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Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from Applewood
16.7km
01:39
240m
240m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around West Pleasant View, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails and open spaces, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want to hit the highlights without endless guesswork.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've curated a shortlist of the best no traffic touring bike trails West Pleasant View has to offer. This guide is your shortcut to the rides that truly deliver, saving you the hassle of sifting through endless possibilities.
Touring cycling in West Pleasant View is defined by its stunning natural character: think red sandstone formations, expansive mesa-tops, and rolling foothills that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The terrain varies from smooth paved paths to extensive gravel options and unpaved segments, winding through diverse ecosystems from chaparral to pine stands. You'll find everything from easy loops through open spaces to more demanding routes with significant elevation gains, all within the beautiful Jefferson County Open Space Parks.
If you only do one route, we'd point you to the challenging Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from Applewood. At 10.4 miles (16.8 km) with nearly 780 feet (237 m) of climbing, it's a fantastic workout with big payoffs in scenery. For something a bit easier but still incredibly rewarding, the Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from West Pleasant View is a great choice at 5.9 miles (9.5 km), perfect for a relaxed ride through open spaces. With over 3,000 touring cyclists having explored these routes with komoot, you're in good company. Start exploring and find your next favorite ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from Applewood | 16.7 km | 240 m | Hard |
| Top of Shoshonite Trail loop from West Pleasant View | 11.4 km | 190 m | Hard |
| Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from West Pleasant View | 9.53 km | 140 m | Easy |
16.7km
01:39
240m
240m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
View route
11.4km
01:07
190m
190m
The Top of Shoshonite Trail loop from West Pleasant View offers a unique ride up South Table Mountain, primarily on singletrack. You'll navigate moderate switchbacks and sections that can be loose or rocky, eventually reaching crushed gravel roads on the mesa top. The real highlight is the expansive vista from the summit, providing panoramic views of Golden, the foothills, and the Denver skyline, making the effort worthwhile for those on the right bike.
This 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route, with 614 feet (187 metres) of elevation gain, is rated as difficult for touring bicycles, taking about 1 hour and 6 minutes. However, it's crucial to note that this trail is best suited for mountain bikes, e-bikes, or gravel bikes, not traditional touring bikes with narrow tires. While considered 'Green' (easy) for mountain bikers, its technical sections will challenge anyone on an unsuitable bike.
Part of a larger network on South Table Mountain, this trail is notable for its beginner-to-intermediate friendly singletrack for mountain biking, its multi-use nature (shared with hikers and e-bikes), and the distinctive shoshonite porphyry lava flows that form the mesa. Dogs are allowed, and it provides accessible off-road cycling close to Golden.
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9.53km
00:55
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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You can see William Frederick Hayden Park on the right, and Denver on the left from Carl's Point. A perfect spot to take a mid ride photo or simply take a break and enjoy the view.
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Nice views of Golden and Lookout Mountain. The Shoshonite Trail is a fun newer trail with reasonable grades and good flow. Can ride this trail on a gravel bike no problem.
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You can see William Frederick Hayden Park on the right, and Denver on the left from Carl's Point. A perfect spot to take a mid ride photo or simply take a break and enjoy the view.
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The jog up to the top of this high point isn't particularly challenging, but it's a great spot to take in views of Lakewood and Denver to your east, and a big swath of protected natural land to your west. Watch out for mountain bikers on the trail.
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Views from Carl's Point yield William Frederick Hayden Park to your right and Denver just straight out.
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Singletrack climb to a nice view of Golden. Keep tracks and descend on the technical single track.
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There are over 60 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around West Pleasant View, offering a wide range of options for cyclists looking for quiet and scenic rides. These routes vary in difficulty and length, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
Yes, West Pleasant View offers several easy no traffic touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Bike loop from West Pleasant View is an easy 7.2 km route with moderate elevation, and the Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from West Pleasant View is another easy option at 9.5 km. These routes provide a gentle introduction to touring cycling in the area.
The no traffic touring cycling routes in West Pleasant View traverse diverse landscapes, from open spaces and prairie settings to areas near lakes and gulches. You can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding natural beauty, including areas close to Big Soda Lake and Tucker Gulch. The region's proximity to the foothills also means picturesque mountain backdrops.
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in West Pleasant View are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from Applewood, which is 16.8 km long, and the Top of Shoshonite Trail loop from West Pleasant View, a 12.5 km difficult route. These loops are great for exploring without retracing your steps.
While enjoying the no traffic routes, you can find several points of interest nearby. Bear Creek Lake is a significant attraction offering extensive recreational opportunities. You might also catch glimpses of the Denver skyline from viewpoints like Sloan's Lake west shore or Mt. Carbon Overlook. The area also features natural highlights such as Big Soda Lake.
West Pleasant View offers good touring cycling opportunities for much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While some routes may be accessible in winter, it's always advisable to check local weather conditions and trail status, as some unpaved sections might become challenging with snow or ice.
Yes, experienced riders will find challenging no traffic touring cycling routes in West Pleasant View. Some routes feature significant elevation gains and longer distances, requiring good fitness. For instance, the Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from Applewood is rated difficult, covering 16.8 km with over 230 meters of elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Top of Shoshonite Trail loop from West Pleasant View, spanning 12.5 km with over 190 meters of ascent.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in West Pleasant View, with an average score of 4.67 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet nature of the routes, the diverse scenery ranging from lakes to mountain views, and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Jefferson County away from vehicle traffic.
Yes, parking is generally available near many of the access points for touring cycling routes in West Pleasant View. Parks like Bear Creek Lake Park and Pleasant View Community Park at Camp George West offer parking facilities, providing convenient starting points for your ride. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for the most accurate parking information.
Given the natural settings of many no traffic routes, especially those near open spaces, lakes, and gulches, there is a good chance of encountering local wildlife. Areas around Big Soda Lake are known for their biodiversity and variety of birds. Always maintain a respectful distance and observe wildlife from afar.


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