The best gravel rides around Denver

Denver offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 20 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy urban loops to more challenging routes at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, catering to various skill levels.

The gravel bike trails around Denver feature diverse terrain. You'll find a mix of hard-packed gravel paths, unpaved dirt trails, and scenic routes through parks and natural areas. Landscapes include prairie grasslands, cottonwood forests, and stunning views of the Front Range. Elevation changes are generally moderate, making many routes accessible.

Yes, Denver has several family-friendly gravel biking options. Trails like the High Line Canal Trail offer easy-to-ride, hard-packed gravel paths suitable for all ages. Parks such as Washington Park also provide fine dirt gravel sections for leisurely rides. For a specific easy route, consider the Blackmer Lake – Blackmer Lake Trail loop from Colorado, which is 20.2 miles (32.5 km) with gentle gradients.

Many parks and trails in Denver are dog-friendly, but leash laws and specific regulations vary. For example, Cherry Creek State Park allows dogs on trails, and the High Line Canal Trail is generally welcoming to leashed pets. Always check local park rules before heading out with your dog.

Denver's gravel trails offer numerous scenic views. You can enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains from many routes, including sections of the High Line Canal Trail. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities to see wildlife like bison and deer with the Front Range in the background. For iconic rock formations, consider trails near Red Rocks Park or Marshall Mesa (near Boulder) for views of the Flatirons. You might also encounter natural monuments like Dinosaur Ridge or lakes such as Chatfield Reservoir.

Yes, many gravel routes around Denver are designed as loops. Popular options include the Blackmer Lake loop from University of Denver, which is a moderate 26.9 miles (43.3 km) trail, and the Platte River Trail bridge – Bridge over South Platte River loop from 10th & Osage, a 38.0 miles (61.1 km) urban greenway loop. Bear Creek Lake Park also offers the 6.6-mile Mt. Carbon Loop.

The best time for gravel biking in Denver is generally from spring through fall (April to October) when the weather is mild and trails are clear. Summer offers warm, sunny days, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter riding is possible on many urban and hard-packed trails, but higher elevation routes may be snow-covered or icy.

While many Denver trails are moderate, advanced gravel bikers can find more challenging terrain. The Mt. Carbon Loop in Bear Creek Lake Park offers some technical riding on dirt. For more advanced experiences, consider exploring trail systems like Marshall Mesa near Boulder, which provides stunning views of the Flatirons and more demanding sections. The region also features several difficult routes, such as the 4 challenging trails listed in our guide.

Many gravel bike trails in Denver offer designated parking areas. For example, Cherry Creek State Park has ample parking, and various access points along the High Line Canal Trail and Platte River Trail often have nearby parking lots. Urban parks like Washington Park also provide parking. For specific routes, check the tour details on komoot for parking information, such as The Grove at Commons Park.

Absolutely! The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place for gravel biking and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot bison, deer, and bald eagles. Cherry Creek State Park, with its prairie grasses and wildflowers, is also home to cottontail rabbits and prairie dogs, offering a chance to see local fauna during your ride.

Beginners can enjoy several easy gravel bike trails in and around Denver. The Blackmer Lake – Blackmer Lake Trail loop from Colorado is an easy 20.2 miles (32.5 km) path with gentle gradients. The High Line Canal Trail is also known for its easy-to-ride, hard-packed gravel surface, perfect for those new to gravel biking. Our guide features 6 easy routes to choose from.

Denver has a robust public transportation system (RTD) that can help you access various trailheads. Many urban trails, particularly those along the South Platte River like the Platte River Trail bridge – Bridge over South Platte River loop from 10th & Osage, are accessible via light rail or bus stops. Always check RTD schedules and bike-on-bus/train policies for specific routes.

The gravel biking routes around Denver are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, and the extensive network of trails that cater to different ability levels. Over 500 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Denver's varied terrain, highlighting its popularity and quality.

Yes, many gravel trails in Denver are close to interesting landmarks and attractions. You can bike near Red Rocks Amphitheater, known for its iconic red sandstone formations. Urban routes might pass by Union Station Denver or the 16th Street Mall. For natural sights, Green Mountain Peak and Ferril Lake are also accessible near some routes.