So you just bought an e-mountain bike, yeehaw! But now comes the hard part of navigating which trail systems in the Front Range area allow e-mountain bikes. Boulder, sadly, is not very fond of these machines, but no fear - there are plenty of other options within a short drive where you can enjoy the goods!
But first, a quick review on the different classes of e-bikes:
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Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted bikes that top out at providing assistance when the bike reaches 20mph
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Class 2 e-bikes are throttle assisted bikes in which a throttle can be used exclusively to propel the bike and top out at providing assistance when the bike reaches 20mph
We spent some time reading through the different counties open space guides and here are our top picks for where to take your new rocket ship!
Trails in Boulder County
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Class 1 & 2:
- Chapman Drive
- Boulder Valley Ranch Trails (be mindful here of the trails that DO NOT allow any type of bike and are strictly for pedestrians)
- Teller Farm/White Rocks
- Marshall Mesa (this does NOT include Doudy Draw & Springbrook Loop - e-bikes are a big no no on these trails)
**As you can see, most of the popular mountain bike routes in Boulder County DO NOT allow e-bikes (sad). We sometimes get asked, "Well, what if I took my e-bike there anyway..?". Our recommendation? Just don't. Following the rules isn't always fun, but don't ruin the vibes for everyone else by being that person :)
Trails in Jefferson County
Jeff Co. is one of the only counties in the Front Range area where Class 1 E-MTBs are allowed on all trails where mountain bikes are allowed, HECK YEAH. This includes:
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Class 1:
- White Ranch
- Apex Park
- North Table Mountain
- South Table Mountain
- Green Mountain
- Bear Creek Trail System (Lair O' The Bear Park)
- Floyd Hill
- Virginia Canyon
- North Empire Trail(s)
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Class 2:
- This class of e-mountain bikes are allowed only on paved trails; they are NOT allowed on any "natural surface" trails.
Trails in Gilpin County
E-mountain bike access in Gilpin Co. depends largely on the specific land management. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on multi-use trails open to non-motorized bikes and on all roads open to motorized vehicles. For other trails, specifically those on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM), we recommend you check with the local open space maps and agencies. Here are our picks for places to take your e-mountain bike.
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Class 1 & 2:
- Maryland Mountain
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
When in doubt, it is best to check with your local open space guides - most have great maps and resources about where bikes and e-bikes are/aren't allowed. We are big fans of Trail Forks and MTB Project when it comes to picking routes. Both platforms have apps for Android and IOS, with interactive and downloadable GPX mapping.
So, do some research, pick a route, and go have some fun out there!