Mountain bikes in roofracks are standard accessories on cars in central Colorado. The singletrack in the area is astoundingly good, and the Nederland's Blue Dot Trail is as good a place as any to test your downhill skill. Some of the trail is unmarked, and much of it is tricky, but this challenging favorite will keep you grinning.

If you're looking for something a little easier but no less beautiful, try mountain biking the Switzerland Trail in the Front Range. From Boulder you'll pedal up Boulder Canyon to Sugarloaf Road for great views of Sugarloaf Mountain. For more of a challenge, take a side trip to Bear Gulch or to the top of Bald Mountain.

Ride in the shadow of Long's Peak, through Arapahoe National Forest, and into the welcoming arms of Estes Park along Colorado's oldest scenic byway. Beginning just outside of Boulder, the 55-milelong Peak-to-Peak Highway offers the history of mining culture, the beauty of high-peak scenery, and the challenge of rolling hills at an average elevation of 9,000 feet.

For an awe-inspiring road ride through some of the world's most spectacular scenery, ride Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a lung-busting ride along the United States' highest through highway, but for those up to the challenge, the views are worth the burn.

Explore Routt National Forest's Rabbit Ears Pass by bike. Unlike the national park, off-road riding is permitted, even encouraged, in Routt. Pedal through hardwood and conifer forests on man-made trails in this public land located just to the west of RMNP.

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Take off today and explore the U.S. Top Trips in the Rocky Mountains — Hike and bike America's quintessential range. Colorado Adventure — Experience the high peaks and crisp air of purple-mountain majesty.

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