Top Bike Trails in Colorado to Ride This Spring
Spring in Colorado is the perfect time to hit the trails—cool temps, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds before summer kicks in. Whether you’re looking for a scenic ride, a challenging climb, or a mix of road and gravel, these trails offer some of the best cycling experiences in the state.
1. Cherry Creek Trail (Denver to Franktown)
📍 Location: Denver → Parker → Franktown
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📏 Distance: ~40 miles (one way)
- A paved, multi-use path stretching from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek State Park and beyond.
- Perfect for road cyclists and casual riders looking for a smooth ride with plenty of scenic spots.
- Spring bonus: Enjoy the cherry blossoms and wildlife as you ride!
2. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Estes Park to Black Hawk)
📍 Location: Estes Park → Nederland → Black Hawk
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Challenging
📏 Distance: ~60 miles
- One of the most iconic road cycling routes in Colorado, featuring long climbs, breathtaking mountain views, and thrilling descents.
- Expect elevation gains (over 6,000 ft!) and some of the most beautiful views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Best for advanced cyclists ready for a serious spring ride.
3. Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail (Glenwood Springs)
📍 Location: Glenwood Springs → Hanging Lake
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📏 Distance: ~16 miles (round trip)
- A paved, scenic ride along the Colorado River, winding through the stunning Glenwood Canyon.
- Ride past towering cliffs and even make a stop to hike up to Hanging Lake if you’re feeling adventurous!
- A great family-friendly option with minimal elevation gain.
4. Lariat Loop (Golden to Morrison)
📍 Location: Golden → Lookout Mountain → Morrison
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
📏 Distance: ~35 miles
- Starts in Golden, taking you up the famous Lookout Mountain Road with stunning views of Denver.
- Fast descents and rolling terrain through Morrison and Red Rocks Park before looping back.
- Popular training route for triathletes and road cyclists looking to get some climbing in!
5. High Line Canal Trail (Denver to Highlands Ranch)
📍 Location: Denver → Highlands Ranch
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Easy
📏 Distance: ~70 miles (full trail)
- A mostly flat, crushed gravel trail winding through urban green spaces, parks, and tree-lined paths.
- Great for gravel bikes, hybrid bikes, and even casual riders looking for a scenic, relaxed ride.
- Spring highlights: Gorgeous cottonwood trees and plenty of wildlife spotting!
6. Twin Lakes to Independence Pass (Aspen/Leadville)
📍 Location: Twin Lakes → Independence Pass
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Very Challenging
📏 Distance: ~36 miles (round trip)
- One of Colorado’s most legendary climbs, leading to the 12,095 ft summit of Independence Pass.
- Opens in late spring (check conditions!) and offers stunning alpine views with steep switchbacks.
- Perfect for strong climbers and those training for endurance races.
7. Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park – Seasonal Ride)
📍 Location: Estes Park → Grand Lake
🚴♂️ Difficulty: Extremely Challenging
📏 Distance: ~48 miles (one way)
- The highest continuous paved road in North America (12,183 ft at the summit!).
- Spring bonus: The road is often open to cyclists before cars in late May, making for an epic, car-free mountain ride!
- A must-do for experienced riders who love big climbs and breathtaking views.
Spring in Colorado offers unbeatable riding conditions, whether you want a casual ride along the river or a bucket-list mountain climb. If you need gear, nutrition, or a bike tune-up before your ride, swing by Arvada Triathlon Company—we’ve got everything you need to make your spring break ride epic!