FATMAP by Strava

Ride the Rockies: Best Mountain Biking Near Denver

From after-work quickies to multi-day rides in the mountains, Denver has it all for mountain biking.

Mountain Biking Moderate, Difficult, Severe, Extreme

MapGPX Flyover
North Table Mountain

Description

Denver is one of America’s greatest cities for mountain biking. Set at the transition of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, the landscape offers an incredible diversity of terrain, while open spaces and national forests that surround offer unparalleled access. Beginners can learn on urban trails, doubletrack, and mellow singletrack close to town, or up in the mountains. Expert riders can find everything from gnarly descents to epic endurance rides, and intermediate riders can enjoy the whole spectrum in between.

Even this small sample of trails near Denver should give you an idea of the wide range of riding to be found here. This list of six rides contains after-work fun rides, an IMBA Epic, and the start of a multi-day bikepacking route across the Rockies. Though some of these trails are open to hiking, they are all extremely popular with mountain bikers. A strong community of riders helps keep them maintained for all to enjoy, so you can get out there and ride the mountains of Colorado.

Routes included

North Table Mountain

North Table Mountain

What this popular trail network lacks in quality it makes up for in accessibility.

Difficult Mountain Biking

Distance
24 km
Ascent
531 m
Descent
531 m

Colorado Trail: Denver to Buffalo Creek

Colorado Trail: Denver to Buffalo Creek

The beginning of the iconic Colorado Trail runs for miles before being interrupted by a Wilderness area.

Difficult Mountain Biking

Distance
63 km
Ascent
2.3 km
Descent
1.5 km

Buffalo Creek IMBA Epic Loop

Buffalo Creek IMBA Epic Loop

A big loop of the most iconic trails at the popular Buffalo creek.

Moderate Mountain Biking

Distance
39 km
Ascent
878 m
Descent
878 m

Dakota Ridge Loop

Dakota Ridge Loop

One of the most technical trails on the Colorado Front Range—an enduro rider's dream!

Extreme Mountain Biking

Distance
12 km
Ascent
388 m
Descent
388 m

Apex Loop

Apex Loop

A scenic climb to an action-packed downhill in the foothills just outside of Golden.

Severe Mountain Biking

Distance
11 km
Ascent
474 m
Descent
474 m
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Related guidebooks

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