brandon14295

ill be taking a vacation the 16th -28th up to denver where my friend lives. he just bought a mtn bike and we wanna go trail riding. any suggestions of ones around denver/littleton area?

telenick

I haven't lived in the Front Range area for 11 years. I live west of there in the Summit County area (Breckenridge, Keystone, etc.)

First I'd recommend you go a little west of the foothills if not all the way to Summit County to ride. There are way less crowds and the trails aren't hammered like they are in the foothills of the Front Range. Buffalo Creek off of Hwy 285 has ~100 miles of quality trails. Kenosha Pass, also off of 285 is a great place to pick up the Colorado Trail. I like Kenosha to Georgia Pass and back. I suppose I'm biased too.

Winter Park is another option that's west of the foothills. Their trail system is, in a word, awsome! You can easily navigate by map and well placed trail signs. This option would be on the top of my list for quality experience in less than 2 hours drive.

If you are going to stay in the foothills, then I'd recommend White Ranch. This is my favorite old stomping ground. I like Belcher Hill Trail from the bottom lot to the top and then down Mustang. It rips! But like I said, the trail might not be in very good condition because of constant use. White Ranch has an extensive trail network that you couldn't possibly exhaust in a casual day of riding. It would take at least 2 days to cover all there is to offer.

Other trails nearby are Apex, Mt. Falcon, Deer Creek, Mathews Winter Park. There are many more than the few I've listed. You should get to LBS and buy a map if your friend isn't familiar with riding in the foothills.

While I'm at it... Denver is only 6 hours from Moab and 5 from Fruita. That, my friend, is an opportunity waiting to be had. Riding in the Canyon Lands is a surreal experience for anyone whose never been. I've been going there every year for 20 years to ride and it still captivates me. Take a day off from riding and explore Arches Natl. Park. You won't be disappointed.

Granny Gear Tom

Deer Creek Canyon is a good trail. Once you get past the first 2.5 miles (or so.. don't remember the exact mileage) of darn near climbing the entire way the trail has a few nice loops up around the top. And coming down is a BLAST! I used to ride that one quite frequently since I lived 10 minutes from there.

Waterton Canyon is a good one to get your legs back into it. It's about 6 miles up to the dam following a dirt service road. Continue up past the dam (up a steep climb) and there is the trailhead for the Colorado Trail. I have only ridden the Colorado Trail from there once and had to turn around after starting because my water supply was running out.

Buffalo Creek is good. It's more up in the mountains though. It's about 45 minutes from Littleton. You can catch the Colorado Trail there too.

Red Rocks has some good riding. There is another park near Red Rocks (up near C-470 and I-70- on the southwest side) that is good too. There is a trail that goes along the top of the ridge (Dakota Ridge) between Red Rocks and Denver- you'll know it when you go to Red Rocks. Bear Creek Lake has a few fun trails too.

Or if you want a cheater day, head up to the ski resorts and buy a lift ticket. Nothing like a day full of downhills! Call first in case they are making snow already.

Have fun!

--Tom

Singlespeedster

Some front range favourites are here:

https://www.anthonysloan.com/Cycling_Destinations.html

brandon14295

coolguys, i apreciate the info.

wfin2004

Hey Singlespeeder- Nice website from Anthony Sloan. Thanks for the tip. That guy is a great photographer and he rides mountain bikes too!

Phatman

I um...think that singlespeeder IS anthony sloan...just a guess though, considering they have the exact same bikes...