Top 5 MTB Trails In Denver
Check out our favorite trails to hit on a full suspension or hardtail mountain bike. Challenge your skills or cruise on some flow in Denver, CO.
TLDR
- Apex Park
- Lair o' the Bear
- White Ranch
- Green mountain
- Dakota Ridge
Apex Park - Golden, CO
Distance from Denver: ~17 miles (~30 min drive)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Expert
Apex Park offers a dynamic blend of technical climbs, rock gardens, and thrilling descents on narrow, switchback-filled singletrack. The Enchanted Forest Trail is a fan favorite for its fast flow and shaded pine sections. Note that certain days are bike-only or hiker-only, so check the schedule before heading out. Perfect for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a challenge without leaving the Front Range.
lair o' the Bear - Morrison, CO
Distance from Denver: ~20 miles (~35 min drive)
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
A great intro trail system for new riders or a mellow spin for experienced ones, Lair o’ the Bear features smooth singletrack, gentle climbs, and scenic views of Bear Creek. It’s popular for families, but there’s enough flow to keep everyone smiling. The main trail, Bruin Bluff, gently winds through shady trees and open meadows.
Recently added, the Rutabaga Ride, is a MTB only directional trail offering fast flow and fun side features for those who like to jump around the trail.
White Ranch Open Space – Golden, CO
Distance from Denver: ~23 miles (~35 min drive)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Expert
White Ranch is a gritty, leg-burner of a ride with long, steep fire road climbs and rewarding technical singletrack descents like Longhorn Trail. The Longhorn trail starts at the top parking lot and halfway down turns into a steep and fast descent that is bike only downhill. Expect loose rock, tight turns, and big elevation changes, with panoramic views across the foothills. Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding for advanced riders.
Green Mountain – Lakewood, CO
Distance from Denver: ~9 miles (~20 min drive)
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Just a stone’s throw from downtown, Green Mountain is Denver’s after-work ride headquarters. A wide network of non-technical trails and doubletrack make it perfect for newer riders or those looking to crush a quick loop at sunset. Great views of the city and Red Rocks from the top.
Dakota Ridge / Red Rocks – Morrison, CO
Distance from Denver: ~16 miles (~25 min drive)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Expert
Known for its tight, exposed ridgeline and unforgiving rock features, Dakota Ridge isn’t beginner-friendly, but it’s a thrill for those who love technical trail. This iconic segment hugs the ridge above Red Rocks Amphitheater and connects with the Matthews/Winters trail system, offering plenty of options for looped rides.
Shop MTBs
View all-
Certified Pre-Owned
Nukeproof Giga 297 Carbon Mountain Bike - 2021, Large
$3,699.99$8,100.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Slash 9.8 XT Gen 6 Mountain Bike - 2024, X-Large
$4,149.99$7,400.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Orbea Rallon M XX1 AXS Mountain Bike - 2023, Large
$3,899.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Santa Cruz 5010 XT Carbon C Mountain Bike - 2022, Medium
$3,199.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Canyon Lux Trail CF 8 Mountain Bike - 2025, Medium
$3,649.99$5,300.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro Mountain Bike - 2022, Large (S4)
$3,799.99$8,200.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Kona Process 134 CR 29 Mountain Bike - 2023, Medium
$2,199.99$5,200.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Status 160 Mountain Bike - 2022, Small (S2)
$2,399.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Mountain Bike - 2017, Medium
$1,999.99$5,000.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Evil Offering X01 AXS Mountain Bike - 2021, Medium
$3,199.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Orbea OCCAM M10 Mountain Bike - 2021, Large
$3,199.99$5,700.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Top Fuel 9.9 X0 AXS Gen 4 Mountain Bike - 2025, X-Large
$4,199.99$9,350.00Unit price /Unavailable
Top 5 Gravel, Road & Urban Cycling Routes Near Denver
The Denver metro area isn’t just a mountain biking haven, it’s also home to some of the best gravel routes, road climbs, and paved paths in the West. Whether you're chasing PRs, logging long training days, or just cruising the city, here are 5 of our favorite local routes:
TLDR
- Waterton Canyon to Indian Creek Loop (Gravel)
- High Line Canal Trail (Gravel)
- Lookout Mountain Climb (Road)
- Dear Creek Canyon (Road)
- Cherry creek Bike Path (Paved Path)
Waterton Canyon to Indian Creek Loop (Gravel)
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~25 miles (~40 min drive to trailhead)
This loop is a gravel rider’s dream. It starts with the wide, hard-packed Waterton Canyon Road, a gentle scenic climb along the river, before turning into a more technical, remote stretch near Indian Creek. Expect a mix of canyon walls, wildlife sightings, and punchy elevation gains.
High Line Canal Trail (Gravel)
Distance from Downtown Denver: Trail access throughout the metro
One of Denver’s most iconic gravel paths, the High Line Canal Trail stretches over 70 miles through urban neighborhoods, cottonwood groves, and open prairie. Mellow grades and dirt surfaces make this ideal for long, steady miles without ever leaving the city.
Lookout Mountain Climb (Road)
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~20 miles (~30 min ride or drive to Golden)
The most famous road climb on the Front Range, Lookout Mountain gains 1,300+ feet in just 4.6 miles. It’s a favorite for training rides, hill repeats, or weekend warrior KOM attempts. Switchbacks, scenic overlooks, and wide shoulders make this a bucket-list climb.
Deer Creek Canyon (Road)
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~18 miles (~30 min drive to trailhead)
One of the best extended road rides near Denver. Deer Creek Canyon offers steady gradients, smooth pavement, and panoramic views. Riders can keep it short or continue climbing up to High Grade Road and beyond for a 60+ mile high-altitude hammerfest.
Cherry Creek Trail (Paved Urban Path)
Distance from Downtown Denver: Trail starts in LoDo
Starting right in downtown Denver, this 40-mile paved multi-use path winds southeast through parks, golf courses, and scenic greenbelts before reaching the quiet town of Franktown. It’s perfect for casual commuters, road cyclists, or anyone looking to escape traffic without leaving town.
Shop Road Bikes
View all-
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Emonda SL 7 Disc AXS Road Bike - 2020, 58cm
$2,799.99$5,300.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Felt VR Advanced Ultegra Road Bike - 2020, 51cm
$2,349.99$4,000.00Unit price /Unavailable -
-
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert Road Bike - 2015, 61cm
$1,349.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
BMC Teammachine SLR01 FIVE Road Bike - 2023, 54cm
$3,899.99$7,500.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Roubaix SL4 Road Bike - 2014, 56cm
$1,249.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Canyon Endurace 8 Disc Road Bike - 2024, XX-Large
$1,199.99$1,800.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Wraith Fabrication Hustle Columbus Steel Road Bike - 2017, Medium
$1,599.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Bianchi Oltre XR4 Dura Ace Di2 Road Bike - 2021, 55cm
$4,199.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Domane SL 7 eTap Gen 3 Road Bike - 2023, 54cm
$3,949.99$7,150.00Unit price /Unavailable -
-
Certified Pre-Owned
Cannondale Supersix Ultegra Road Bike - 2011, 56cm
$1,349.99Unit price /Unavailable
Denver's Best Bike Shops
Denver’s cycling scene thrives thanks to a collection of exceptional bike shops. These local favorites are known for their knowledgeable staff, quality service, and strong community presence. From expert mechanics and custom bike fits to gear recommendations and trail insights, these shops are trusted hubs for road cyclists, mountain bikers, and everyday riders alike.
1. Golden Bike Shop
2. Mike's Bikes
3. Wheat Ridge Cyclery
Golden Bike Shop
📍 722 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
📞 303-278-6545
🕒 Mon–Fri: 10am–7pm | Sun: 10am–5pm | Sat: Closed
Golden Bike Shop is a premier destination for mountain, gravel, and bikepacking enthusiasts just 20 minutes west of downtown Denver. Known for its high-end selection of brands like Yeti, Ibis, and Moots, the shop specializes in custom builds and expert service. Whether you’re gearing up for a ride on Apex, White Ranch, or the Colorado Trail, this locally loved shop has the gear, expertise, and passion to match.
Mike's Bikes
📍 1500 Wynkoop St #102, Denver, CO 80202
📞 (866) 600-BIKE
🕒 Open 7 days a week: 9am–5pm PST
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Denver, Mike’s Bikes offers a premium selection of road, commuter, and electric bikes, along with a full-service repair department. The shop’s knowledgeable staff, modern inventory, and central location make it a go-to for city riders, weekend warriors, and commuters alike. Whether you're stopping by for a quick tune-up or gearing up for a Denver-to-Boulder ride, Mike's Bikes delivers top-tier service and selection.
Wheat Ridge Cyclery
📍 7085 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
📞 (303) 424-3221
🕒 Open Daily: 10am–6pm
Wheat Ridge Cyclery is a cornerstone of Colorado’s cycling community. With decades of experience and one of the most expansive bike selections in the state, they cater to every type of rider—from gravel grinders and road racers to weekend MTB adventurers. Their expert service team, massive showroom, and deep inventory of gear make it a must-visit for cyclists across the Front Range.
Who We Are
At Cycle Limited, we’re riders too. Based in the Boca Raton, Florida, we make it easy to buy or sell high-quality bikes online, from mountain and road to gravel and electric. Every bike is certified pre-owned, fully tuned by our expert mechanics, and shipped directly to your door, ready to ride.
Looking for your next ride?
