The 10 Best Bike Paths and Trails in Colorado

Anyone with a passion for bike riding will find themselves in heaven if they visit the Colorado bike trails. There are so many gorgeous trails spread all across the state, where motor vehicles are not allowed, and the roads are beautiful. You can use the bike trails in Colorado in any way you want, from a weekend family ride to a solo week-long tour. The options are endless. 

From the western slope to the front range, you will find gorgeous mountains filled with intoxicating nature all around Colorado. There are more than enough trails you can go bike riding for days and enjoy the beauty, but here we will focus on the Top 10 bike trails in Colorado.

After the snow melts off Colorado's mountains, the landscape takes on a new look and brings in the perfect weather for biking. Bike racks replace the bike trails scattered throughout the state open up and ski racks as bike riders come to enjoy the beautiful trails. Here is our list of the 10 best bike paths in Colorado.

 

Animas River Trail

This 9-mile-long bike trail will take you along the gorgeous Animas river, with the addition of the occasional appearance of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad corridor. The trail goes through the Animas City Park and heads towards the River Road in the south, ending at La Posta Road. On this trail, you will pass over five bridges and through several parks.

 

 

Animas River Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: La Plata
• Length: 9.4 miles
• Trail end points: Bennett Street at Animas City Park and La Posta Road, and River Road
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing

 

Arkansas River Trail (Pueblo)

The Arkansas trail goes through Pueblo and heads west, following the river straight to Lake Pueblo State Park. The park is complete with campgrounds, swimming beaches, picnic spots, and fishing ponds. A perfect place to go if you want to spend some time in peace and serenity.

 

 

Arkansas River Trail (Pueblo) Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Pueblo
• Length: 10.1 miles
• Trail end points: Moffatt St. and Juniper Rd. in Lake Pueblo State Park
• Trail surfaces: Concrete
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

Mason Trail

The Mason Trail goes from north to south alongside McClellan Drive through Fort Collins; It will be a great trail to follow if you want to have access between the city's business and industrial district and experience an excellent alternative to motor transportation. The north side of the trail connects with the Spring Creek Trail, and the south side with the Fossil Creek Trail; you can pick whichever route suits you.

 

Mason Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Larimer
• Length: 4.5 miles
• Trail end points: Fossil Creek Trail near Cameron Drive and Prospect Rd. at the southern boundary of CSU campus
• Trail surfaces: Concrete
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Walking

 

Midland Trail

Built near I-25, this gorgeous trail goes through Manitou Springs and America the Beautiful Park. Midland Trail is mainly an urban route that follows Fountain Creek. The trail stops at Colorado Street then cross over to the other side until it meets the creek again. The trail goes through many twists and turns but is easy to follow if you pay attention.

 

 

Midland Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: El Paso
• Length: 2.6 miles
• Trail end points: America the Beautiful Park at I-25 and Manitou Springs (Beckers Lane)
• Trail surfaces: Concrete
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

Mineral Belt Trail

With this National Recreational Trail, you will get to follow the route all through Leadville's beautiful history. It is also the state's highest paved path at 11.6 miles long and access to the ADA route. It was designated as a National Recreational Trail two years after it was ongoing.

 

 

 

Mineral Belt Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Lake
• Length: 11.6 miles
• Trail end points: Ice Palace Park and Highway 24
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing

 

Narrow Gauge Trail (C.O.)

Located in the scenic Pine Valley Ranch Park near Denver, this beautiful trail gains 200 ft in elevation over its 2-mile length. This bike trail follows along the South Platte River's north bank and goes through gorgeous pine forests and meadows.

 

 

Narrow Gauge Trail (C.O.) Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Jefferson
• Length: 2 miles
• Trail end points: Crystal Ridge Rd. in Pine Valley Ranch Park and Platte River in Pine Valley Ranch Park
• Trail surfaces: Crushed Stone
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking

 

New Santa Fe Regional Trail

If you are looking for a scenic bike trail in Colorado, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail will be the perfect choice for you. It will take you on a journey through mountain trails, lakes, and the U.S. Air Force Academy based in Colorado Springs. Hikers and bikers alike love this scenic trail through the small town OF Monument with its restaurants and shops.

 

 

New Santa Fe Regional Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: El Paso
• Length: 17 miles
• Trail end points: County Line Rd. (Palmer Lake Rec Area) and Woodmen Rd. (Colorado Springs)
• Trail surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel, Sand
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing

 

Peaks to Plains Trail

Next on the list is an award-winning trail attracting new bikers every day with its beauty. The path gives bikers the ability to ride on non-motorized paths along Clear Creek Canyon, following gorgeous nature reserves. The terrain is complete with native grass, canyon walls, shrubs, trees, and water rushing down the valley's bottom.

 

 

Peaks to Plains Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Jefferson
• Length: 4 miles
• Trail end points: U.S. 6 and U.S. 40 and Mayhem Gulch Trailhead (Clear Creek Canyon Park)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Fishing, Walking

 

Poudre Trail (Fort Collins)

In Fort Collins, this trail goes along the Poudre River, starting from the Watson Fish Hatchery to the Colorado State University's Environmental Learning Center on East Drake. This trail takes a beautiful turn when it follows through small lakes, agricultural farms, wooded areas, and parks and ponds.

 

 

Poudre Trail (Fort Collins) Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Larimer
• Length: 12.3 miles
• Trail end points: CSU Environmental Learning Center (Fort Collins) and County 52E (Bellevue Watson Fish Hatchery)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

Power Trail

The Power trail gives bikers a great way to go through Fort Collins with less traffic. The flat and paved path will take you through local neighborhoods and open spaces, a golf course, and a couple of parks. The bike path also ends in a recreational park at its northern end, which has playgrounds, tennis courts, restrooms, and a skate park.

 

Power Trail Facts

• States: Colorado
• Counties: Larimer
• Length: 3.9 miles
• Trail end points: Edora Community Park on Riverside Ave. and E. Trilby Rd. and Southridge Greens Blvd.
• Trail surfaces: Concrete
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Walking

 

These are the top 10 bike trails in Colorado that you can choose starting. No matter which one you choose, you will not be disappointed. Remember to make sure your bike is in good shape, and please wear your helmet to protect yourself. Keep water on hand and stay hydrated, eat lots of nutritional food, and most importantly, remember to have fun!