Best casual bike rides in Denver, CO
Denver's river greenways — the Cherry Creek and South Platte trails — let you ride for miles mostly car-free, right through the city. These casual route ideas lean on the bike-path network so you can just roll and enjoy it.
Denver family / flat ride — 5.96 mi
You're heading out on a gentle six-mile paved loop with minimal climbing—just 93 feet of gain over the whole ride. Expect some traffic on the way out and back, but it's a straightforward out-and-back on pavement that'll take you about 45 minutes total.
Denver bike paths ride — 13.84 mi
You're heading out on quiet paved roads with almost no traffic—just you and smooth pavement for the next 57 minutes. About 220 feet of climbing spread across the 13.8 miles keeps it mellow, perfect for settling into a steady rhythm and back.
Denver longer scenic ride — 16.59 mi
You're rolling out on quiet paved roads with about 299 ft of climbing spread across the ride—nothing steep, just steady. Head out and back the same way, staying mostly car-free on side streets for the full 16.6 miles.
Denver gravel ride — 16.93 mi
You're looking at a 16.9-mile loop with about 429 ft of climbing, mostly on pavement with a short gravel section mixed in. Expect some traffic on the main roads connecting the quieter stretches, but nothing brutal. A solid mid-distance spin that'll take you just over an hour if you keep a steady pace.