Family Bike Rides in Boulder
There’s nothing like riding a bike to make you feel like a kid again — and that makes it the perfect vacation activity to connect with your own kids as you cruise around town. Boulder is one of America’s great biking cities, so it's easy to find a trail or bike lane and explore as you go.
Help protect Boulder's natural beauty by remembering these Leave No Trace principles, and before you go, check here for trail closures due to trail conditions.
Cottonwood Trail
Pick up this peaceful, shady and under-the-radar trail at 47th St. and Kings Ridge Blvd., a residential area. From there, you will pass the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and UCAR Laboratory and ride along White Rock Ditch beneath swaying cottonwood trees. Hit Jay Road to complete a short, 2-mile ride before heading back.
Bobolink Trail
For a mellow, 2-mile cruise with excellent bird-spotting opportunities, follow this path south from the Bobolink Trailhead. Bikes are allowed on the paved section of trail (just be careful not to veer onto the unpaved pedestrian section that parallels the creek through the trees). Youngsters will love to hop off their bikes and toss pebbles or dip their toes in South Boulder Creek. Because this trail is on the eastern edge of town, you’ll get a fresh perspective on the Flatirons and the snowcapped Rocky Mountains beyond.
Flatirons Vista – Beginner Mountain Biking
Eager to try mountain biking with your kids? Flatirons Vista provides a lot of bang for your beginner buck. You’ll take in spectacular views and enjoy mellow singletrack, giggle-worthy downhills and ponds to admire.
You can ride almost anywhere in Boulder thanks to 300 miles of bikeway, 96 miles of bike lanes, 84 miles of multi-use paths, 50 miles of designated bike routes and 54 miles of bikeable trails.
Valmont Bike Park
Valmont Bike Park is a free 42-acre bike park designed for riders of all ages. There are tracks suitable for every level of rider. If you just want to pedal around some flat trails, you’re covered. Ready to hit some massive jumps? You’ll love it here, too. Just about every obstacle, from bridges to logs to ramps, has an “easy way out” right beside it, which makes it a perfect learning environment.
Where to Rent a Bike
Bike rentals are readily available from a slew of Boulder bike shops including University Bicycles and Full Cycle. Check out Where to Rent Bikes in Boulder for a complete list and more info. You can also rent a bike from any BCycle station across town, but you’ll need to bring your own helmets.
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