Easy climbs around Denver?
 

I'm going to be in and around Denver next week doing a bit of reconnaissance (I hate where I live and I'm thinking of moving). While I'm there, I'd like to ride a road bike up a hill. The thing is, I've been living in south Florida for 3 1/2 years and I've lost all of my climbing ability. Where are some good climbs near Denver that aren't too challenging? I'll be staying in Aurora but don't mind doing a bit of driving. Also, any recommendations on a cheap place to rent a road bike for a day?

Easy is in the eye of the beholder. I.e., today I led a ride where I went up a hill easily and the rider behind me walked the hill. However, he is 4 years older than I at 78yo and has had a stroke. But i digress. There is a nice trail in Lakewood which goes over Mt Carbon and down into Bear Lake Park. Not a huge climb, but one might find it a bit challenging. The trail is the Bear Creek Trail following Bear Creek from the Platte River Trail to Morrison.

This map may helphttp://www.ourwebs.info/denverbikemap1.jpg

There is also famed Lookout Mountain, leaving west from Golden - a curvy road for several miles that only a few would classify as "easy."

Here is a route from Denver, but you could start anywhere along the way.

That map is perfect. Thanks!

That's not even easy in a car! :lol:

And that is a great map. I hope to find something like that on paper to hang up in my garage and/or carry with me as I start to go farther on my weekend rides.

I can cruise up it with barely any effort or at max. It is not a climb that is painful no matter how fast you are riding.
Lookout is the perfect climb for visitors, newbies, or for training.
I vote that the OP give it a try. In a relatively short time you can take in a nice view of the metro area.