Colorado Spring Road Cycling | Best Riding Season

Ideal Cycling Weather

Before summer heat, after winter cold

Spring brings Colorado's best road cycling conditions. Temperatures hover in the 50s to 70s - warm enough to ride comfortably but cool enough to push hard. Denver's extensive trail system is snow-free, and the mountain canyon roads beckon with stunning scenery.

Colorado's cycling culture is legendary. Boulder consistently ranks among America's best cycling cities, and Denver's urban trail network covers over 850 miles. The Front Range offers everything from flat bike paths to challenging mountain climbs within easy reach.

Spring is base-building season for serious cyclists, but perfect for casual riders too. Mornings start cool and warm beautifully. Afternoon thunderstorms are less common than summer. It's the window between winter winds and summer heat that cyclists treasure.

Best Spring Rides

CREEK

Cherry Creek Trail

40 miles from downtown Denver to Franktown. Paved path along the creek. Connects to extensive urban trail network. Flat and scenic.

BOULDER

Boulder Canyon

Classic Front Range climb from Boulder to Nederland. 16 miles, 2,500 feet of climbing. Shared road with traffic but wide shoulders.

LOOKOUT

Lookout Mountain

Famous climb from Golden to Buffalo Bill's grave. 4.5 miles, 1,300 feet. Switchbacks with mountain views. Popular with racers training.

PLATTE

Platte River Trail

Denver's spine running through the city. Connects to trails in every direction. Flat, paved, and perfect for commuting or long rides.

Spring Cycling Tips

LAYER

Dress in Layers

Mornings are cold, afternoons warm. Arm warmers and a vest you can remove work well. Temperature swings 30+ degrees common.

WIND

Watch the Wind

Spring brings Colorado's windiest days. Plan routes to have wind at your back on the return. Afternoon gusts can be brutal.

ALT

Altitude Matters

Denver sits at 5,280 feet. Expect reduced performance if visiting from sea level. Hydrate more, push less the first few days.

SUN

Sun Protection

High altitude means intense UV. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and arm covers prevent burns. The thin air doesn't filter as much radiation.

Road Cycling