6 Most Bike-Friendly Towns In The Rockies
For a cyclist, there are not many things better than riding along a well-paved path, cool wind blowing through your hair with the majestic Rocky Mountains all around you. Although the dramatic landscapes can make managing roads and paths challenging at times, when done correctly, they become an absolute dream to cycle on, offering great views and a smooth journey,
Inside the Rockies, both in the United States and Canada, there are all sorts of towns that have built a stellar collection of biking paths and trails, making it easy to travel on bike or foot. So grab your helmet, grab your bike, and get cycling. These are six of the most bike-friendly towns in the Rockies.
Frisco, Colorado
Frisco sits on the Summit County Recreational Pathway System, which means the town has all sorts of high-quality paths to ride on. The system connects different towns like Frisco, Copper Mountain, and more. It also runs past Lake Dillon, so you get some memorable mountain lake views while riding through. Not only does Frisco have bikeable paths, but it also has walkable streets. About 3,000 locals call Frisco home and the town comes with a lively town center you can easily explore on foot.
On Frisco's Main Street, wander on over to the Frisco Historic Park and Museum, teaching about the town's old mining days. It has historic buildings, including cabins and a schoolhouse. Another place in walking distance is Walter Byron Park, a quiet place to relax in the sun with a pond to admire. From there, if you walk for about 15-20 minutes, you can reach the Frisco Bay Marina, found on Lake Dillon, where you can have fun boating or just relax by the water.
Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum, found in Idaho, is a town that loves its biking trails. Resting amongst beautiful mountains, the town lends out fantastic cycling chances for everyone. The Wood River Trail connects this town to the neighboring towns of Sun Valley and Hailey. This multi-purpose trail, made entirely of pavement, stretches 20 miles through the scenery of the Wood River Valley. Cycling on this scenic pathway offers an excellent way to travel or simply enjoy a relaxed ride while visiting many nearby attractions with ease.
In downtown Ketchum, cyclists can easily park their bikes and explore a variety of attractions on foot. Grab a bite to eat at the popular Java on Fourth for a quick coffee or pastry before browsing the shops along Sun Valley Road. Just a short walk away is Ketchum Town Square, a lively spot with public art, seasonal farmers markets, and music events. The Sun Valley Museum of Art is not too far away, hosting changing displays and cultural events.
Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale lies in the western foothills of the Rockies rather than being deeply nestled in the higher peaks. The town sits by the base of Mount Sopris and is known as the starting point for the Rio Grande Trail. This path stretches an impressive 42 miles - from Glenwood Springs all the way to Aspen. The trail gives a sense of adventure, twisting its way amid mountains and babbling brooks in Roaring Fork Valley.
After cycling, the town has all sorts of interesting spots to check out. The Third Street Center, once an old school building, is now a thriving spot filled with art studios and various events, along with yoga workshops. And not far from there is the Sopris Park, where kids can tackle its play area and the sand volleyball courts are there to try out. After that, take your bike out to enjoy the Powers Art Center, home to trendy artwork displayed in an eye-catching setup sitting between captivating gardens.
Whitefish, Montana
In a spot right by the Whitefish Lake up in the north of Montana, this town sits among mountains, calling out to both skiers and nature lovers. This is because Whitefish is conveniently close to popular destinations like the Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. For those into biking, there are loads of tracks waiting for you to explore. The Whitefish Trail System has more than 47 miles of pathways for a variety of uses. It has 15 entry points forming a loop around the town, and this vast web links walkers to the sights of Whitefish Lake, wooded regions, and hilly landscapes.
For walkable destinations in town, the Whitefish Depot is an iconic heritage building built in 1927 and used as a train station. Now it is a museum that teaches the vital role trains played in both the town and Glacier National Park. Right next to the depot, the Depot Park is a lively green space, used for eating outside, open-air markets, and music concerts. Nearby, Whitefish Lake provides a quiet walking and biking path where visitors can enjoy wildlife, kayaking, or paddleboarding, all close to town.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
In a comfy nook of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is an iconic alpine town with blue lakes and awe-inspiring landscapes wherever you look. The town offers various biking routes to explore, like the Legacy Trail. This 15-mile smooth path connects Banff with nearby Canmore, running through the mountains, in a simple and scenic activity. Additionally, you can travel down roads from Banff to places such as Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain. These accessible landmarks make it a top location for bike lovers of every skill level.
Do you feel like going shopping after a cycle? The main street in town, Banff Avenue, is filled with small stores, art galleries and places to eat, like the Banff Sweet Shoppe, which has some fantastic sweets. If you want something a little different, try visiting Cascade Gardens. There you will find well-kept paths, colorful flowerbeds, and views of the famous Banff Springs Hotel - an ideal spot for a peaceful walk.
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
On the other end of the Legacy Trail from Banff, is the nearby town of Canmore. The town’s mountainous skyline is a famous sight, with the Three Sisters Mountain peaks casting themselves across the Alberta sky. The town has around 44 miles of clearly marked trails that weave their way through the area. Trails like the Bow River Loop offer secure pathways to explore Canmore's various spots, making travel easy for bicyclists.
The heart of Canmore is energtic with easy access to hiking and biking trails, making it a nice destination for the outdoor enthusiasts out there. After cycling, the town's Main Street is a nice place to walk outside while grabbing some ice cream or a coffee. Just minutes away, the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk offers scenic wetlands and wildlife views, while a short walk leads to Quarry Lake Park, where a serene lake, surrounding trails, and picnic areas provide a perfect outdoor escape.
In Conclusion
The Rocky Mountains have some of the best biking towns you can find, with plenty of trails and paths for all kinds of riders in towns and around. From Banff's amazing blue lakes and Frisco's gorgeous trails, the Rockies are a biking wonderland just waiting for you. And you know what? It doesn't really matter if you are up for a gentle spin or a tough workout. Just grab your bike - hit the road and see what these towns have got to show you.
