Biking, Hiking and Horseback Riding
Find a Trail
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Walkers and others yield to equestrians
- Downhill travelers yield to uphill travelers
- Slower travelers yield to faster travelers
- Bicyclists yield to equestrians
- Bicyclists yield to walkers
- Bicyclists yield to skaters
- Downhill travelers yield to travelers going uphill
- Slower travelers yield to faster travelers
Before passing another trail user, be courteous and make your approach known. A friendly greeting or ringing a bell is considerate.
All users should yield for equestrians. If you encounter a horse on a trail:
- Be sure to make yourself visible
- Keep calm--sudden movements can startle a horse
- Allow the animal to be on the uphill side of you and the trail, where it may feel safer. Something unfamiliar from above a horse may trigger fear of a predator.
- Be alert from instructions from the equestrian and speak to the horse in a normal tone, which identifies you as a human.
- When approaching a horse, do so from the front
- If you intend to pass the horse from behind, call out to the rider and horse to let them know you would like to pass.
- Allow as much room as possible when passing a horse to avoid being kicked or spooking the animal. Proceed slowly and steadily while passing, and talk to the horse to help it relax. If an equestrian gives you the right or way, wait until you receive a signal that it is safe to pass.
- If an equestrian gives you the right of way, wait until you receive a signal that it is safe to pass.
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.
A group rides fat tire bikes on a winter trail
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Bringing Horses to Colorado
Horses are required to have a negative equine infectious anemia test within 12 months before entering Colorado. Contact an accredited veterinarian in your state to get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) within 30 days before your horses enter Colorado. The certificate will list the date of the test, test results, the lab, the accession number and the location closest to where the horses will be. If you'll be located somewhere without a physical address, please let us know which trailhead, campground, national forest or city you will be closest to. For additional details or questions, call the Colorado State Veterinarian’s office, 303-239-4161. Be sure to get the health requirements from the State Veterinarian's office.
Weed Free Hay
Use weed-free hay when horseback riding or using hay for other purposes. Please do not bring hay to Colorado that has not been certified as weed-free. Using weed-free hay helps stop the spread of invasive species. The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Weed-Free Forage Program maintains a database of approved sources for weed-free hay, listed by producer and location.
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
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.
Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park
Chatifield State Park
Chatfield Stables offers horseback-riding, birthday parties, and horse camps at Chatfield. Contact 303-933-3636 or [email protected] for rates, hours and other information.
Cherry Creek State Park
The 12 Mile Stables at Cherry Creek offer horse rentals, hay rides, day camps, riding lessons and horse boarding. For more information, please call 1-888-61-HORSES or visit http://horserentalsdenver.com.
Chatifield State Park
Chatfield Stables offers horseback-riding, birthday parties, and horse camps at Chatfield. Contact 303-933-3636 or [email protected] for rates, hours and other information.
Cherry Creek State Park
The 12 Mile Stables at Cherry Creek offer horse rentals, hay rides, day camps, riding lessons and horse boarding. For more information, please call 1-888-61-HORSES or visit http://horserentalsdenver.com.
Know Before You Go
Weather and local conditions can affect day-to-day trail access. Plan ahead before you head out to a trail.
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.
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 moreUpcoming Events
Dec
28
Guided Hike Elk Meadow
Saturday, Dec 28
Dec
28
Guided Hike Elk Meadow
Saturday, Dec 28
Dec
30
Wapiti Snowshoe Hike
Monday, Dec 30
Mueller State Park
Dec
30
Wapiti Snowshoe Hike
Monday, Dec 30
Mueller State Park
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Jan
1
First Day Hikes
Wednesday, Jan 1
Jan
1
First Day Hikes
Wednesday, Jan 1
Dec
28
Guided Hike Elk Meadow
Saturday, Dec 28
Dec
28
Guided Hike Elk Meadow
Saturday, Dec 28
Dec
30
Wapiti Snowshoe Hike
Monday, Dec 30
Mueller State Park
Dec
30
Wapiti Snowshoe Hike
Monday, Dec 30
Mueller State Park
Jan
1
First Day Hikes
Wednesday, Jan 1
Jan
1
First Day Hikes
Wednesday, Jan 1
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.
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.