Best casual bike rides in Boulder, CO
Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly towns in the country — a dense network of multi-use paths and creek trails means you can put together a great casual ride without fighting traffic. Here are a few route ideas, from flat family spins to longer scenic loops.
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Boulder family / flat ride — 5.03 mi
You've got a quick 5-mile loop heading northeast on all pavement, perfect for a short spin when you're short on time. A touch of traffic on a connector or two, but nothing heavy, and the 121 feet of climbing keeps it mellow and fun.
Boulder bike paths ride — 13.61 mi
You're heading southeast on quiet paved roads with about 481 ft of climbing spread across the 13.6 miles. Out to your turnaround and back the same way, no traffic to speak of — a mellow loop that'll take just under an hour.
Boulder longer scenic ride — 21.26 mi
You've got a 21-mile out-and-back on a nearly even mix of pavement and gravel, with about 1,616 ft of climbing spread across the ride. Heading north on quiet roads with barely any traffic, you'll roll through a blend of surfaces that'll keep things interesting. It's a solid two-hour push, so pace yourself and enjoy the low-traffic cruising.
Boulder gravel ride — 23.76 mi
Head northeast on quiet roads—nearly all side streets with just under 24 miles round trip and about 616 ft of climbing. You'll mix pavement and gravel roughly equally, so bring your hybrid or a bike that handles both surfaces well. Out and back the same way, so you can turn around whenever the legs tell you to.