Cycling in Boulder: Explore the Best Rides

Boulder is a cyclist’s playground, featuring bike-friendly roads, an extensive network of multi-use paths, and a variety of scenic trails nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This destination is perfect for riders of all types and skill levels, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Reflecting Boulder’s outdoorsy ethos, many locals opt for biking to work rather than driving. The nearby mountain bike trails and Rocky Mountain roads present ample opportunities for an invigorating cycling workout, fostering a cycling culture that’s unparalleled in most parts of North America.

Boulder Creek Path

Best Ride for Families and Downtown Exploring

7.5 miles (12.1km) round trip, easy

The Boulder Creek Path is a leisurely bike route along a paved multi-use path that stretches across the town from east to west, running alongside Boulder Creek for approximately seven miles into Boulder Canyon. Easily accessible just a few blocks from downtown, the path offers entry points scattered throughout the city.

This ride is perfect for those wanting to experience Boulder’s vibrant cycling culture without venturing onto mountain roads, especially for families with young children. If you don’t have your own bike, Boulder’s B-cycle bike-share program offers easy rentals at stations along the path, particularly near downtown.

For an enjoyable afternoon ride, stop by scenic Scott Carpenter Park or Eben G Fine Park for a relaxing picnic, or cool off by jumping into the creek at any point along the path during summer months.

Betasso Preserve

Best Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride

7.1 miles (11.4km) round trip, easy to moderate

Betasso Preserve is a sought-after mountain biking destination, ideal for newcomers to steeper, rockier terrain. Located less than 20 minutes from downtown Boulder by car, the trails here are shared among bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and runners.

With various tracks and loops that can be linked for longer rides, many bike enthusiasts favor combining the Canyon Loop and Benjamin Loop for a 7-mile adventure featuring approximately 768ft of elevation gain. Riders can enjoy picturesque mountain vistas, breathtaking views towards golden plains, and charming sections winding through Ponderosa pine trees.

New riders may prefer the Canyon Loop for practice, given its relatively gentle terrain as opposed to the steeper Benjamin Loop. However, the full 7-mile circuit showcases a balanced mix of uphill and downhill trails, ensuring a satisfying experience for most cyclists.

Marshall Mesa

Best All-Round Mountain Bike Ride

12.6 miles (20.3km) round trip, moderate

Just south of downtown Boulder lies Marshall Mesa, a rolling area that presents sweeping views towards the iconic rocky outcrops known as the Flatirons. Popular among local mountain bikers, its network connects several other trails in nearby Eldorado Canyon State Park.

Commonly, locals combine the Coal Seam, Community Ditch, Doudy Draw, and Springbrook Loop paths into a cohesive ride of approximately 12.6 miles, achieving around 942ft of elevation gain. The trail’s final section leads to a viewpoint with stunning scenes over the city and views of the Continental Divide to the west, regarded as one of the most breathtaking perspectives in Boulder.

Flagstaff Road

Best Scenic Hill Climb

18 miles (28.9km) round trip, hard

Favored by local cyclists, Flagstaff Road is a winding mountain route starting at Chautauqua Park near the Flatirons. This demanding climb offers breathtaking views and is popular among cyclists, particularly on sunny weekends.

As you begin your ascent, the first potential stopping point is Panorama Point, offering spectacular views of Boulder Valley. Continuing uphill, cyclists encounter steep switchbacks leading to Lost Gulch Overlook, where the vistas of Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park await. Riders can conclude at the Gross Reservoir parking lot.

Regardless of where you choose to turn back, your descent promises an exhilarating ride, filled with steep hills and tight turns. Ensure your brakes are in good working order before you embark on this journey.

Left Hand Canyon

Best Road Ride

32.7 miles (52.6km) round trip, hard

Left Hand Canyon is among the finest rides in Colorado’s Front Range, featuring a long, sustained ascent on paved roads. Best approached as an out-and-back, the ride begins in the flatlands of Boulder Valley and follows Left Hand Creek, climbing through sections of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest, providing beautiful views up to the historic mining town of Ward.

Generally, the grade is moderate; however, it steepens significantly as you approach Ward. At the top of the climb, you will stand over 9,000ft above sea level! Upon reaching downtown Ward, cyclists can stop at Utica Street Market, a cyclist-friendly store for snacks, before beginning the return journey down the canyon.

Peak to Peak Highway

Best Epic Day Ride

43.6 miles (70.2km) round trip, hard

The Peak to Peak Highway is renowned as one of Colorado’s most thrilling bike rides. This scenic roadway connects Black Hawk to the I-70 corridor, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Autumn is particularly beautiful for this ride, as vibrant fall colors draw nature enthusiasts.

While the entire route constitutes a strenuous 60-mile one-way venture with an elevation gain of 5,075ft, many riders who attempt the complete journey do so with support vehicles. For a more manageable challenge, consider the 43-mile out-and-back version, an excellent solo day-trip option.

The ride commences in Nederland, just half an hour from Boulder, before ascending towards Ward and onwards to Estes Park, culminating in a long descent into Peaceful Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Peaks and Sawtooth Mountain.

Tips for Biking in Boulder

To enhance your cycling experience in Boulder, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Wear a helmet for safety.
• Utilize bike lights before dawn and after dusk.
• Always yield to pedestrians, especially on multi-use trails.
• Keep right, pass left, and vocally alert others before overtaking.
• On multi-use trails, yield to uphill cyclists and other trail users.
• Secure your bike with a lock to prevent theft.
• Bring a first aid kit, a map, and enough food, water, and sunscreen.
• Check weather conditions prior to your ride, avoiding storms or freezing temperatures.