Top Five Places for Road Biking in Colorado
5. Deer Creek Canyon
Description:
If you're looking for a long and simple ride, this one's for you! The Deer Creek Canyon trail is 33 miles long and begins just outside of Chatfield State Park. The scenery is remarkable, but be prepared for some serious work! The ride up into the canyon involves a few steep climbs.
Directions:
On the Road:
The road takes you past the Deer Creek Open Space. Parking is available along the shoulders of Deer Creek Canyon Road, just off of Wadsworth Boulevard. Look for the turn once you reach the historic Pleasant Park School House. The School House even provides refreshments and bathroom facilities! Donations are appreciated. To make your way back, take Pleasant Park Road.
4. Lookout Mountain
Description:
This road route begins in downtown Golden and winds all the way up into the mountains that touch the front range. The route gives riders an unbeatable reward for the long uphill ride: an expansive view of the whole front range from the top of Lookout Mountain.
Directions:
On the Road:
Start in Golden, CO. From there, head west on Speer Boulevard until it intersects with 32nd Avenue, where you'll turn left. Head straight on 32nd Avenue until it hits Golden, at which point 32nd Avenue will become 13th Street. Take a left on Ford street, followed by a right turn on 19th street six blocks down. Then, ride up into the mountains by heading west on 19th street until you reach the stunning viewing area at Lookout Mountain.
3. Chatfield State Park
Description:
This road will take you right through Chatfield State Park! It includes a gorgeous view of the lake at the Chatfield Reservoir Overlook, as well as a short tour around the southern end of the park.
Directions:
On the Road:
A popular way to begin the ride is at the overlook area in the park. Begin by heading south on Perimeter Road until it becomes Roxborough Park Road. Then, take a left when Roxborough road intersects with West Titan Road, and follow West Titan until there is a turn off for West Waterton Road. Turn right onto West Waterton Road and follow it until it hits Wadsworth Boulevard, then turn right back into the park and follow Perimeter Road north until the road passes by the Chatfield Scenic Overlook.
2. Golden Gate State Park
Description:
The Golden Gate Canyon Loop totals approximately 56 miles and can understandably take a while to finish! The ride is well worth it, though; it offers the best of both worlds. While part of the road winds into the mountains and away from busy roads, the loop then leads into a more urban, busy setting before turning back into the state park. There's plenty to take in, and every reason to take on this challenging ride!
Directions:
On the Road:
The ride begins in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and takes riders deeper into the mountains. It then loops around into Golden, where it transforms into an uphill climb back into the state park.
1. Cherry Creek State Park
Description:
Another perfect combination of stunning views and the urban experience is the road at Cherry Creek State Park, which clocks in at 18.5 miles. The route circles the outside of Cherry Creek State Park and boasts friendly road biking conditions and a relatively short loop!
Directions:
On the Road:
The route starts on East Lake View Road by the entrance at Cherry Creek State Park. Head south on East Lake Road, which will become West Lake View Road, where you'll continue circling the perimeter of the park until the road hits East Union Avenue. Head straight on East Union Avenue which will become Temple Drive, then turn right on DTC Boulevard. Take DTC onto Tamarac Drive until it hits east Yale Avenue where you'll turn left, then take a right on South Oneida Street. At this point you are a little more than halfway to the finish. From Oneida, take a right on Cherry Creek Drive, and take Cherry Creek Drive all the way back into the park until it hits the main entrance area.
