The best traffic-free bike rides in Larimer County

Larimer County offers nearly 70 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. These range from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging rides, ensuring options for various skill levels. Over 30 routes are considered easy, while another 30+ are moderate, with a few difficult options for experienced cyclists.

You'll experience a diverse range of landscapes. Routes often traverse undulating foothills, scenic river valleys like the Cache la Poudre, and offer views of shimmering alpine lakes and reservoirs such as Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake. Many paths also wind through open spaces with red rock formations, mountain forests, and prairie grasslands, providing constant views of the Front Range.

Yes, Larimer County has numerous easy, traffic-free routes perfect for families. The Loveland Recreation Trail Loop is a great example, offering diverse scenery including lake views and river corridors around Boyd Lake State Park. Another accessible option is the Edora Park – The Coterie loop, which is shorter and has minimal elevation gain.

The best time for traffic-free road cycling in Larimer County is generally from spring through fall. During these seasons, the weather is most favorable, and trails are typically clear of snow. While some lower elevation paths might be accessible in winter, many scenic routes in the foothills and near the mountains can be impacted by snow and ice.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Nunn gravel loop offers a difficult 110 km experience with significant elevation gain, traversing plains and ranchland with constant Front Range views. The Poudre River Trail also provides a substantial moderate ride of over 60 km along the Cache la Poudre River.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling routes in Larimer County, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the dedicated paths, the stunning natural beauty, and the variety of routes that cater to all fitness levels. The ability to cycle away from vehicle traffic while enjoying diverse scenery is a frequently highlighted positive.

Many routes offer access to or views of notable natural attractions. While cycling, you might catch glimpses of landmarks like Horsetooth Rock. For those willing to venture slightly off-route, areas like Rocky Mountain National Park offer stunning sights like Bear Lake and Alberta Falls, though these may require separate access or a short detour from dedicated cycling paths.

Many of the dedicated trail systems in Larimer County, such as the Poudre River Trail, Long View Trail, Fossil Creek Trail, and Loveland Recreation Trail, offer designated parking areas at various access points. These are typically well-marked and provide convenient starting points for your ride.

Yes, several no-traffic road cycling routes in Larimer County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Loveland Recreation Trail Loop and the Fossil Creek – Spring Creek Trail loop are excellent examples of circular routes that offer varied scenery without needing to retrace your path.

Generally, permits are not required for cycling on the public no-traffic trails and paved paths within Larimer County's open spaces and municipal trail systems. However, if your route takes you into specific areas like Rocky Mountain National Park, entry fees or timed entry reservations may apply. Always check the specific regulations for any protected areas your chosen route might enter.

While some urban sections of the no-traffic trail network, particularly around Fort Collins and Loveland, may be accessible via local public transport with bike racks, direct access to all trailheads via public transport can be limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules and bike-on-bus policies for specific routes if you plan to use public transport.