Denver’s fall season offers a heavenly experience for bikers, thanks to crisp air, cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and the absence of summer crowds and mosquitoes. The long window of colorful foliage, spanning from the mountains to the foothills, provides spectacular scenery for rides.
For peak fall colors, the best time to ride near Denver at lower elevations (around 6,000–8,000 feet) is from late September to mid-October. For higher elevations above 9,500 feet, mid-September is ideal. The High Line Canal and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway are two top recommendations for stunning autumn views.
We have compiled some of our favorite fall bike rides
In and around Denver (less than one hour drive)
Description: Stretching for over 70 miles, this trail is a mix of packed dirt and paved surfaces and follows the historic High Line Canal. As it passes through various Denver neighborhoods, it offers a peaceful, scenic ride with plenty of autumn colors to enjoy.
Directions
As one of the most popular trails near Denver, this route follows the serene Cherry Creek from Confluence Park downtown all the way to Cherry Creek State Park. It is flat, mostly paved, and offers a peaceful ride through a tree-lined corridor, with the potential for abundant fall colors.
Directions
This 18-mile paved trail connects the city to natural areas. Starting near downtown, it heads west, offering views of the volcanic buttes at North Table Mountain and eventually leading into the historic town of Golden. The route is gentle and excellent for a family outing.
Directions
a popular 2.3-mile paved, easy route around the park’s inner road, which is closed to cars and features scenic views of lakes and trees. It’s a busy, year-round destination for road biking, running, and birding, with the outer loop being a 2.5-mile dirt option for mountain biking.
Directions
South Platte River Trail
The South Platte River Trail is a popular, generally well-maintained, and mostly flat multi-use path popular for biking, running, and birding in the Denver metropolitan area and beyond. It connects to other trails, such as the Cherry Creek Trail, and spans a significant distance from the Denver area to parts of the surrounding suburbs.
Adventure road cycling and aspen viewing
Located about an hour southwest of Denver, this popular spot offers a challenging 24-mile round trip on the Colorado Trail through massive aspen groves. Be prepared for a significant climb and high altitude.
Directions
This is one of Colorado’s classic road cycling routes for viewing fall aspen groves. A 23-mile stretch between Nederland and South St. Vrain Junction offers brilliant golden views of the Continental Divide.
Directions
This park offers more challenging, technical mountain biking trails. The 11-mile loop is popular with mountain bikers and features beautiful views.
Directions
Pro tips for fall riding in and around Denver
Check park conditions:
Some mountain bike trails in the foothills, such as Apex Park, have directional regulations that change depending on the day. Always check conditions before you go.
Time your leaf-peeping:
While urban trees change color later in the season, aspen groves at higher elevations typically peak in late September.
Dress in layers:
Higher altitudes can be significantly colder, and the weather can change quickly. It’s best to dress in layers you can shed as you warm up.
