Biking Trails

Bakerville Loveland Trail (BLT)

This trail parallels the interstate from Bakerville to Loveland Ski Area. But the sound of Clear Creek flowing alongside it drowns out any interstate traffic noise. It is paved and excellent for cycling, as well as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

• Trail Type: Paved
• Elevation start/high/gain: 9,776’/10,682’/1,218’
• Length: 5 miles, one way
• Level: Easiest
• Getting there: East TH located at chimney parking lot, on the frontage road in Bakerville at I-70 exit #221. West TH on the frontage road on the east side of the Loveland Valley Ski Area at I-70 exit #216. ABOUT: Paved bike path, perfect for year round use, this trail has a slight uphill grade running parallel to I-70 from Bakerville to Loveland Valley Ski Area. Snowcat grooming during winter months provides an improved experience for fat bikes, cross country skiers and snowshoers. The Continental Divide Trail overlaps this trail, connecting to Herman Gulch TH.

Silverdale Trail

This is a great beginner and family ride, just off of Guanella Pass. This ride has rolling streams and majestic views that seemingly never end.

• Trail Type: Combination 4-wheel and single track
• Elevation start/high/gain: None
• Length: 2 Miles
• Level: Easy
• Getting there: Take I-70 West to Georgetown exit #228, then follow signs for Guanella Pass Rd. Scenic Byway. From there, drive up Guanella Pass to the first reservoir, called Silverdale. Then take the entrance road to the parking area. The trailhead is on the left. Start your ride by going across the wooden bridge.

Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail

This ride is mostly flat and smooth in both directions. Enjoy a stop in historic downtown Idaho Springs or plan time for a soak at the Indian Hot Springs.

• Trail Type: Paved bike path
• Elevation start/high/gain: None
• Length: 5 Miles
• Level: Easy
• Getting there: Two locations available: one at the Shelly/Quinn Ball Fields at 101 E. Idaho Springs Rd., 80452 and two, the Game Check Station at 1335 E. Idaho Springs Rd., 80452. Additional parking in town. ABOUT: Paved bike path with bike lane sections along the frontage roads. This path runs from Hwy 6 & I-70 just west of Floyd Hill to the City of Idaho Springs. Following along Clear Creek, this scenic segment of the Clear Creek Greenway is home to several popular fishing sites and wildlife along the way.

Clear Creek Greenway Trail

This easy, scenic trail near Idaho Springs provides a quick, fun, family-friendly ride that’s great for getting kids used to mountain biking. Try mountain biking with your kids on this simple path.

• Trail Type: Paved bike path
• Elevation start/high/gain: 8,745’/9,116/370’
• Length: 1.4 Miles
• Level: Easy
• Getting there: East TH on the US 40 frontage rd., across Hwy 6 from Two Bears Tap & Grill at I-70 exit #244, approx. address 33295 US-6, Idaho Springs, 80452. West TH on the frontage rd. adjacent to the Loveland Valley Ski Area at I-70 exit #216. Several parking areas with trail access at various locations along the Greenway. ABOUT: Various segments make-up this “trail” and will become part of the P2P (Peaks-to-Plains) trail system crossing Colorado, but for now it remains a patchwork of interconnected 6-8ft wide concrete and asphalt paths, interspersed with bike lanes along frontage roads running the length of Clear Creek County from Hwy 6 & I-70 east of Idaho Springs to Loveland Valley Ski Area. This is a great bike path and provides access for fishing and wildlife viewing. Construction and improvements are ongoing. www.ccgreenway.com.

Argentine Railroad Grade Trail (Leavenworth/Pavilion Point)

In 1916, construction began on the beautiful summer resort called Pavilion Point. Little remains of the site, but history says locals held dances there for years after the railroad ceased operations. This trail starts a half a mile from the railroad yard in Silver Plume and connects with the Waldorf Road, surrounded by beautiful aspen groves.

• Trail Type: Railroad bed/single track
• Elevation start/high/gain: 9,146’/10,038’/1,433’
• Length: 4 Miles
• Level: Moderate
• Getting there: Main TH in Silver Plume, ½ mi west of the Georgetown Loop Railroad on frontage road, approx. address 120 Mountain St., Silver Plume, 80476. The OHV segment begins at Leavenworth Creek Rd., 1 mi up from Guanella Pass Rd. providing access to upper TH (with limited parking) at Pavilion Point. ABOUT: The Argentine Central RR Grade combines two segments; an OHV road that begins at Leavenworth Creek Rd. continuing up .8 mi to Pavilion Point where the (non-motorized) 2.4 mi segment begins. The Argentine Central RR Grade represents remnants of an old mining railroad from Silver Plume to Pavilion Point. Originally created for a train, the grade maxes out at 7.5% making it perfect for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. Great as an up & down from Silver Plume to Pavilion Point, or as a connector between Silver Plume and Silver Dale. Mtn bikers can enjoy the optional Pulaski Trail on their way down to Silver Plume, offering a steep challenging descent.

Waldorf Road Trail

From the end of the railroad bed in Silver Plume, take the Silver Plume to Georgetown Express or from Georgetown, drive south on Guanella Pass then turn for Waldorf, Forest Road #248. This route may require a high-clearance, 4-Wheel drive vehicle to access.

• Trail Type: Railroad bed
• Elevation start/high/gain: 9,600’/13,117’/3,517’
• Length: 5 Miles
• Level: Moderate (may require ATV to access)
• Getting there: Take I-70 West to Georgetown exit #228, then follow signs for Guanella Pass Road- Scenic Byway, drive up Guanella Pass, go past the first reservoir (Silverdale), at the 2nd hairpin turn is Waldorf Road on the right, turn onto Waldorf and park on either side, your bike tour starts here by heading up Waldorf Road.

Jones Pass Trail

This route , as well as Herman Gulch Trail, takes you on the crest of the continental divide for several miles, up a steep grade. Expect motorized traffic on this difficult dirt road, but remember that half of this ride is above the treeline for a great view.

• Trail Type: Dirt road
• Elevation start/high/gain: 10,304’/12,456’/2,237’
• Length: 4 Miles, one way
• Level: Moderate to difficult
• Getting there: Jones Pass Rd. (FS 144.1) is across from the Henderson Mine, just west of Berthoud Falls off Hwy 40, approx. address 1746 Co Rd 202, Empire, 80438. ABOUT: Jones Pass Rd. travels across the Continental Divide above treeline for several miles until it dead-ends. Essentially a dirt road with a steep grade in some places, hikers, bikers and backcountry skiers find it to be challenging. A groomed winter trail open to snowmobiles, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat bikes. Local business, Powder Addiction out of Empire offers snowcat ride service for adventurous skiers www.powderaddiction.com.

Silver Plume to Georgetown Express Trail

This paved bike path offers a moderate climb out of Georgetown. Pedaling above the railroad tracks on this unique trek.

• Trail Type: Paved bike path
• Elevation start/high/gain: 8,514’/9,114’/600’
• Length: 2 Miles
• Level: Easy to Moderate
• Getting there: East TH at the upper (back) corner of the Georgetown Loop Railroad parking lot, approx. address 646 Loop Dr., Georgetown, 80444. West TH located at the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Silver Plume Depot, approx. address 825 Railroad Ave., Silver Plume, 80476. Additional parking in towns. ABOUT: This segment of the Clear Creek Greenway is an asphalt bike path running between historic Silver Plume and Georgetown Loop Railroad stations. With a view of the nearby train and tracks, including an excellent overlook area, it is perfect for biking and hiking year round. At 1.5 mi long with a slight uphill grade this path is great for all skill levels. Visitors are encouraged to park in town and hike/ride the short distance from each TH while visiting the historic towns for shopping, dining and other amenities. This path may also be utilized to create a loop from Georgetown to the Argentine Central RR Grade, Silver Dale and Raspberry Trails.

Bard Creek Trail

Bard Creek Trail is a 14-mile, lightly trafficked, point-to-point trail located near Georgetown, Colorado that features stunning views of Clear Creek nature and wildlife, whether you are hiking or biking.

Trail Type: Single track, point-to-point
Elevation start/high/gain:
8,530’/2,828’/11,358’
Length: 14 Miles
Level: Difficult
Access: Take exit 232 off of I-70 and go into Empire. Turn south onto Rd. 251 (Empire Pass Road). Follow Rd 252 for 2 miles and then park. Beyond this point the road deteriorates and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Silver Creek Wagon Trail

Constructed in 1887, this is a moderate, scenic ride with a few technical spots that can be walked. This route provides a view of Alvarado Cemetery graveyard and the remains of the Silver Creek Town site. The Silver Creek Wagon Trail takes you up to 9,200 feet, overlooking the towns of Georgetown and Empire.

• Trail Type: Single track
• Elevation start/high/gain: 8,154’/9,012’/858’
• Length: 6 Miles
• Level: Moderate
• Getting there: Take I-70 West to Georgetown exit #228 and park in Downtown Georgetown. Start your bike ride by going south on 6th St. past the Energy Museum. Make a left, then an immediate right on Biddle St. Take Biddle St. to Main St., then make a left, heading East. Take Main St. East to Saxon Mountain Rd. Follow Saxon Mountain Rd. to the last house. Enter what appears to be a driveway. This is the start of the trail head.

Barbour Forks Trail

This trail features hillside meadows full of wildflowers, tall stands of aspens, mixed conifers, and is considered by many to be one of the best single-track rides in the state.

• Trail Type: Single track/dirt road
• Elevation start/high/gain: 8,692’/10,572’/2,542’
• Length: 6.4 Mile loop
• Level: Difficult
• Getting there: TH w/large dirt parking lot located 3 mi past Indian Hot Springs on Soda Creek Rd., approx. address 2930 Soda Creek Rd., Idaho Springs, 80452. Trail #48 is located .5 mi up FSR 194.2. ABOUT: Mix of singletrack and OHV roads. (Closed to motorized vehicles Dec-Jun) Explore the area via Trail #48 (non-motorized) and several unnamed sections joined together by OHV roads crossing through groves of aspen. OHVs enjoy intermediate level 4×4 roads as they meander on USFS roads in a counter-clockwise loop with optional spurs. All will appreciate fantastic overlooks and ruins along the way.

Watrous Gulch Trail

This difficult, steep grade is the less-trafficked cousin to the Herman Gulch Trails and offers just as much of a technical and fitness challenge. Within the first mile, this trail climbs above the treeline, through an area where timber was harvested along Watrous Gulch Creek during the height of mining days.

• Trail Type: Single track/dirt road
• Elevation start/high/gain: 10,343’/11,816’’/1,473’
• Length: 2.1 Mile loop
• Level: Difficult
• Getting there: TH with large dirt parking lot off I-70 exit #218, approx. address Watrous Way, Dillon, 80435. Shared TH with Herman Gulch. ABOUT: This steep, rocky trail winds upwards a little over 2 mi from the lower TH to a spot high up on Woods Mtn, not quite to the top. At around the 1.3 mi mark it intersects with the west end of Bard Creek Trail. Watrous Gulch is a great fitness challenge trail with awesome views. Mtn bikers heading downhill from the Bard Creek Trail should use caution.

Devil’s Canyon Trail Area

Devil’s Canyon has many different trails that are open to 4-wheel drive traffic and mountain bikers. Enjoy unlimited play within Devil’s Canyon.

• Trail Type: 4-wheel drive /single track
• Elevation start/high/gain: varies
• Length: varies
• Level: Difficult (Experts Only)
• Getting there: Take I-70 exit #240 and follow Hwy 103 south for 10.2 mi to the TH at FSR 246.1, approx. address 9795 Squaw Pass Rd., Idaho Springs, 80452. ABOUT: Devils Canyon is a vast network of forest service roads and OHV trails. Most spurs come to a dead end, but present interesting challenges along the way. The first section is fairly steep but an easy climb. The area is possible to run as a large loop that starts and ends at the first fork, or you could spend the day exploring all the side roads. This area is closed to vehicles Dec-Jun.

Argentine Central Railroad Grade to Mt. McClellan Trail

This ride, which requires an 4-wheel drive vehicle, starts at a high altitude, in the shadow of Mount McCellan. This mountain was the sight of the first major silver strike in Colorado. Numerous prospector holes are still visible in the delicate high-altitude tundra. This last section of the Argentine Central Railroad will take you to the summit of Mount McClellan.

• Trail Type: Railroad bed
• Elevation start/high/gain: 9,171’/13,069’/3,982’
• Length: 13.3 miles
• Level: Difficult (Experts Only)
• Getting there: Main TH in Silver Plume, ½ mi west of the Georgetown Loop Railroad on frontage road, approx. address 120 Mountain St., Silver Plume, 80476. The OHV segment begins at Leavenworth Creek Rd., 1 mi up from Guanella Pass Rd. providing access to upper TH (with limited parking) at Pavilion Point. ABOUT: The Argentine Central RR Grade combines two segments; an OHV road that begins at Leavenworth Creek Rd. continuing up .8 mi to Pavilion Point where the (non-motorized) 2.4 mi segment begins. The Argentine Central RR Grade represents remnants of an old mining railroad from Silver Plume to Pavilion Point. Originally created for a train, the grade maxes out at 7.5% making it perfect for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. Great as an up & down from Silver Plume to Pavilion Point, or as a connector between Silver Plume and Silver Dale. Mtn bikers can enjoy the optional Pulaski Trail on their way down to Silver Plume, offering a steep challenging descent.