June is the month to break out your bike in celebration of Colorado Bike Month. Denver has an extensive system of trails and bike lanes that encourage locals to get outside. One event this month that encourages locals to take advantage of these trails is Bike to Work Day on June 28. Denver B-Cycle and Lorissa’s Kitchen are teaming up with free bike rentals throughout the city and samples from Lorissa’s Kitchen at Civic Center Park. At 4:30 p.m. join former “The Bachelor” contestants at the 18th Street and Arapahoe Avenue B-Cycle station for a “Bike with the Bachelors” event. Ratio Beerworks — a perfect stop for anyone finishing this tour of Denver’s parks — will be giving a free beer to all who arrive by bike.
If you want to explore more of Denver, try this tour of some of the best parks in the Mile High.
Mileage: 20.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 577 feet
Start: Confluence Park
This area of the South Platte River — recently renovated by the city — has options for everyone. Spend the morning lounging along the banks of the river, kayaking or wandering through the Downtown Aquarium.
First Stop: City Park
Directions:
Follow Cherry Creek Trail South on 14th Street
Left onto Glenarm Place
Right onto East 19th Avenue
Left onto North Downing Street
Right onto East 21st Avenue
You could spend a whole day exploring the 314 acres City Park offers. Visit the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and delicate flower gardens and Ferril Lake. If golfing is your thing the park has an 18-hole golf course on the north end. The park also hosts free jazz concerts every Sunday during the summer.
Second Stop: Cheesman Park
Directions:
Head south on City Park Esplanade
Stop by Tattered Cover before turning right onto East 16th Avenue
Left onto Franklin Street
Originally Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Chessman Park is now considered one of Denver’s most haunted spots. Try to catch a glimpse of one of its ghosts or check out the playgrounds, Memorial Pavilion and Botanic Gardens. If you want to add some cross-training into your day spend some time on the jogging paths that wrap through the park.
Third Stop: Washington Park
Directions:
Continue south on North Williams Street to Gilpin Street
Right onto Cherry Creek Trail
Left onto North Downing Street
Slight left onto South Marion Parkway
Wash Park offers an abundance of recreational activities — from boating, to a fitness course, croquet and horseshoe. At this point, you may want to take a detour to the Old South Gaylord Street shops to refuel. Try Agave Taco Bar or Tavern Wash Park.
Fourth Stop: Ruby Hill Park
Directions:
Take Denver Park Road to the south end of Wash Park
Right onto East Louisiana Avenue
Left onto South Broadway
Right onto West Iowa Avenue
Right onto South Santa Fe Drive
Left onto West Florida Avenue
Test your skills at the Ruby Hill Mountain Bike Park. Opened summer of 2016, this park is open to all skill levels. If that’s not your style catch a game at the baseball diamond or simply lounge by the pool while enjoying views of the city.
Fifth Stop: Huston Lake Park
Directions:
Continue west on Florida Avenue
Right onto South Zuni Street
With picnic areas, a playground and a loop around the lake, Huston Park is the perfect spot to relax after hitting the off-road terrain of Ruby Hill.
Sixth Stop: Barnum Park
Directions:
Ride west on Kentucky Avenue
Right onto South Irving Street
Left onto West 1st Avenue
Right onto Knox Court
Once the ugly duckling of Denver, Barnum Park is taking a turn for the better. The area — named after P.T. Barnum of Barnum and Bailey Circus — has some of the best views of the city, a recreation center and lake. If you’re ready for dinner at this point try Grandpa’s Burger Haven or Los Molcajetes Taqueria.
Seventh Stop: Rude Park/Paco Sanchez Park/Dry Gulch Park
Directions:
Follow Knox Court north
Plans are in the works for major renovations at Paco Sanchez Park including the addition of a Ninja Warrior-style playground. For now, check out the disc golf course at Dry Gulch Park.
End: Confluence Park
Directions:
Follow the Lakewood Gulch Trail west
Take the South Platte River Trail to finish the loop
You may be biked out by this point but June is full of opportunities to ride Denver’s trails.
For other options this month check out these events:
Denver Cruiser Ride– Every Wednesday from mid-May to September
Tour de Ladies– July 8
Tour de Fat– August 26, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
If you don’t have a bike of your own and need to rent one B-Cycle has rental stations throughout the city. A 24-hour pass will run you $9.00. Be sure to dock the bike every 30 minutes as rides longer than that are subject to additional fees.