Colorado cycling in numbers
73%
Bike ownership
39,000
Miles of trails
42
State parks
90
Bike friendliness score
Colorado from a cyclist's perspective
On top of being very bike-friendly, the centennial state is jam packed with diverse landscapes, challenging terrain, and breathtaking scenery, making it a cycling paradise. Whether you're an avid mountain biker or a road cyclist, Colorado offers a diverse range of terrain and destinations to suit rides of all fitness levels.
Colorado boasts some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Destinations like Crested Butte, Fruita, and Durango offer an extensive network of trails; from smooth singletrack to technical descents, there's something for everyone. The state is the home of 4 IMBA epic rides: Monarch Crest, Buffalo Creek, Aspen Snowmass and the Silverton to Durango section of the Colorado Trail. Even if you're just stopping in or based out of Denver, excellent mountain biking is just a short drive away: Floyd Hill in Idaho Springs is a loop that offers excellent downhill trails, North Table Mountain in Golden has a sweet singletrack network, and Rutabaga Loop in Lair o'the Bear Park is a rollercoaster ride packed with whoops, berms and jumps.
The state features iconic road cycling routes, including the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and the challenging climbs of Independence Pass and Mount Evans. These routes provide not only a physical challenge but also the opportunity to experience the state's beauty at a slower pace.
Many towns and cities in Colorado are bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes, trails, and bike-sharing programs. Places like Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins are known for their active cycling communities and infrastructure that encourages and supports cyclists. Colorado has implemented cyclist-friendly laws and initiatives, making it safer and more enjoyable for riders. Motorists are generally aware of cyclists, and the state continues to invest in improving cycling infrastructure.
Colorado E-bike Laws
Three classes, no paperwork, and a discount at the register. Here is where Colorado stands on e-bikes and what changes next.
Colorado treats e-bikes as bicycles, not motor vehicles, and is the only state that pays you at the register: a $225 point-of-sale discount on a qualified e-bike, down from $450 through 2025. The three-class framework dates to Colorado HB17-1151; Colorado HB25-1197 tightened it in 2025 with battery certification and an out-of-class exclusion.
The motor assists only while the rider is pedaling and cuts out at 20 mph (CRS 42-1-102).
The motor assists whether or not the rider pedals, ceasing at 20 mph.
Pedal assist only to 28 mph; Colorado's statute has no speedometer requirement.
An e-bike is excluded from the motor vehicle definition (CRS 42-1-102), so no license for any class.
No state registration or plates for e-bikes that meet the 750-watt, three-class definition.
Mandatory auto insurance does not reach e-bikes — coverage is the rider's choice, and on you.
No statewide minimum for Class 1 or Class 2; riders under 16 may not operate a Class 3 but may ride as passengers (CRS 42-4-1412).
Every Class 3 operator and passenger under 18 wears a CPSC- or ASTM-compliant helmet (CRS 42-4-1412); no statewide helmet law for Class 1 or Class 2.
Where You Can Ride
- Roads & bike lanesAll three classes carry full bicycle rights and duties on Colorado roads (CRS 42-4-1412).
- Bike & pedestrian pathsClass 1 and Class 2 ride wherever bicycles are authorized, with local opt-out; Class 3 is barred unless the path runs within a street or the local authority permits it.
- SidewalksAllowed statewide with pedestrian duties unless a local ordinance prohibits it (CRS 42-4-1412) — Denver and several cities do.
- State parksColorado Parks and Wildlife allows Class 1 and Class 2 on multi-use trails open to bikes; Class 3 stays on park roads and bike lanes.
- Out-of-class & mislabeled e-bikesA bike built to be easily switched past its class limits is not an e-bike under Colorado HB25-1197, and selling one labeled as an e-bike is a deceptive trade practice.
Labels Must Name Every Class
Colorado HB25-1197's second phase takes effect January 1, 2027: new e-bikes must be labeled with the highest class, or each class, they can operate in, and a multiple-mode e-bike must meet the requirements of every class it offers. The seller disclosures, lithium-ion battery certification, and false-labeling ban have applied since August 6, 2025.
Effective August 6, 2025 under Colorado HB25-1197. Statutes: CRS 42-1-102(28.5), 42-1-102(58), 42-4-1412. Cities and park districts can add their own path and trail restrictions — check signage where you ride. Last reviewed June 2026.
Colorado Cycling Weather
Colorado has a diverse climate so weather can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year.
Sunny days a year
Riding season
March - October
Colorado Cycling Destinations
Trail Ridge Road
One of the most epic road rides in the county, the Trail Ridge Road meanders through the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Park and soars to an elevation of 12,183 ft, seemingly leaving the earth behind. The grade is steady and never too steep, with a few false flats. The highest paved road in the country, this cliff-hugging highway seamlessly blends straightaways and winding turns, each revealing a different facet of the park's natural beauty. As you ascend, you’ll be surrounded by distant peaks in all directions. You are also likely to spot grazing elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife along the roadside and surrounding cliffs.
Independence Pass
One of the most scenic routes in the world, this ribbon road starts in Aspen and rolls over the Continental Divide, eventually reaching Twin Lakes. It travels through 32 miles of mountainous terrain and reaches an elevation of 12,095 ft. One of the best times to ride it is in late spring, around Memorial Day Weekend, when the snow has melted but the road remains closed to cars. Pedaling the Independence Pass is no joke: the uphill grade averages 4% with two 7% sections at approximately midway and near the finish, so make sure to approach this ride with prior fitness and skill needed to ride fast, steep downgrades.
Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
Colorado’s oldest Sce nic Byway, designated in 1918 it stretches for 55 miles from Estes Park in the north to Black Hawk in the south, winding through the ridges and valleys of the Front Range. The ride begins by skirting the edges of the Rocky Mountain National Park, climbing 1700 ft in the first 8 miles. This route has no flat sections, with multiple longs and short climbs and descends. This ride is jam packed with scenic attractions and rolls though small mining towns of Ward and Nederland, perfect places to take a lunch break.
Colorado Trail, Silverton to Durango
While the entire Colorado Trails is nearly 500 miles long, packed with challenging alpine terrain from start to finish, the section of the trail between Silverton and Durango is 72 miles long and can be done in a day, rather than weeks. This section of the trail is regarded as the one of the best long-distance mountain bike trails in the world as it is designated as the IMBA Epic. Surrounded by jagged mountains, this narrow singletrack stays very high in the San Juan mountain range, deep in the backcountry. The trail has 4 distinct sections with summits as high as 13,218 ft and requires utmost fitness, skill and caution.
Loveland Pass
This out-and-back ride starts at high mountain Lake Dillon in Summit county and takes you to the top of a gorgeous 11,990 foot mountain pass on the Continental Divide. The ride begins with a gentle ride through the neighborhoods, but once you reach the Keystone Ski report the real climb begins, with sections eventually get as steep as 8%. Pine forest will eventually open up to big mountain vistas and culminates with a dramatic switchback right before the summit. Once you reach the summit, you turn around and reap the rewards of your hard work with epic downhill.
Monarch Crest
This is a long, technical high-elevation ride. It is actually a combination of a number of trails: the Monarch Crest Trail (14 miles), a portion of the Continental Divide, Silver Creek Trail and a portion of the Rainbow Trail. The trail is a tight singletrack that meanders through pine forest, open valleys, technical rock fields, blazing fast descends and gut wrenching climbs, all while accompanied with spectacular views with endless vistas. When attempting this ride, be prepared for extreme weather, ranging from intense sun to freezing rain and snow, even in the summer: pack extra clothes, food and water.
Colorado Cycling Events
Cycling is very popular in Colorado, there’s a cycling event for every type of rider.
Copper Triangle
This 79-mile loop with 6,500 ft elevation gain goes over 3 mountain passes - Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft) and Vail Pass (10,666 ft). The course rolls through 3 ski areas and numerous historic mining outposts, including Camp Hale, which is the training ground for the famous 10th Mountain Division. Multiple long sustained climbs and blazing descends are accompanied with mountain weather: expect mid-30s at the start, scorching 90’s by noon and mountain thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Event website
Mount Blue Sky Climb
One of the popular climbing races in Colorado, this entire race is a long climb: it starts at 7,540 ft and goes up to 14,130 ft, finishing 130 ft below the summit of Mount Blue Sky. Also known as the Mount Evans Hill Climb and Bob Cook Memorial Hill Climb originated in 1962 and has been held every year. The race is 27.4 miles and ascends 6,590 ft on the highest paved road in the United States. Due to the altitude, this race is often affected by inclement weather: the temperatures often dip below freezing and the race has been canceled before due to snow.
Event website
Triple Bypass
One of the premier climbing races in Colorado and quite possibly the hardest century ever, it covers 118 miles with 10,800 ft of vertical feet climbed. Dubbed as the ride for “those who dare” it goes over three mountain passes: Juniper Pass (11,140 ft), Loveland Pass (11,990 ft) and Vail Pass (10,560 ft). The course is known for steep sustained climbs and blistering, long, twisty descends where you drop 4,500 ft over 16 miles so top-bike handling skills are required.
Event website
Leadville 100
Known as the “granddaddy of all endurance MTB races”, Leadville 100 is a long day in the saddle. The race out-and-back format, starts in the mining town of Leadville at 10,152 ft and climbs to 12,424 ft. The course is packed with steep climbs and technical descents over mixed terrain, from paved roads to alpine singletrack.
Event website
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
More of a festival than a race, this event was established in 1972 and continues to be one of the premiere cycling events in Colorado. There are actually 2 races: on Saturday there’s the road race where the participants race a train from Durango to Silverton over a 47 mile course that goes over 2 mountain passes, and on Sunday there’s a mountain bike race that utilizes segments of the 2001 MTB World Cup Tour. Both races culminate with a family-friendly festival with vendors, food, music and beer.
Event websiteColorado's best bike insurance
No matter where your adventures take you, protect your bicycle and yourself from the unexpected with America's best bike insurance.
Free instant quote
Why Velosurance is best for your bicycle
Not all types of insurance are created equal. Velosurance levels the playing field by offering stand-alone bicycle coverage, where claims won’t affect your homeowner's or renter’s policy premiums.
| Policy Coverage |  | Homeowner/Renters Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Insured at Full Value | Yes | Possibly |
| Crash Damage | Yes | No |
| Theft Coverage | Yes | Limited |
| Theft by Force | Yes | No |
| Theft of Accessories | Yes | Limited |
| Theft Away From Home | Yes | Possibly |
| Vehicle Contact | Yes | No |
| Personal Liability | Yes | Possibly |
| Permissive Use Policy | Yes | No |
| Replacement Rental | Yes | No |
| Event Fee Return | Yes | No |
| Cycling Apparel Coverage | Yes | No |
| Medical Payments | Yes | Possibly |
| Racing Coverage | Yes | No |
| E-bikes | Yes | No |
| Coverage in-transit | Yes | No |
| USAC, USAT and IMBA Member Discount | Yes | No |
| FREE INSTANT QUOTE |
Not all insurance policies provide the same level of protection, and many people only discover gaps in their coverage after filing a claim. We’ve done the hard work of reviewing the fine print. To see how plans compare, check out our insurance comparison.
Client satisfaction is our #1 goal. Here's what our clients say about Velosurance
I train and race with peace of mind knowing my bike and gear are protected. Easy, clear, and reliable.
If you're a serious cyclist, this is a must 🔥
Check out Velosurance reviews to see what people are saying about us.
Contact Us
'Convinced yet? Let's make something great together.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.'
Colorado's best bike insurance
No matter where your adventures take you, protect your bicycle and yourself from the unexpected with America's best bike insurance.