gardens and artwork. The Colorado Historical Society for example, has put up about 20 large historic signs along the way that tell the historic tale of the area through photos and illustrations. There are native American markers as well as plaques describing the wildlife, birds, geologic history and dinosaurs, even marking railroads, explorers, trolleys, mountain men, soldiers and farmers that passed through this trail one time or another.
Other areas of interest along the trail are Riverside Historic Cemetery where many of the Denver’s famous pioneers are buried, Confluence Park where you can see kayaks in man-made rapids, Elitch Gardens Theme Park, the Downtown Aquarium, the Children’s Museum and INVESCO Field are some other notable sites located along the pathway. Do also stop by at the REI Flagship store on your way – even if you are not looking for recreational equipment, you would enjoy looking at the latest options available for biking, kayaking and mountain climbing. You could even try scaling the 45-foot high rock climbing wall while you are at it. Do also stop by at the Hudson Gardens, these are beautifully kept gardens featuring outdoor garden railway and garden walks. There is also a riverside café stocking coffees, drinks and deserts for bikers and hikers on the premises.
Chatfield State Park is one of Colorado’s most complete parks featuring rolling foothills, loads of wildlife and sprawling reservoir. It also includes campgrounds, miles of hiking and biking trails, a full service marina and fishing facilities, horse stables, and a hot air balloon port.
One of the top trails if you are looking for off-the road bike experience, its long stretch, scenic route and relatively safe ride away from the city’s hustle and bustle makes it highly popular; however, you might still have to watch your step as it’s still a high foot-traffic area.
Cherry Creek Bike Path
This bike pathway covers a total distance of 26 miles, starting at Confluence Park; the route follows Cherry Creek Regional Trail all the way to Cherry Creek Reservoir and back. Another paved trail, it runs along the creek for over 40 miles to Franktown – a section of the trail makes up the Front Range Trail, an off-road bike path that will eventually stretch the entire north-south length of Colorado, from the Wyoming border to New Mexico; it is considered one the most popular biking, hiking and jogging trails in Denver and also one of the most scenic ones.
Along the way, you will pass by downtown, Denver Country Club and the Cherry Creek Shopping District which divides into upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North neighborhoods, featuring over 500 department stores, boutiques, art galleries, shops and outdoor cafés and Four Mile Historic Park; a Denver landmark, a 12 acre rural site registered on the National Register of Historic places and one of the oldest houses in Denver; it was built in 1859 as a stage stop. You would also cross the Cherry Creek State Recreation area containing one of the largest lakes in metro Denver, ideal for camping, swimming and horseback riding, the bike route continues south through the park to Franktown, and passes by the Castlewood Canyon State Park featuring historic exhibits on the dam that was once located here and walks through the canyon.
Clear Creek Bike Path
Another great bike ride, this route is paved and covers a distance of 20 miles along the Clear Creek from the South Platte River to the town of Golden. Along the way, you will pass by residential neighborhoods, beautiful country side and excellent views of the high buttes and bluffs surrounding the town of Golden.
Along the way, do stop by at Golden – it’s a great western town. It used to be the capital of Colorado State before Denver replaced it. It offers a great mix of museums, western stores and outdoor cafés. You can side outside watching the kayaks pass you by at one of its outdoor café that overlook the award winning water course or stop by at Golden Pioneer Museum, which is located directly on the bike trail or you could check out the largest single brewing site, the Coors Brewery which is nearby. You could also stop by a mile from Golden just off the bike path at the Colorado Railroad Museum too. It’s another historic landmark. If you still have time, stop by to check out the three buttes and hills called North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain and Green Mountain. They offer panoramic views of the metro area; however, beginners will find it a difficult ride, though they make an ideal bike ride for intermediate mountain bikers.
Bear Creek Bike Trail.
Another off-the-road bike trail, this 20 miles stretch follows Bear Creek from the South Platte River to the little mountain town of Morrison, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park.
Do check out Morrison – Bear Creek flows through the edge of this town while there are many excellent cafés, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, art galleries and restaurants making a stop-over worthwhile. Also do stop by at Red Rocks offering scenic views of the mountains, however, do remember the bikers share the road with cars in the park and it is a steep incline from Morrison to the amphitheatre which might make a fairly difficult bike ride for the beginners.
