Best Family Bike Trails in Colorado

Few states in the US can compete with Colorful Colorado for breathtaking cycling opportunities. Its quintessentially beautiful natural scenes await you at every turn, providing numerous options for an unforgettable family adventure. From majestic mountain peaks with jaw-dropping alpine views and the tallest sand dunes reaching heights of over 750 feet to red rock canyons, turquoise-blue waters, and lush forests, Colorado boasts some of the most fascinating natural landscapes in the world to admire on a bike.

With over 30,000 miles of bicycle trails winding through the state, choosing the best route for a family trip may not be easy. But keep cool, we have already done all the work for you!  So, meet our list of the top 5 family bike trails in Colorado that are worth a ride.

Rio Grande Trail

  • Length: 42 miles

  • Trail surfaces: asphalt, gravel, concrete 

  • Difficulty: easy

The Rio Grande Trail is one of the most scenic and versatile paths for family bike tours in Colorado. The trail stretches from Glenwood Springs to Aspen and is completely protected from car traffic, which makes it safe for cycling with kids. Furthermore, its well-maintained, paved, and mostly asphalt surfaces are ideal for riders of all ages and fitness levels.

The trail follows the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad corridor, descending over 2,000 feet along the scenic Roaring Fork River. There is plenty to see during the ride: the stunning Roaring Fork Valley offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, charming Basalt and Carbondale towns, lush meadows bursting with wildflowers, historic railroad bridges, and much more. You will also find benches and picnic tables along the trail to relax with your family while enjoying the incredible surrounding scenery.

Mineral Belt Trail

  • Length: 11.6 miles

  • Trail surfaces: asphalt

  • Difficulty: easy

The Mineral Belt Trail invites you to an exciting family journey through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where stunning nature is perfectly combined with the rich historical and cultural heritage of Leadville. Offering a loop around the former mining boomtown located over 10,000 feet above sea level, the trail is known as one of the highest paved pathways in the United States. At the same time, its well-maintained asphalt surface makes it suitable for enjoyable family bike rides in Colorado, regardless of the season.

What makes the Mineral Belt Trail unique is that it runs through one of the biggest mining districts in the world and boasts the best scenery around. The top highlights include panoramic views of the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges and sparkling Turquoise Lake, as well as Leadville Mining District, Tabor's Matchless Mine, aspen groves, antique stores, and museums.

Also read: How to Plan a Bike Trip?

Animas River Trail

  • Length: 10 miles

  • Trail surfaces: asphalt, gravel, concrete 

  • Difficulty: easy

The trail runs through the heart of Durango along the picturesque Animas River, offering access to a variety of outdoor activities for memorable family adventures, including kayaking, fishing, and rafting. The trail is beginner-friendly and fully separated from traffic, while its smooth, wide (about 10 feet) surface makes it ideal for cycling with kids and dogs.

The Animas River Trail offers scenic views of the river, surrounded by lush greenery, unusual geological formations, and occasional glimpses of the San Juan Mountains. In addition, it gives access to stunning Durango attractions, parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, providing numerous opportunities to have fun and enjoy natural beauty with your loved ones.

Cherry Creek Regional Trail

  • Length: 47.8 miles

  • Trail surfaces: asphalt, gravel, concrete 

  • Difficulty: easy

The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is another great route for the best family bike rides in Colorado. It gives you a unique chance to appreciate 47 miles of pure beauty while you are cycling from Denver to Franktown through rural and suburban Douglas and Arapahoe Counties. Its 8-foot-wide paved surface is easy to handle on any bicycle. However, if you want to add a spice to your adventure, be sure to visit Cherry Creek State Park, which has 35 miles of gravel, grass, and dirt trails and offers multiple fun activities for families (boating, fishing, picnicking, airplane flying, sailing, etc.).

The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is easily accessible from different points as it passes through many Colorado cities. Additionally, there are lots of sights to enjoy, including Confluence Park, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Four Mile Historic Park, Cook Park, and Hess Road Open Space.

Also read: How to Choose the Right Bike Helmet Based on Your Needs

Dillon Reservoir Recpath

  • Length: 18.1 miles

  • Trail surfaces: asphalt

  • Difficulty: easy to moderate

The Dillon Reservoir Recpath is another picturesque, family-friendly cycling route in Colorado that is worth seeing. This paved loop trail circles Dillon Reservoir (also known as Lake Dillon) and connects several towns, including Frisco, Silverthorne, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Despite a few elevation gains, the road is easy to ride and suitable for any fitness level.

The trail is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Indeed, its altitude of over 9,000 feet offers unobstructed views of snow-capped mountain peaks, vibrant meadows, and evergreen forests. At the same time, the proximity to the stunning 3,233-acre alpine lake allows you to admire its shimmering waters throughout the ride. Make sure to visit Sapphire Point Overlook (the trail’s highest point) to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the reservoir.

Why Choose Colorado for Family Bike Rides?

Still in doubt if it’s worth arranging family bike rides in Colorado? Here’s what makes the state perfect for cycling:

  • Variety of family-friendly trails for cycling with kids and pets

  • Stunning natural scenery

  • Safe and well-maintained bicycle paths

  • Trails for any bike type (commuter, MTB, cargo bicycle, etc.)

  • Year-round riding opportunities

  • Many cultural and historical attractions

  • Multiple options for renting or purchasing bikes (including the used ones)

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – the best family bike trails in Colorado that can steal your heart completely. Each of them feels like it was designed for nothing but admiration. Just a word of caution: as soon as you hit the road along one of these picturesque bicycle trails, you might never want to leave. Now, gather your loved ones, grab a bike (or order the needed cycle from Ferla), and get ready to explore Colorful Colorado with wide-eyed wonder!

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