The best road cycling routes around Denver

The Denver area offers a variety of road cycling routes, primarily featuring loop trails with varied distances and moderate elevation changes. You'll find options suitable for different ability levels, from easy rides to more challenging moderate routes.

Yes, Denver has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Ramsey Creek Lakeside View loop from The Peninsula Club is an easy 14 km ride with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant introduction to road cycling in the area.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Roadbike loop from Jones Lake Dam is a moderate 52.4 km route with the highest elevation gain among the listed trails, reaching 450 meters. This route provides a good workout for experienced cyclists.

Many routes around Denver offer scenic views, particularly those near Lake Norman. The View of Lake Norman loop from Playground Island is a popular choice, providing picturesque lakeside vistas throughout its 38.4 km length.

Absolutely. Loop routes are a defining characteristic of road cycling around Denver. All the routes highlighted in this guide, such as the Ramsey Creek Lakeside View – Townley Road loop from Peninsula Yacht Club, are designed as loops, making for convenient starting and ending points.

The duration varies depending on the route's distance and your cycling pace. For example, the shorter Ramsey Creek Lakeside View loop from The Peninsula Club can be completed in about 40 minutes, while the longer Roadbike loop from Jones Lake Dam might take around 2 hours and 35 minutes.

This guide features 6 carefully selected road cycling routes around Denver, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists.

The terrain typically involves rolling hills and some flatter sections, providing a diverse cycling experience. Routes like the Townley Road loop from Peninsula Yacht Club showcase this varied landscape.

While specific family-friendly amenities are not detailed for these routes, the easier, shorter loop options, such as the Ramsey Creek Lakeside View loop from The Peninsula Club, could be suitable for families looking for a less strenuous ride.

Over 50 road cyclists have explored the varied terrain around Denver using komoot. They often appreciate the well-designed loop routes and the scenic views, particularly around Lake Norman.

Yes, for a good challenge, consider the Roadbike loop from Jones Lake Dam. This moderate 52.4 km route features a significant elevation gain of 450 meters, making it a demanding yet rewarding ride.