Golden Bike Trails

Golden is one of the best cycling towns on the Front Range. Within minutes of downtown you can ride paved trails along the creek, tackle legendary road climbs into the mountains, or hit some of Colorado's most popular mountain bike trails. The town's location at the base of the foothills gives access to terrain that would take much longer to reach from Denver.

Road Cycling

Lookout Mountain: The iconic Front Range road climb. From downtown Golden, the Lariat Loop climbs 1,300 feet in about 4 miles to the top of Lookout Mountain. Steep switchbacks (sustained 6-8% grades with steeper pitches) reward you with views of Denver and the plains. Fast descent but watch for cars. This climb appears in multiple pro races.

Clear Creek Canyon: US-6 follows Clear Creek into the mountains toward Idaho Springs. The shoulder is adequate for cycling and the scenery is spectacular, but traffic can be heavy. Best ridden early morning on weekdays. Grades are moderate - it's more about distance than steepness.

Golden Gate Canyon Road: A less-trafficked alternative to US-6, climbing from Golden through Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Beautiful forested scenery, moderate grades, and far fewer cars than the main canyons.

Clear Creek Trail: The paved multi-use path through Golden is perfect for casual road riding. It connects east to the regional trail system that runs all the way to Denver - about 15 miles of mostly flat, car-free riding.

Mountain Biking

Apex Park: The most popular mountain bike destination near Golden. Multiple trails from beginner-friendly to expert-only. The Enchanted Forest trail is flowy and fun; Pick N' Sledge is technical and challenging. Easy access from the Heritage Square area.

Chimney Gulch: A Jefferson County Open Space area with excellent intermediate trails. The Chimney Gulch Trail itself is a solid climb with good descent options. Connects to other trails in the system.

White Ranch: Larger trail system north of Golden with over 20 miles of trails. More remote feel with varied terrain from meadows to rocky technical sections. The Belcher Hill Trail is a local favorite.

North Table Mountain: While primarily a hiking area, North Table Mountain allows bikes on some trails. Check current regulations - restrictions vary seasonally.

Bike Shops

Several bike shops in downtown Golden offer rentals, repairs, and local knowledge:

• Golden Bike Shop: Full service shop with rentals, local trail expertise
• Pedal: Mountain bike focused with demo bikes
• Bicycle Village: Larger selection of road and mountain bikes

Shops can recommend routes based on your skill level and interests. They're also good sources for current trail conditions.

Tips for Riding

Altitude matters: Golden sits at about 5,700 feet, and trails climb much higher. If you're visiting from lower elevation, expect reduced performance. Stay hydrated and don't push too hard early on.

Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, especially in the mountains. Start early for longer rides. Lookout Mountain can be 10-15 degrees cooler than Denver - bring a layer for the descent.

Trail etiquette: Yield to hikers on multi-use trails. On mountain bike trails, downhill riders typically yield to uphill, but use common sense and be courteous.

Parking: Trailhead parking can fill up on nice weekends. Arrive early or consider riding from downtown Golden to connect to trails.