Red Rocks / Dakota Ridge - Mountain Bike Trail

The Red Rocks / Dakota Ridge is a fantastic trail for Colorado riders looking for something more technical. A typically experienced rider can complete the loop in less than 3 hours. The trail has a lot of challenging climbs and slick rock. You may have to walk some parts of the trail. On the bright side, you will enjoy the epic scenery of the rock formations.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

You can begin your riding adventure from the Alameda parking lot, climb the road on the east and ride for 3 miles to get to the Dakota Ridge trail. You must endure the tough climbs and be extra keen on the slick rock. We don't recommend riding on this route if you are a beginner.

If you keep riding, Denver will be to your left and Red Rocks Park to your right. Go down the ridge and cross the small road to join the Red Rocks trail. Unlike the Dakota Ridge, it is greener and smoother. What's more, it is a singletrack trail with a few navigable climbs and fantastic scenery. The towering red rocks and shrubbery will make you forget the technical challenges on Dakota Ridge.

The Red Rock trail loops back to the starting point at the parking lot. You can either branch right and ride through the middle of a rock formation or branch left to join the Morrison slide trail. We recommend riding through the middle of a rock formation for a less technical ride back.

When you get to the village walk trail junction, keep right. Right is the bike-only trail, so you can ride fast on the single-track section without worrying about hikers.

Additional Trail Features

If you take the Morrison Slide trail on your way back, you will come by a picnic area and a restroom before getting on the Geologic Overlook trail. You can rest at the picnic area and have a bite to fuel up for the challenge ahead.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The Red Rocks formation on the Red Rocks trail is a stunning scenery. The slick rock and shrubbery make technical riding worthwhile. The trail also has a viewpoint on the rocks that you can walk out to. You will also come by a stream crossing that is rideable. Although it is significant, you won’t have to get off the bike to cross it.

Recommendations and Precautions

• Be mindful of the hikers on the Red Rock trail.
• The trail is subject to seasonal closure because of muddy conditions in the wet seasons. The bentonite clay on the northern side of Dakota Ridge takes time to dry if it rains or snows.
• It can get extremely hot and you may see a few rattlesnakes on the trail.
• Carry plenty of drinking water and be more careful.
• Since the trail is very challenging, expect to walk part of the trail even if you are a skilled rider.
• Another fantastic riding route begins at the Stegosaurus Parking at the bottom of Dakota Ridge trail. This means you will skip the Zorro trail.