Best casual bike rides in Golden, CO
Golden sits where the plains meet the foothills, with the Clear Creek Trail running right through downtown for a flat, scenic ride along the water — and real climbing close by when you want it. Here are a few casual route ideas.
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Golden family / flat ride — 6.0 mi
You're heading out north on quiet paved roads with about 272 ft of climbing, then turning around and retracing your way back—six miles total, all car-free. It's a straightforward out-and-back that'll take you about an hour, perfect for a steady morning spin.
Golden bike paths ride — 12.36 mi
You're heading north on quiet pavement with about 432 ft of climbing spread across 12.4 miles—a steady, manageable push out and back. All side streets, so traffic is barely a blip, and you'll be done in just over 50 minutes.
Golden longer scenic ride — 15.3 mi
You're heading north on quiet roads—mostly pavement with a good gravel section mixed in—and climbing about 1181 ft on the way out before turning around and rolling back the same way. All on low-traffic side streets, so you can settle into a steady rhythm without worrying about cars. Just under 16 miles round trip, figure about 70 minutes of saddle time.
Golden gravel ride — 13.21 mi
You're looking at a 13-mile loop that's just over half gravel, half pavement, with about 2,211 ft of climbing to work through. All the riding stays on quiet roads with minimal traffic, so you can settle into your pace and focus on the terrain switches. It's a solid 70-minute effort that'll keep you honest.