The Best Biking Trails in Boulder, Colorado: A Cyclist’s Guide to Adventure

Boulder, Colorado, is a cyclist’s dream destination. Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, a road cycling purist, or just looking for a scenic ride, Boulder has some of the best biking trails in the country. With breathtaking mountain views, well-maintained paths, and a strong cycling community, it’s no wonder that pro riders and casual cyclists alike flock to this area.

From challenging singletrack trails to relaxed bike paths, here are the best biking trails in Boulder, Colorado.

1. Marshall Mesa Trail – Best for Scenic Mountain Biking

Trailhead: 5258 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO
Distance: 7+ miles (multiple loops)
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Why Ride Here?
Marshall Mesa is a beautiful and accessible mountain biking trail just south of Boulder. With rolling hills, scenic prairie views, and a mix of smooth dirt trails and rocky sections, this trail system is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders looking for a fun ride without intense technical challenges.

What to Expect:

• Well-maintained singletrack and doubletrack trails

• Beautiful views of the Flatirons

• Great for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers

Pro Tip: Marshall Mesa connects to other trails like Community Ditch and Doudy Draw for longer rides!

2. Betasso Preserve – Best for Intermediate Mountain Biking

Trailhead: 122 Betasso Rd, Boulder, CO
Distance: 7.5+ miles (multiple loops)
Difficulty: Intermediate

Why Ride Here?
Located just outside of Boulder, Betasso Preserve is a popular mountain biking destination with flowy singletrack, moderate climbs, and fast descents. It’s a perfect intermediate trail with just enough technical features to keep it exciting.

What to Expect:

• Well-groomed singletrack with fun switchbacks

• Two main loops (Canyon Loop & Benjamin Loop)

• Alternating direction days (bikes are not allowed on Wednesdays & Saturdays)

Pro Tip: Take Fourmile Canyon Road for a scenic road climb before dropping into Betasso for an epic ride!

3. Walker Ranch Loop – Best for Advanced Mountain Bikers

Trailhead: 5999 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Advanced

Why Ride Here?
Walker Ranch is one of Boulder’s most challenging mountain biking trails, featuring steep climbs, technical rock gardens, and thrilling descents. This scenic loop winds through forests, meadows, and rugged terrain, making it a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers.

What to Expect:

• Steep and rocky descents with some hike-a-bike sections

• Remote and scenic backcountry feel

• A mix of forested trails, open meadows, and creek crossings

Pro Tip: Ride clockwise for a more challenging climb or counterclockwise for a smoother descent!

4. Boulder Creek Path – Best for Easy, Scenic Rides

Trailhead: Multiple access points along Boulder Creek
Distance: 5.5 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy

Why Ride Here?
For a relaxing ride through the heart of Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path is perfect for casual riders and commuters. This paved multi-use path follows Boulder Creek, offering shady spots, picnic areas, and easy access to downtown Boulder.

What to Expect:

• Smooth, well-maintained pavement

• Family-friendly and great for all skill levels

• Access to downtown Boulder, Eben G. Fine Park, and other trails

Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and stop along the creek for a mid-ride break!

5. Switzerland Trail – Best for Gravel & Adventure Riding

Trailhead: Gold Hill, Boulder, CO
Distance: 17+ miles
Difficulty: Intermediate

Why Ride Here?
The Switzerland Trail is a historic railroad route turned gravel adventure ride. This scenic backcountry route offers stunning mountain views, gentle climbs, and long descents, making it ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, or adventure cyclists.

What to Expect:

• Remote, rugged terrain with minimal traffic

• Beautiful mountain vistas and dense forests

• A mix of gravel roads and doubletrack trails

Pro Tip: Ride up from Boulder through Fourmile Canyon for an epic gravel adventure!

6. Hall Ranch – Best for Technical Mountain Biking

Trailhead: 3325 CO-7, Lyons, CO
Distance: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Advanced

Why Ride Here?
Located just north of Boulder in Lyons, Hall Ranch is a rocky and technical mountain biking destination. Featuring rock gardens, steep climbs, and thrilling descents, this trail is best suited for experienced riders looking for a challenge.

What to Expect:

• Rocky technical sections (especially on the Bitterbrush Trail)

• Amazing views of Longs Peak and the St. Vrain Valley

• Fast and flowy descents on Nelson Loop

Pro Tip: Ride up Antelope Trail for an easier climb before hitting the more technical sections!

7. Magnolia Trails – Best for Remote & Challenging Mountain Biking

Trailhead: Magnolia Rd, Nederland, CO
Distance: 30+ miles (network of trails)
Difficulty: Advanced

Why Ride Here?
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Magnolia Trails offers some of the most technical and remote mountain biking near Boulder. Expect steep climbs, technical rock sections, and fast descents through dense forests.

What to Expect:

• A mix of singletrack and fire roads

• Advanced-level technical riding

• Stunning forested landscapes

Pro Tip: Start at West Magnolia for the best trails and fewer crowds!

Final Thoughts: The Best Biking Trails in Boulder

Boulder is home to some of the best biking trails in the country, offering everything from easy, scenic rides to extreme mountain biking challenges. Whether you prefer paved paths, gravel roads, or gnarly singletrack, there’s a trail for you.

Quick Recap of the Best Biking Trails in Boulder:

• Marshall Mesa Trail – Best for scenic, beginner-friendly mountain biking

• Betasso Preserve – Best for intermediate mountain bikers

• Walker Ranch Loop – Best for advanced, technical riding

• Boulder Creek Path – Best for easy, scenic city rides

• Switzerland Trail – Best for gravel and adventure cycling

• Hall Ranch – Best for technical rock gardens and steep descents

• Magnolia Trails – Best for remote and challenging rides

Pro Tip: If you're visiting or don’t have your own bike, University Bicycles (839 Pearl St, Boulder, CO) offers rentals for road, mountain, and gravel bikes—perfect for exploring these amazing trails!

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