William Frederick Hayden Park: Denver's Training Ground for Intermediate Cyclists

Overview

Located in the bustling city of Denver, Colorado, the trails at William Frederick Hayden Park offer a diverse range of experiences for mountain bikers. With its easy accessibility and trail variety, it's not just another loop in the park. Covering a distance of approximately 7 miles, the trail caters mostly to intermediate-level riders, providing an array of dirt and rocky paths with the occasional loose rollers to keep things challenging.

Getting There

To reach William Frederick Hayden Park, exit from I-25 and take 6th Ave. west. Drive approximately 6 miles before turning south onto Kipling for 2 miles. Then, make a right turn onto Alameda and proceed for 3 miles until a parking area is visible on the right side.

Trail Configuration and Terrain

The trail starts from any of the three parking areas, looping around the base of Green Mountain. While the south-east portions maintain a fairly constant elevation, the north-west side of the mountain offers an adventurous jeep road that takes you to the top. Here, you can enjoy magnificent views of Denver before descending via singletrack on the southeast leg of the loop, eventually circling back to the parking area.

Trail Highlights

• Dirt/Rock trail surface
• Loose rollers scattered across the trail
• Max pitch of 15% on counterclockwise loop
• Multiple access points
• Excellent training ground for stamina and control

User Experience and Advice

One frequent rider describes it as a "wonderful training loop," estimating that an intermediate rider can complete the loop in about an hour. For those new to Denver or just looking to practice their climbing, this trail is ideal for getting used to the local altitude and building those climbing muscles.However, it's worth noting that the trail does attract a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers to runners. Weekends can be particularly busy. There's minimal tree cover, so midday rides can become uncomfortably hot. Early morning or late afternoon is generally the best time to avoid both the crowds and the heat.

Points to Consider

• Bring plenty of water, especially in hot weather due to lack of shade
• Watch for loose rollers; they add a technical element to the ride
• Excellent as a regular training ground but perhaps not a destination trail
• If riding counter-clockwise, be prepared for steep climbs
• Highly trafficked during weekends; opt for weekdays for a less crowded experience

Final Thoughts

While William Frederick Hayden Park may not offer the thrills of some other Colorado trails, it stands out as a convenient and challenging training ground. Whether you're local to the Denver area or just passing through, this loop offers a blend of endurance and technique suitable for intermediate riders.