Biking, Hiking and Horseback Riding

Hiking and mountain biking are popular in Colorado, and state lands offer some of the best trails in the state.
Hikers on a trail with dense vegetation.
Hikers on a trail with dense vegetation inside Ridgway State Park. Taken by Dustin Doskocil.

Find a Trail

COTREX
Colorado Trail Explorer

Discover and explore Colorado’s unique trail experiences with the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX). COTREX offers the most comprehensive trail map available for the state. Built using data from over 230 trail managers, COTREX has information about nearly 45,000 miles of trails in one easy-to-find place. Use COTREX on the web or download the app.

parks
Colorado State Parks

Colorado's diverse landscapes offer endless trekking options for hikers, joggers, bikers, horse riders, campers and motorized travelers. You can find trails that suit all outdoor preferences and skill levels in our parks.

wildlife area
State Wildlife Areas

State Wildlife Areas are land owned by the state or privately that is open to the public for outdoor recreation. Many areas offer trails for hiking and biking. Use our finder to plan your visit.

track chair
Accessible Trails and TrackChair Program

For people experiencing disabilities, State Parks offer handicap accessible trails and all terrain wheelchairs, called TrackChairs so everyone can get out and enjoy Colorado's outdoors.

Safety Tips

Safety on Trails

Whether you are hiking, biking or riding a horse, it’s important to follow trail etiquette. This helps everyone stay safe on the trails.

Rock squirrel eating peanuts. Photo by Bureau of Land Management.

Wildlife on Trails

Crossing Paths with Wildlife

Colorado state parks are home to a diversity of wildlife, and you may encounter animals on the trails. When this happens, be respectful of the animal. Observe from a safe distance, safe for you and safe for the animal. Move slowly and casually, never directly at an animal, and never chase or harass the animal. Avoid animals that behave unexpectedly or aggressively. Please do not feed wild mammals. 

Man biking on trail at Lory State Park

Man biking on trail at Lory State Park

Biking

Biking in Colorado

Many state lands and parks have trails perfect for bikers of all skill levels. Electric bikes do not require a registration or other permit for use on CPW-managed public lands.​ 

Electric Biking

  • State Parks

    Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on roadways and designated bike lanes and on multi-use trails and other areas (e.g., campgrounds) that are open to non-motorized biking.

  • State Wildlife Areas

    In State Wildlife Areas, e-bikes are allowed on designated roads and within designated camping or parking areas where motorized vehicles are allowed. They are not allowed in any other areas. 

  • State Trust Lands

    In State Trust Lands, e-bikes are allowed on designated roads and within designated camping or parking areas where motorized vehicles are allowed. They are not allowed in any other areas. 

  • Federal Lands

    Users should contact individual land agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service (USFS), counties and local municipalities, to determine where they are allowed to ride e-bikes on federal public lands.

Horseback Riding

Some Colorado state parks offer facilities for horses including campsites and public corrals. Many Colorado state parks also have horse-friendly trails. Visitors who do not have horses to ride can rent horses at some of our parks. If bringing a horse from out of state, know the rules and regulations that apply.

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Golden Gate Canyon State Park

State Forest State Park

Horse corrals are located at the Bockman Campground and at the end of CR-41 at the Canadian River Trailhead. Many trails at State Forest State Park are equestrian friendly.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Know Before You Go

Weather and local conditions can affect day-to-day trail access. Plan ahead before you head out to a trail. 

sign

Closures

Closures of areas can happen quickly, even daily or hourly, and your outdoor destination or access route may be affected. Before heading out, learn about closures and plan alternative routes.​

hiking boot

Leave No Trace

​Conservation starts small, and everyone can take proactive steps to reduce their impact on our natural resources. The next time you visit a trail, keep leave-no-trace guidelines in mind.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

Apr

19

Weekend Birding Walk

Saturday, Apr 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!

Apr

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Weekend Birding Walk

Saturday, Apr 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!
A trail cuts through a high desert and disappears over a hill.

Apr

19

Ride the Reimagined Paths at Mack Mesa

Saturday, Apr 19

Highline Lake State Park

Are you ready to shred the trails? We are! Grab your bike and come mountain bike with us to explore the new trail section of the Highline Lake Trail.
A trail cuts through a high desert and disappears over a hill.

Apr

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Ride the Reimagined Paths at Mack Mesa

Saturday, Apr 19

Highline Lake State Park

Are you ready to shred the trails? We are! Grab your bike and come mountain bike with us to explore the new trail section of the Highline Lake Trail.

Apr

20

Guided Bird Walk

Sunday, Apr 20

Roxborough State Park

Grab your bird book and binoculars and join us for bird watching adventures.

Apr

20

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Guided Bird Walk

Sunday, Apr 20

Roxborough State Park

Grab your bird book and binoculars and join us for bird watching adventures.

Apr

19

Weekend Birding Walk

Saturday, Apr 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!

Apr

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Weekend Birding Walk

Saturday, Apr 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!
Video Player

Clean Your Gear: Hiking with a Dog

Invasive Species

Help Protect Colorado's Lands

Learn how to clean, drain and dry hiking gear used by your dog to help prevent the spread of noxious weeds in Colorado and protect forests from invasive species.

A man, woman, and two dogs on a gravel trail.

State Trails Program

The State Trails Program helps local governments, clubs, nonprofit partners and federal land managers through grants and expertise for non-motorized trails in Colorado. Every year the program awards $2 to $3 million in non-motorized trail grants.