Charming one-time Colorado capitol offers rides ranging from challenging road climb to flat mountain cruise

By Ranay Janssen

With the weather holding steady, the bike trails around Golden offer spectacular views of the Denver skyline and the Front Range Foothills. And yes, there are still some beautiful leaves to feast your peepers on.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite rides that are within a short drive, or ride, from the city. As the sun winds around the south end of town and the ride comes to a close, keep in mind the breweries and distilleries in Golden have a bevy of choices.

Chimney_Gulch_Trail_Hike_e4863623-498b-4a29-9939-86310423d40d.jpg — Photo: courtesy Visit Golden

Lookout Mountain: This road/trail is not for the faint of heart. The 4.3 mile uphill pump was featured on the U.S. Pro Challenge and is one of the most famous climbs on the Front Range. The road climbs 1,300 feet before reaching the mountain’s peak. While it may seem intimidating from the bottom, those who conquer this mountain trail are rewarded with beautiful views of Golden and the surrounding areas. Cyclists can reward themselves by heading back down the mountain or continuing onto a 15-mile loop that passes the buffalo herd near I-70.

Clear Creek Bike Path: This bike path is ideal for those looking for a more casual ride on a paved trail. Starting in Golden, this 19-mile trail hangs adjacent to Clear Creek on a slow downward trek to the east. Clear Creek path takes riders past the Molson Coors Brewery and the Colorado Railroad Museum before dropping into Wheat Ridge and Denver. Listen for the train whistles echoing along the trail. The path is perfect for those who want their ride to be accompanied by the sounds of nature. Watch for deer and coyotes. There’s plenty of opportunity to continue on when you divert over to Confluence Park in Denver, where Cherry Creek and the South Platte converge. From there, the ride can be limitless.

32nd Avenue Bike Trail: This path is an on-street route that takes riders straight from the heart of Golden to Denver. The 32nd Avenue Trail will help you practice your city biking by riding alongside other cyclists and cars. This 15-mile journey begins near the Molson Coors plant in Golden and will take riders east to the Highlands in north Denver. If you’re in need of a break on the way, there are several parks along the route, including Johnson Park, and Crown Hill Park, where you can walk off stiff muscles.

North Table Mountain: North Table Mountain is a popular hang out for mule deer, birds, elk, an occasional bear and oh, yes, hikers, bikers and rock climbers. For cyclists there are numerous trails to pursue. Whether you want to follow the most popular 7.4-mile trail from the northwest end of the Jeffco Open Space Park, or find a more extensive workout up the mountain, North Table Mountain has just the ticket. The bike trails for this mountain connect to the Clear Creek Bike Path in Golden. No matter if it’s 20 miles or seven, the views toward the city and the valley adjacent to Molson-Coors are fantastic.

White Ranch Park: In 1865, a family built their home on what is now White Ranch. The house stands to this day and is now surrounded by 18 miles of hiking and biking trails. Just under three miles from the city of Golden, White Ranch offers five trail/park connections from various locations to the east, including Fairmount Trail, Crown Hill Park, Pioneer Trail, Clear Creek Trail and Van Bibber Park. Fairmount Trail is a simple three-mile trek for cyclists who want an easy ride but can be more difficult when it connects to the 14-mile Ralston Creek Trail. White Ranch also features horseback trails and hiking trails for a well-rounded experience.