The best road cycling routes around Lakewood
4.6
(45)
2,182
riders
74
rides
Road cycling routes around Lakewood offer a diverse landscape, from urban pathways to extensive park trails and routes bordering the Rocky Mountain foothills. The city's location provides a backdrop of the Front Range, with some routes featuring ascents and panoramic views. Numerous lakes and green spaces, including Bear Creek Lake Park and Crown Hill Park, contribute to a well-connected network of cycling paths. This infrastructure caters to various skill levels, providing both challenging climbs and leisurely rides.
Best road cycling routes in Lakewood
- The most popular road cycling route is Clear Creek Trail – Bridge into Golden loop from Lamar, a 26.7 miles (43.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 8 minutes to complete. This route follows the scenic Clear Creek, offering a moderate cycling experience.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Pleasant Park Grange Rest Stop – Mann Reservoir loop from Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, a difficult 46.3 miles (74.6 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain, providing a challenging ride through varied terrain.
- Local road cyclists also love the Bear Creek Underpass – Apatosaurus Bulges loop from Federal Center, a 42.7 miles (68.6 km) trail leading through areas with notable elevation changes, often completed in about 3 hours 45 minutes.
- Road cycling around Lakewood is defined by its Rocky Mountain foothills, extensive park trails, and urban pathways. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides around lakes to more challenging routes with significant climbs.
- The routes in Lakewood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 2,500 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Lakewood's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.8
(4)
331
riders
43.0km
02:08
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.2
(5)
117
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(2)
95
riders
89.5km
04:29
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
53
riders
91.5km
04:55
1,350m
1,350m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
125
riders
35.1km
01:43
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
This is a nice overlook near Mt. Carbon, with expansive views of the Denver skyline, Bear Lake Park, and Mount Falcon Park in the background. Bear Creek Trail ends here, making it a great spot to pause, sit for a bit, and enjoy the views.
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Grant-Frontier Park sits right on the South Platte River and is the site of the old Montana City, built in the 1850s. Today, visitors can find paved trails, playgrounds, restrooms, and benches.
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Bear Creek Lake Park spans 2,624 acres and is a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as swimming, fishing, and boating year-round recreation. Open from April 1 to October 31, the campground is one of the closest full-service options near Denver. Visitors can also enjoy picnic shelters, paved and unpaved trails, an archery range, and scenic reservoirs.
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The Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area in northwest Denver encompasses approximately 43 acres of warm-water ponds and riparian habitats. These ponds are home to species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and bullhead catfish. Boating is prohibited to protect the habitat. In addition to fishing, Lowell Ponds is a nice spot for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The site known for birdwatching, especially during migration periods when the ponds attract various waterfowl species.
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Empower Field at Mile High, often called Mile High Stadium, is Denver’s iconic sports venue and home to the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Located near downtown, the stadium sits 5,280 feet above sea level, giving it its name. Opened in 2001, it replaced the original Mile High Stadium and can accommodate over 76,000 fans. The stadium hosts football games, concerts, and other large-scale events and features panoramic views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Outside, the "Bucky the Bronco" statue symbolizes the team and its history.
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The access to Clear Creek Trail from Tabor Street is a nice way to connect Clear Creek to the Wheat Ridge Ward Road Rail Station and to connect Clear Creek to Van Bibber Creek Trail.
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You probably don't want to swim in this lake, because of pollution from runoff. But you might still see water skiers chancing it. The lake and the land around it are also home to lots of waterbirds, songbirds, and small predators like foxes and coyotes. There's a nice, bikable loop around the lake.
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Sloan's Lake is a man-made lake in Denver, Colorado, whose origins are somewhat mysterious. While it did not exist during the early settlement of the area in the mid-19th century, it likely formed between 1861 and 1863. Today, Sloan's Lake is a habitat for various wildlife, including birds like white pelicans and Canada geese, and mammals like muskrats and nutria. Penny Island, located in the lake's center, features an osprey nesting structure and is a popular spot for drone pilots. Sloan's Lake Park, the second-largest park in Denver and is the center of the neighborhood of the same name.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Lakewood?
Lakewood offers a wide variety of road cycling routes. You can explore over 75 routes, catering to different skill levels, from easy rides to challenging climbs.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Lakewood?
Road cycling in Lakewood features diverse terrain. You'll find urban pathways, extensive park trails, and routes bordering the Rocky Mountain foothills. This includes both flatter sections around lakes and parks, as well as significant ascents in the foothills offering panoramic views.
Are there family-friendly road cycling routes in Lakewood?
Yes, Lakewood has several family-friendly options. Many routes through parks like Bear Creek Lake Park and Crown Hill Park offer paved paths suitable for all ages. These areas provide a peaceful environment for leisurely rides.
What are some scenic highlights or landmarks I can see along the road cycling routes?
Lakewood's routes offer beautiful scenery, including views of the Rocky Mountain foothills and various lakes. You might pass by natural features like Green Mountain Peak or Chatfield Reservoir. Some routes also offer views of Red Rocks Amphitheater in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop to your ride.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Pleasant Park Grange Rest Stop – Mann Reservoir loop from Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood offer significant elevation gain and cover over 46 miles (74 km) through varied terrain. Another demanding option is the Bear Creek Underpass – Apatosaurus Bulges loop from Federal Center, which also features notable elevation changes.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Lakewood?
The best time for road cycling in Lakewood is generally from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and conditions are favorable. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice, especially on routes closer to the foothills.
Are there loop road cycling trails in Lakewood?
Yes, many road cycling routes in Lakewood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Apatosaurus Bulges – Big Soda Lake loop from Red Rocks College, which offers a moderate 27.5-mile (44 km) ride.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Lakewood?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from urban paths to scenic park trails and the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The well-connected trail system and variety of routes for all skill levels are also frequently highlighted.
Can I connect to other trail networks from Lakewood's road cycling routes?
Yes, Lakewood's extensive trail system is well-connected. The Bear Creek Trail, for instance, links directly to Denver's broader trail network, allowing for longer rides into the city and expanding your cycling possibilities significantly.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Beginners can find several easy road cycling routes in Lakewood. Many parks, such as Belmar Park, offer paved paths that are relatively flat and provide a gentle introduction to road cycling. These routes are perfect for building confidence and enjoying the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Where can I find parking for road cycling trails in Lakewood?
Many parks and trailheads in Lakewood offer dedicated parking facilities for cyclists. For example, areas around Bear Creek Lake Park and other city parks typically have accessible parking. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information near your chosen starting point.
Are there any road cycling routes that follow rivers or creeks?
Yes, you can enjoy routes that follow waterways. The Clear Creek Trail – Bridge into Golden loop from Lamar is a popular option that follows the scenic Clear Creek, offering a pleasant and moderate cycling experience.
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