Cool Bike Paths in Denver

If there’s one thing that we all know about Denver, it’s that there’s enough outdoor recreation opportunities here for a lifetime of adventure. Hiking, biking, running, skiing, kayaking, fishing — the list goes on!

In addition to an impressive amount of hiking trails throughout the city and mountains beyond, Denver is also a haven for cycling enthusiasts, offering a variety of bike paths that traverse scenic landscapes, urban areas and natural parks alike. 

So, whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride along a river or a challenging trail with dome serious elevation gains, the Denver area has something for every cyclist to enjoy. Here are some of the coolest bike paths you can explore in and around the Mile High City!

9 popular bicycle trails in Denver for cyclists

Cherry Creek Trail

Distance: 45 miles
Location: Downtown Denver to Franktown
Bike type: Road bikes, hybrid bikes
Elevation change: Relatively flat, minimal elevation gain

The Cherry Creek Trail is one of Denver’s most popular bike paths, offering a scenic route that starts in downtown Denver and stretches southeast all the way to Franktown. The trail runs alongside Cherry Creek, making it a picturesque ride with plenty of natural scenery. Along the way, cyclists pass through Cherry Creek State Park, which offers picnic areas and lakeside views with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery. This smooth, paved trail is ideal for road and hybrid bikes, making it perfect for a gentle, leisurely ride for cyclists at any level of experience.

South Platte River Trail

Distance: 44.7 miles
Location: Denver to Chatfield State Park
Bike type: Road bikes, hybrid bikes
Elevation change: Gentle slopes, mostly flat

Winding along the South Platte River, this long, scenic paved trail offers beautiful water views and connects several parks and neighborhoods, making it a popular route for commuters and recreational cyclists alike. Riders can pass by landmarks like Confluence Park and Riverside Cemetery along the way, and the trail also links to other major routes, making it easy to extend your ride even further!

High Line Canal Trail

Distance: 71 miles
Location: Waterton Canyon to Aurora
Bike type: Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes
Elevation change: Varies with sections, some mild inclines

For those seeking a longer adventure, the High Line Canal Trail offers an extensive and dynamic ride through Denver’s suburbs and rural areas — and with both paved and dirt sections, it can accommodate both mountain and hybrid bike riders! 

Cutting a diagonal path through Denver from the Denver International Airport to the southern end of the Chatfield Reservoir, the 27-segment path winds through cottonwood groves, across farmland, along rivers and through quiet neighborhoods, offering a peaceful escape from the city while still within easy access to it. Highlights include the deKoevend Park area and stunning views of the Front Range mountains toward the southwest end of the trail. 

Clear Creek Trail

Distance: 24 miles
Location: Golden to Commerce City
Bike type: Road bikes, hybrid bikes
Elevation change: Gradual inclines and declines

Clear Creek Trail offers a scenic ride from Golden to Commerce City, following the course of Clear Creek to its junction with the South Platte River near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

This paved path is suitable for both road and hybrid bikes and offers moderate elevation changes along its winding course through Denver. Cyclists can enjoy mountain views, creekside scenery and occasional wildlife sightings — plus, the trail’s west endpoint is right at the Coors Brewing Company! The trail passes through charming areas like Wheat Ridge and offers access to plenty of parks and picnic spots along the way. 

Bear Creek Trail

Distance: 12.7 miles
Location: Morrison to Denver
Bike type: Road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes
Elevation change: Moderate inclines

For cyclists seeking a bit more of a challenge, Bear Creek Trail offers a scenic and slightly hilly ride from Morrison near Red Rocks Park and making its way into Denver. The winding, scenic offers some great views of the Front Range, foothills, creek-side scenery and includes access to all of Bear Creek Lake Park. The mixed terrain makes it ideal for road, hybrid and even mountain bikes — depending on where you start you ride!

Sand Creek Regional Greenway

Distance: 14 miles
Location: Commerce City to Aurora
Bike type: Hybrid bikes, mountain bikes
Elevation change: Mostly flat with some mild hills

Winding along Sand Creek from Commerce City to Aurora in the south, the Sand Creek Greenway offers a peaceful ride through wetlands, prairies and wooded areas just minutes from urban Denver. 

This trail is mostly gravel, making it a little more ideal for hybrid and mountain bikes than for road bikes. Whatever you ride, though, cyclists can spot wildlife and enjoy the natural views in Bluff Lake Nature Center, Morrison Nature Center, Star K Ranch Natural Area and Sand Creek Park, all of which feature their own collection of natural wonders. The route also connects with the South Platte River Trail, offering the opportunity for a longer ride along the larger web of connecting trails and pathways. 

Waterton Canyon Trail

Distance: 12.5 miles (round trip)
Location: Littleton
Bike type: Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes
Elevation change: Gradual incline

If you’re looking for a bike trail with plenty of wildlife and an abundance of mountain scenery, Waterton Canyon Trail is a must-ride!

Located just outside Denver in Roxborough Park, this gravel trail into Waterton Canyon offers spectacular views of the South Platte River and is well-known for its bighorn sheep sightings. The gradual incline makes it accessible to most riders, and the remote feel provides a great escape from the city. Make the ride even longer by hopping onto the High Line Canal Trail after you’re done and head away from the mountains into the city!

Ralston Creek Trail

Distance: 13.6 miles
Location: Arvada
Bike type: Road bikes, hybrid bikes
Elevation change: Slight inclines

Running through the neighborhoods and parks of Arvada, Ralston Creek Trail offers a suburban ride with park views, creek-side scenery and access to several green spaces. The trail is paved and smooth making it suitable for road and hybrid bikes. It’s a family-friendly path with gentle slopes, picnic areas and plenty of shade along the way — plus, it goes over the gorgeous Gold Strike Park Pedestrian Bridge before connecting to the Clear Creek Trail beyond. 

Green Mountain Trail

Distance: 6.5 miles
Location: Lakewood
Bike type: Mountain bikes
Elevation change: Significant inclines

For mountain biking enthusiasts, Green Mountain Trail offers a thrilling ride with rocky terrain, steep climbs and stunning views all around. Located on Green Mountain in Lakewood, this shorter trail provides panoramic views of Denver and the surrounding foothills just a few minutes from Morrison, Lakewood and Red Rocks Park. The challenging elevation changes make it perfect for experienced riders looking for a workout without needing to travel too far out of town. 

Denver’s many bike paths offer a diverse range of experiences, from leisurely urban rides to challenging mountain trails. Whether you’re exploring scenic creeks in town or tackling rugged terrain in a mountain canyon, there’s no shortage of cycling adventures near our luxury Denver apartments.

Have fun!

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Third photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

Second photo by A n v e s h on Unsplash

Featured photo by KBO Bike on Unsplash