The best traffic-free bike rides around Denver

There are over 50 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes around Denver listed on komoot, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties. You'll find everything from easy, flat rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.

Yes, Denver offers many easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners or family outings. The city's extensive network of urban trails, like sections of the Cherry Creek Trail or the South Platte River Trail, are mostly flat and paved, providing a safe and enjoyable experience. You can find 24 easy routes in this guide.

Many of Denver's traffic-free routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Cherry Creek Reservoir loop from University of Denver offers a scenic ride around the reservoir, while the Platte River Trail bridge – Mile High Stadium loop provides a great urban cycling experience.

Denver's traffic-free routes offer diverse scenery. You can enjoy urban greenways, riverside paths, and lakeside views on trails like the Cherry Creek Trail or South Platte River Trail. Routes venturing closer to the foothills, such as the Picnic Rock, Red Rocks Park loop, provide stunning views of rock formations and the Front Range.

While many traffic-free routes are relatively flat, some offer more significant climbs. The Tucker Gulch – Lookout Mountain Climb loop, for instance, includes a challenging ascent up Lookout Mountain, providing a rewarding workout and panoramic views. This guide features 6 difficult routes for experienced cyclists.

Many routes pass by or near notable Denver landmarks and natural features. You might cycle past Mile High Stadium, enjoy views of Chatfield Reservoir, or explore areas close to Green Mountain Peak. The Picnic Rock, Red Rocks Park loop takes you near the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.

The traffic-free road cycling routes around Denver are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.46 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paved paths, the beautiful urban and natural scenery, and the ability to enjoy long rides without vehicle traffic.

Yes, many of Denver's urban trails, such as the Cherry Creek Trail and South Platte River Trail, pass through or near neighborhoods with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can stop for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to discover points of interest along the way.

Parking is generally available near many trailheads and parks that serve as starting points for traffic-free road cycling routes. For example, areas around Cherry Creek State Park or City Park often have designated parking. For specific routes, checking the route details on komoot can provide information on nearby parking facilities, such as The Grove at Commons Park.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for traffic-free road cycling in Denver, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. While some urban trails are maintained year-round, winter cycling can be dependent on snow and ice conditions. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

The lengths of traffic-free road cycling routes vary significantly. You can find shorter loops, like the Washington Park Loop (2.6 miles) or Ferril Lake Loop (1.3 miles), perfect for quick rides. Many routes, such as the Cherry Creek Park loop, extend for 50-60 kilometers, offering longer, more immersive experiences.