Mountain biking
Denver’s front yard is packed with some of the most accessible and diverse mountain biking terrain in the country.
If you're looking for rocky, technical descents, smooth flow trails, or a post-work spin, these nearby trail systems deliver. Here are 5 of the best MTB spots within an hour of downtown:
- Apex Park
- Green Mountain
- White Ranch
- Lair o' the Bear
- Floyd Hill
Apex Park - Golden, CO
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~17 miles (~30 min drive)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Expert
Apex Park is a technical playground packed with tight switchbacks, punchy climbs, and rock-strewn descents. The Enchanted Forest Trail offers lush shade and flow, while Pick 'n Sledge and Apex Trail bring the chunk. Check the directional schedule as it is downhill bikes only for Enchanted Forest on EVEN days only.
Green Mountain - Lakewood, CO
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~9 miles (~20 min drive)
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Just minutes from downtown, Green Mountain is the go-to loop for weekday warriors. The smooth, rolling singletrack is ideal for beginner and intermediate riders, with plenty of elevation to keep it spicy. Catch sunset views of downtown Denver and the foothills from the summit.
White Ranch Open Space – Golden, CO
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~23 miles (~35 min drive)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Expert
If you’re craving elevation and technical trail, White Ranch delivers. The Longhorn Trail descent is legendary, steep, rocky, and exposed, with sharp turns and switchbacks. Not for beginners, but one of the most rewarding rides close to the city for skilled riders. The best part? The lower half of Longhorn trail is for downhill bike traffic only. No need to fear hikers here.
Lair o’ the Bear – Morrison, CO
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~20 miles (~35 min drive)
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Flowy and scenic, Lair o’ the Bear is a great warmup trail or easy cruise. It features smooth singletrack, creek crossings, and pine-shaded segments perfect for casual riders or families. For more mileage, link it with nearby trails like Bear Creek or Pence Park. The newest trail addition is called Rutabaga. A great flowly direction bike only trail featuring great flow and fun side hits to keep even advanced rider entertained.
Floyd Hill - Evergreen, CO
Distance from Downtown Denver: ~20 miles (~35 min drive)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Expert
A great trail system made for bikes only. Floyd Hill features one main trail from the top to bottom with endless routes featuring flowy berms, sizable jumps, and even rock slabs and large drops. This trail system is a local favorite. Test your skills on trails ranging from blue to double black, then climb up again for endless laps.
BONUS TRAILS
Drive a little further down I-70 and discover the newest addition to Idaho Springs - Virginia Canyon Bike Park. This new park has multiple trails from green flow to pro-only features. Currently in progress is a gondola that will bring you to the top. If you are in the area you do not want to miss out on this exiting new trail system.
Mountain Bikes For Sale
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Certified Pre-Owned
BMC FourStroke 01 TWO Mountain Bike - 2022, Medium
$2,699.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Epic EVO Comp Mountain Bike - 2023, Large
$2,999.99$4,750.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL Mountain Bike - 2023, Medium (S3)
$7,249.99$14,500.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Santa Cruz Highball C Mountain Bike - 2019, Large
$2,399.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Enduro Expert Mountain Bike - 2020, X-Large (S5)
$2,999.99$6,550.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
YT Jeffsy Core 4 29 Mountain Bike - 2022, X-Large
$2,949.99$5,000.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Intense Sniper Trail Elite Mountain Bike - 2019, Large
$2,549.99$6,500.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 X0 AXS T-Type Mountain Bike - 2023, X-Large
$5,399.99$11,000.00Unit price /Unavailable
Road & Gravel Biking
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:
- Waterton Canyon to Indian Creek Loop (gravel)
- High Line Canal Trail (gravel)
- Lookout Mountain (road)
- Deer Creek Canyon (road)
- Cherry Creek Trail (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.
Road Bikes For Sale
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Certified Pre-Owned
Vaast R/1 Ultegra Road Bike - 2024, Medium
$1,399.99$3,200.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Giant TCR Advanced SL 4 Road Bike - 2013, X-Small
$1,249.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Aethos Pro Shimano Ultegra Di2 Road Bike - 2025, 58cm
$4,099.99$7,000.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized S-Works Creo SL Road E-Bike - 2021, X-Large
$5,399.99$14,500.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Venge Pro ViAS Road Bike - 2016, 54cm
$2,499.99$8,000.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro Road Bike - 2021, 54cm
$3,999.99$8,200.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Trek Madone SL 5 Gen 8 Road Bike - 2025, X-Large
$3,549.99Unit price /Unavailable -
Certified Pre-Owned
Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc MvdP Road Bike - 2022, Small
$6,399.99$9,500.00Unit price /Unavailable
Our Favorite Bike Shops in Denver Colorado
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. Here are our top 3 best Denver bike shops;
- Golden Bike Shop
- Mike's Bikes
- Wheat Ridge Cyclery
Golden Bike Shop
📍 722 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
📞 303-278-6545
🕒 Mon–Fri: 10am–7pm | Sun: 10am–5pm | Sat: Closed
Get Directions | Contact
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.
Mikes Bikes of Downtown Denver
📍 1500 Wynkoop St #102, Denver, CO 80202
📞 (866) 600-BIKE
🕒 Open 7 days a week: 9am–5pm PST
Get Directions | Contact
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
Get Directions | Contact
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.
