Biking in RMNP is truly a beautiful experience. Roll past hillsides, vista views, scenic mountain tops, and wildlife, all on a bike ride through Colorado’s most popular National Park. But before you clip in, use our quick guide to biking inside the park and where you can find bike rentals in town.
Where can I ride?
Bicycles and e-bikes are permitted on all roads open to motor vehicles, both paved and dirt, unless otherwise posted. The most popular roads to ride are Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Both remain open to cyclists from April 1 to November 30.
Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 4,170 feet. Old Fall River Road is 44 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 5,200 feet. Both require that bicyclists travel in the same direction as traffic, uphill and westbound only.
Know before you go
- In Rocky Mountain National Park, the law requires cyclists to ride single file at all times.
- Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road and obey posted speed limits.
- During times of low visibility, particularly in mornings and evenings, cyclists must ride with a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear.
- E-bikes are allowed anywhere in the park where vehicles are allowed.
- Fees – there is a “per person” fee to enter the park or covered under an annual or lifetime National Park pass. This covers the pass holder and up to three additional cyclists. Note: a timed entry permit is not required for visitors entering the park by bike.
Biking in Estes Park
Of course, biking in RMNP isn’t the only option. There are several trails and routes in town that are perfect for a day or afternoon ride. A great option, to begin with, is the in-town Fish Creek Loop, which takes you seven miles through the city.
A slightly longer outing with about the same level of difficulty is the Devil’s Gulch Loop. At 11 miles, this route takes you farther out of the town into areas suitable for climbing and hiking with great views to accompany your ride. Devil’s Gulch and Fish Creek Loop both start close to Lake Estes, which itself has a four-mile bike trail that circles the lake.
Two other trails, with slightly more difficulty, are the Deer Ridge and Glen Haven loops. Deer Ridge starts just outside of the downtown area and climbs up into the Rocky Mountains for a moderate to difficult ride with a satisfying downhill finish. Glen Haven is a challenging 32-mile loop that extends from Estes Park to the small, unincorporated towns of Glen Haven and Drake.
Bike rentals
There are no bike rentals inside RMNP, but there are several places in town to get your bikes.
Estes Park Mountain Shop
2050 Big Thompson Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-6548 | (866) 303-6548
New Venture Cycling – Bike Tours
2050 Big Thompson Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 231-2736
Lake Estes Marina
Marina with kayaks, canoes, pontoon boat rentals, fishing, bicycling, and picnicking
1770 Big Thompson Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-2011
Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts
After biking in RMNP, find your home away from home at Rocky Mountain Resorts. We offer a variety of accommodations; from cabins and cottages to larger vacation homes. Combined with our affordable prices and our proximity to the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we are a great choice for exploring the town and the Rocky Mountains!
