Travois Trail

The Centennial Cone loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, winding through open meadows and dense forests with impressive panoramic views of Clear Creek Canyon. You'll navigate a mix of smooth dirt, flowing singletrack, and some challenging climbs, particularly if you start from Mayhem Gulch. This 16.7-mile (27.0 km) route, with its 2401 feet (732 metres) of elevation gain, is a moderate ride that takes roughly 2 hours and 53 minutes, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a good cardio workout.

Planning your visit requires checking the unique alternating use schedule: mountain bikers can only ride on even-numbered days on weekends. The park is entirely closed in December and January, and specific sections like the Elk Range Trail close from February to mid-June for wildlife protection. Access is available from trailheads like Mayhem Gulch, West Access, and North Access, all conveniently located about 10 miles west of Golden, Colorado.

What sets Centennial Cone apart is its modern, purpose-built trails designed to resist erosion, offering a smooth and flowy ride that's a testament to good trail-building practices. It provides a near-backcountry feel with common wildlife sightings, including deer and elk, making it a highly regarded trail in the Colorado Front Range for those who appreciate both physical challenge and natural beauty.