The best cycling routes around Lakewood

Lakewood offers a diverse selection of over 15 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various preferences, with 7 easy, 4 moderate, and 5 difficult options available for exploration.

Touring cycling around Lakewood features a diverse landscape. You'll find waterfront paths, urban connections, and routes with notable elevation changes, especially as you approach the Rocky Mountain foothills. The area offers a mix of terrain, from relatively flat sections along the water to more challenging climbs, providing options for different cycling preferences and fitness levels.

Yes, Lakewood has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. One such option is the Bike loop from Chambers Pointe, which is 4.0 miles (6.4 km) long with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant and accessible ride.

The touring cycling routes in Lakewood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 12 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Lakewood's varied terrain, often praising the scenic viewpoints and diverse landscapes.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Lakewood offers several difficult routes. The Fort Nisqually – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Tacoma Dome is a demanding 59.0 miles (95.0 km) path with extensive waterfront sections and substantial climbs. Another difficult option is the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Tacoma Dome, covering 47.5 miles (76.5 km) with significant elevation changes.

Lakewood's routes offer access to various natural features and landmarks. You can explore beautiful lakes like Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park, American Lake Park, and China Lake Park. Additionally, routes may pass by significant structures like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and offer views of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Many routes in Lakewood provide scenic viewpoints. For instance, the Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from University Place is known for its moderate elevation gain and scenic vistas. The region's proximity to the Rocky Mountain foothills also ensures panoramic views of Denver and the Front Range on many rides.

Yes, many of Lakewood's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from University Place and the Cromwell Drive Waterfront Road – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from University Place.

Bear Creek Lake Park is a significant hub for outdoor recreation, offering miles of trails suitable for biking and connecting to Denver's broader trail network. William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain is another prime spot, particularly for those seeking more rigorous cycling with breathtaking views. Crown Hill Park also integrates into Lakewood's connected trail system, contributing to the city's outdoor culture.

Yes, Lakewood boasts an extensive and well-connected system of trails, including 240 miles of trails across its 114 parks, covering over 7,400 acres of open space. The city is also actively enhancing its cycling infrastructure through the Lakewood Bicycle Plan 2025, aiming for a safe, comfortable, and connected network for all ages and abilities.

Absolutely. Lakewood's touring cycling is defined by its waterfront routes. The Fort Nisqually – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Tacoma Dome features extensive waterfront sections, and the Cromwell Drive Waterfront Road – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from University Place also includes scenic waterfront roads.