Denver is a biker’s paradise. Whether you’re a beginner, an avid cyclist, or someone who just loves the idea of a scenic ride, the Mile High City offers a wide variety of trails and routes to suit every skill level and interest. With over 200 miles of bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and endless scenic views, biking in Denver is not just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an experience in itself.

Let’s explore some of the most popular biking routes in Denver, as well as a comparison table to help you choose the perfect ride based on your preferences!

Why Biking in Denver is So Special

Before we get into the details of the trails, it’s worth mentioning why Denver is such an amazing place to bike. The city’s bike-friendly infrastructure, scenic landscapes, and mild weather make it a great spot for cyclists. Denver offers:

  • Dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, making it safe and accessible.
  • Plenty of bike parks and off-road trails for adventurous riders.
  • An excellent bike-sharing system with B-Cycle and Lime scooters, so you don’t even need to bring your bike if you’re just visiting.
  • Fantastic weather, especially in the spring, summer, and early fall months, where temperatures and conditions are ideal for cycling.

Top Biking Trails and Routes in Denver

1. Cherry Creek Trail

💰 Cost: Free

Overview

The Cherry Creek Trail is one of Denver’s most iconic and well-loved bike routes, stretching a total of 40 miles from the southern suburbs to downtown Denver. This paved path is perfect for cyclists of all levels, offering a smooth ride through urban and natural landscapes. Whether you’re biking for exercise, commuting, or simply sightseeing, this trail provides the perfect route to explore the city.

What to Expect

  • Difficulty: Easy – The trail is predominantly flat with a few gentle inclines, making it suitable for casual riders and families.
  • Scenic Views: As you pedal through this urban trail, you’ll experience a variety of landscapes. Along the way, the trail passes by the Cherry Creek Reservoir, Confluence Park, and scenic stretches filled with wildlife. The route also winds through the RiNo (River North) district, which is famous for its colorful street art and murals—a visual feast for anyone who loves urban art.
  • Best For: Casual riders, commuters, and anyone who wants to explore the city’s best parks, neighborhoods, and street art on two wheels.

What You’ll Love

  • Safety and Accessibility: The separation from traffic along much of the trail makes it an ideal route for families and beginner cyclists. You’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful ride without having to navigate busy streets.
  • Connection to Key Spots: The trail connects you to several of Denver’s best-known parks and neighborhoods, like Confluence Park, City Park, and RiNo, making it a fantastic way to see a lot of the city without veering off course.
  • Convenient Stops: Along the trail, you’ll find a variety of refreshment stops including cafes, picnic areas, and restrooms, making it easy to take breaks and stay fueled while you ride.

This trail is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Denver’s urban vibe while enjoying a bike ride in the fresh air.

2. Sloan’s Lake Trail

💰 Cost: Free

Overview

The Sloan’s Lake Trail is a 2.6-mile loop that circles around Sloan’s Lake Park, one of Denver’s largest urban lakes. This short but scenic trail provides beautiful views of the lake and offers a peaceful ride with the backdrop of the Denver skyline. It’s an excellent choice for cyclists who want a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, all while enjoying stunning natural beauty.

What to Expect

  • Difficulty: Easy – The trail is mostly flat, with minimal elevation change, making it accessible to cyclists of all levels.
  • Scenic Views: As you ride around the lake, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains on clear days, alongside the Denver skyline. The lake offers a tranquil atmosphere, with lush green spaces and a peaceful vibe that makes it ideal for a leisurely ride.
  • Best For: Families, casual bikers, and anyone who wants a short, relaxing ride while enjoying fantastic views of Denver.

What You’ll Love

  • The Serene Lake Views: Sloan’s Lake offers a peaceful escape right in the city. As you pedal around the lake, you’ll be surrounded by calming water views and plenty of greenery—perfect for a calming ride.
  • Quick and Refreshing: This trail is great for those who want to enjoy a shorter, quick ride without compromising on beautiful scenery.
  • Perfect Picnic Spots: The surrounding park provides plenty of spots for a post-ride picnic, so if you’re looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors, you’ll have all the space you need.

Sloan’s Lake is ideal for those looking for a quiet bike ride where nature and city views coexist harmoniously.

3. Washington Park Loop

💰 Cost: Free

Overview

Washington Park, or Wash Park, is one of Denver’s most beloved recreational spots, and its Washington Park Loop offers a 3-mile paved circuit that’s perfect for both cyclists and pedestrians. Known for its scenic beauty, this loop provides a delightful ride around the park’s two beautiful lakes, lovely gardens, and tree-lined pathways. It’s a great option for a quick, refreshing ride in one of Denver’s most iconic locations.

What to Expect

  • Difficulty: Easy – The trail is mostly flat, with only a few gentle inclines, making it ideal for beginners and those who want a low-effort bike ride.
  • Scenic Views: You’ll pass by the park’s two large lakes, which reflect the Denver skyline on clear days. The park also boasts some gorgeous gardens, with a particularly vibrant display in spring and summer. The historic Boathouse adds to the charm of the park, providing another beautiful point to pass by.
  • Best For: Beginner cyclists, casual riders, families, and those who want a fun and easy ride close to the city center.

What You’ll Love

  • Quick Ride: The loop is perfect for a fast workout or a leisurely afternoon ride. If you’re looking for a simple but scenic route, this is a great option.
  • Iconic Location: Washington Park is one of the most iconic spots in Denver, making this a great route if you want to take in some of the city’s most popular scenery.
  • Shade and Comfort: The park is filled with shade trees, which means you’ll stay cool during warm weather. It’s also a popular spot for picnics, so after your ride, you can enjoy a well-deserved break in the great outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to fit in a quick workout or simply enjoy a relaxed ride in nature, the Washington Park Loop is an ideal choice.

4. Bear Creek Trail

💰 Cost: Free

Overview

The Bear Creek Trail is a 7-mile route located on the western edge of Denver, making it an excellent choice for cyclists who want a mix of mountain terrain with the convenience of staying close to the city. This trail leads you to the Red Rocks Park, providing an exciting and scenic adventure. Ideal for those who want to experience nature on a more rugged trail, it offers the perfect opportunity to connect with the outdoors while challenging yourself.

What to Expect

  • Difficulty: Moderate – While the trail is manageable for many, there are a few hilly sections and dirt paths that demand a bit of technical skill. This trail isn’t as smooth and easy as others in the city, so expect a more adventurous experience, with a few challenges along the way.
  • Scenic Views: Bear Creek Trail offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountain foothills, and as you near Red Rocks Park, you’ll enjoy amazing vistas of the rock formations that the area is known for. Dense forests and wild landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop as you ride through, making it a feast for the eyes. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre comes into view as you approach the park—an iconic sight that provides the perfect photo op.
  • Best For: Intermediate to advanced cyclists who want an exciting mix of mountain terrain, some rugged trails, and gorgeous nature. This trail offers more of an escape into the wild compared to flatter city routes, so it’s ideal for those looking for more adventure on their ride.

What You’ll Love

  • Varied Terrain: A great balance of paved paths and dirt trails, giving you the opportunity to practice technical skills without venturing too far into true mountain biking territory. The mix of terrain also adds an element of fun to your ride.
  • Connection to Red Rocks: After completing your ride, you can visit Red Rocks Park for a hike or maybe even catch a concert at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
  • Natural Beauty: The trail offers picturesque views of the foothills, mountain skyline, and the surrounding wildlife. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Colorado. You might even catch a glimpse of wildlife like deer or hawks soaring in the sky.

Bear Creek Trail is a great choice for those seeking a mountain bike adventure without straying too far from Denver.

5. Greenway Trail

💰 Cost: Free

Overview

The Greenway Trail is a 26-mile path that runs through the northern and central parts of Denver. This trail provides an easy access route to both urban landscapes and natural spaces, making it a popular choice for a wide range of cyclists. Whether you’re commuting, looking for a scenic ride, or simply want a quick escape from the city, this trail has something to offer.

What to Expect

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate – The trail is mostly flat, but a few sections have slight inclines that could provide a mild challenge. It’s generally an easy ride, suitable for cyclists of all levels, but certain areas may require more effort.
  • Scenic Views: Along the way, you’ll pass through local parks, wetlands, and urban landscapes. The ride offers an interesting contrast between nature and city living, providing a refreshing mix of both. You may even spot some wildlife along the way, especially near the more natural sections of the trail.
  • Best For: Commuters, casual cyclists, and anyone looking for a scenic ride that still feels close to the city. If you enjoy biking in both urban and natural settings, this is an ideal trail for you.

What You’ll Love

  • Trail Connectivity: One of the best things about the Greenway Trail is that it connects to several other trails, including the Cherry Creek Trail and the Clear Creek Trail. This makes it easy to extend your ride or explore other parts of the city.
  • Easy Riding: The path is smooth and free of heavy traffic, making for a relaxing and enjoyable bike ride. It’s a great way to enjoy a bike ride without having to navigate through dense city streets.
  • Convenient for Commuting: With its accessibility to both urban and natural areas, the Greenway Trail is often used by commuters who need to travel across the city quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re cycling for leisure or need a route for commuting, the Greenway Trail provides a smooth, enjoyable ride that offers a perfect balance between nature and urban landscapes.

6. High Line Canal Trail

💰 Cost: Free

Overview

The High Line Canal Trail stretches an impressive 71 miles through the Denver metro area, making it one of the longest and most scenic trails in the region. It takes you through a variety of landscapes, including urban environments, farmland, and riparian ecosystems. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or planning a long-distance adventure, this trail has something to offer cyclists of all levels.

What to Expect

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate – The trail is generally flat, but some sections may feature rougher or more uneven terrain. It’s manageable for most riders, but the length of the route may require more stamina for longer rides.
  • Scenic Views: The High Line Canal Trail offers a beautiful range of landscapes, including urban areas, farmlands, and stretches of riparian ecosystems (wetlands). The scenery is diverse, making it an interesting ride through both city and country settings.
  • Best For: Long-distance cyclists, nature lovers, and those who want to enjoy a peaceful, scenic escape from the city. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure or even a multi-day ride, the High Line Canal Trail is perfect.

What You’ll Love

  • Peaceful and Less Traffic: Unlike many other city trails, the High Line Canal Trail is relatively less trafficked, making it a peaceful escape for cyclists who want to enjoy the scenery without the distraction of crowds.
  • Great for Longer Rides: With its impressive length, this trail is an excellent option for longer rides. You can spend an entire day exploring the route or even break it up into multiple trips for a longer adventure.
  • Diverse Scenery: From urban environments to quiet countryside landscapes, the High Line Canal offers an array of picturesque views. Whether you’re passing through open fields or quiet forest paths, the trail is constantly changing, providing new experiences and scenery along the way.

For those seeking a longer and more immersive cycling experience, the High Line Canal Trail provides a perfect balance of beauty and peace.

Best Biking Trails in Denver Comparison

Trail Name Length Difficulty Best For Scenic Highlights
Cherry Creek Trail 40 miles Easy Casual riders, commuters Cherry Creek Reservoir, RiNo murals
Sloan’s Lake Trail 2.6 miles Easy Families, beginners Lake views, Denver skyline
Washington Park Loop 3 miles Easy Beginners, short rides Boathouse, gardens, lakes
Bear Creek Trail 7 miles Moderate Intermediate riders, nature lovers Red Rocks, rock formations
Greenway Trail 26 miles Easy to Moderate Commuters, cyclists seeking variety Parks, wetlands, urban views
High Line Canal Trail 71 miles Easy to Moderate Long-distance riders, nature lovers Farmlands, riparian ecosystems

Final Words

No matter your cycling skill level or preference, Denver’s diverse trails provide the perfect option for every kind of rider. Whether you want a peaceful city ride around the lake, a scenic urban path with stunning street art, or an adventurous mountain route leading to Red Rocks, Denver has it all.

What trail are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below and happy riding! 🚴‍♂️