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.
Boulder family / flat ride — 5.54 mi
You're heading north on all quiet pavement for a smooth 5.5-mile out-and-back with barely any elevation to worry about—just a touch of 126 feet of climbing total. No traffic to speak of, so you can settle into a steady rhythm and enjoy the straightforward pace.
Boulder bike paths ride — 14.01 mi
You'll spin out on smooth pavement with a modest climb of about 280 ft before turning around and heading back the same way. Fourteen miles round trip at an easy-to-moderate pace, with a brief stretch on a busier road to connect but mostly quieter riding. Good for clearing your head without much fuss.
Boulder longer scenic ride — 17.71 mi
You're heading north on quiet back roads—basically traffic-free riding on smooth pavement the whole way. About 741 feet of climbing to work through, spread nicely across the route so nothing feels too steep. Hit your turnaround point and spin back the same way you came.
Boulder gravel ride — 19.9 mi
You're looking at nearly 20 miles of mixed riding—about 72% pavement and 28% gravel—with roughly 630 ft of climbing spread across the loop. Quiet roads all the way, so you can settle into a steady pace without dodging traffic. Plan for around an hour and a half to spin this one out.