Top 3 Mountain Bike Trails in Denver, CO

Whether you're just looking for a weekend getaway with the family, or you'd like to explore some of Denver's beautiful scenery for the day, Pine Valley Ranch Park trail is for you. This beginner trail has a range of about 25 miles, and will take you about 4-5 hours to ride. Perfect riding conditions with smooth downhill trails that reward relatively easy climbs. The 2100 foot elevation gain is spread out evenly with beautiful scenery along the way. Pine Valley Ranch Park provides riders with some of the best views in Colorado, making it a favorite for even experienced riders. It's located just southwest of Denver, off of Highway 285.

http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=203&trail_name=Pine%20Valley%20Ranch%20Park%20Mountain%20Bike%20Trail

Peaks Trail

Peaks Trail is an exciting weekend trail for the adventurous rider. Some turns are not marked, and the trail transitions from urban areas, to technical dirt tracks, so a map of the route is advised. It follows many streams and valleys through secluded woods, taking you on a journey that lasts roughly 2 hours. Many riders would advise you to stay on the trail to avoid erosion, despite numerous challenging obstacles. The trail ends with a scenic downhill slope, where you pick up speed. City busses are available at trail's end, giving you the ability to ride back to the trail head. Long drive from Denver to Frisco on I-70.

http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=145&trail_name=Peaks%20Trail%20Mountain%20Bike%20Trail

Dakota Ridge - Mathews Winters

Here's a short trail for advanced riders looking for more of a challenge. This technical 5 mile trail climbs 800 feet, and is riddled with water bars. Be prepared for razor sharp corners, petrified dinosaur tracks, and steep ridges. Dakota Ridge is a perfect track for riders looking for something technical without much of a physical challenge. Riders have reported falling on this track, and balance is necessary on many downhill slopes. It provides riders with great views, and the advantage of being able to take a flat paved road to the trail head after completion. Trail can be accessed by taking I-70 west from Denver.

http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=331&trail_name=Dakota%20Ridge%20-%20Matthews%20Winters%20Mountain%20Bike%20Trail