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EagleRider Denver4710 Lipan St, 80211 DenverView map
Denver sits at about 1,600 m of altitude, and the Rockies begin half an hour from the centre. The highest paved roads in the country are within a day's reach: Trail Ridge Road, Loveland Pass, Mount Blue Sky. For a rider, the city is the gateway to passes above 3,500 m, among pine forests, torrents and high-altitude meadows. EagleRider, our partner, rents Harley-Davidson, BMW, Indian, Triumph and Yamaha motorcycles in Denver.
The EagleRider Denver branch is at 4710 Lipan St, north-west of the centre and less than 10 km from it as the crow flies. From this neighbourhood, Interstate 70 heading west and the roads to Boulder and Golden are reachable within minutes, without crossing the whole centre.
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Where to pick up your vehicle in Denver?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Denver
1 Peak to Peak, the road of the summits
- Denver
- Golden
- Black Hawk
- Nederland
- Estes Park
- Lyons
- Boulder
- Denver
Go through Golden and Golden Gate Canyon, then reach Black Hawk, a former mining town turned casino town. The Peak to Peak Highway then follows the ridge line, at about 2,500 m, with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide, as far as Estes Park.
Come back via Lyons and the Boulder valley, its canyons and its cafés. It is a day loop, perfect for a first taste of altitude before the big passes.
- Distance
- about 250 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or manoeuvrable cruiser, warm clothing for the ridges
2 Trail Ridge Road and Rocky Mountain
- Denver
- Boulder
- Estes Park
- Trail Ridge Road
- Grand Lake
- Granby
- Berthoud Pass
- Idaho Springs
- Denver
From Estes Park, enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at more than 3,500 m, above the tree line, over kilometres of tundra. It drops toward Grand Lake on a greener slope. The road is closed by snow in the bad season and generally opens late: find out before you come.
Return via Granby and Berthoud Pass, then Idaho Springs. The loop is long but without technical difficulty; set off early to avoid the afternoon storm.
- Distance
- about 420 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Comfortable touring bike, two-up possible, with something to cover up
3 Mount Blue Sky, Loveland and the central resorts
- Denver
- Idaho Springs
- Mount Blue Sky
- Georgetown
- Loveland Pass
- Breckenridge
- Fairplay
- Bailey
- Denver
At Idaho Springs, the Mount Blue Sky road, formerly Mount Evans, climbs to more than 4,000 m, among the highest paved roads in North America. Access is reserved for the fine season and may be restricted: check it. Drop down toward Georgetown and cross Loveland Pass, which cuts the Continental Divide.
Dillon and Breckenridge offer a break by the lake. Return via Hoosier Pass, Fairplay and Kenosha Pass, where the road crosses open meadows before reaching Bailey and Denver.
- Distance
- about 450 km
- Recommended vehicle
- BMW GS or Pan America adventure bike, more at ease on rough roads
4 Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge
- Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Pikes Peak
- Cañon City
- Royal Gorge
- Florissant
- Denver
To the south, Interstate 25 leads to Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods, with its red rocks. The Pikes Peak road climbs to more than 4,000 m in a series of switchbacks, with a toll and conditions that vary with the weather. Summits hidden by cloud arrive fast, even in summer.
Continue to Cañon City and the Royal Gorge, a deep canyon crossed by a suspension bridge. The return via Florissant and Woodland Park makes a quieter detour than the freeway.
- Distance
- about 450 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Light touring bike or cruiser, tyres in good condition for the switchbacks
Weather and seasons
When to go in Denver?
Best time
June, September and October
June, September to October
highs 19.1 to 28.7 °C, lows 3 to 12.5 °C
The safest period for the passes: an average high of 28.7 °C in June, 27.7 °C in September and 19.1 °C in October in Denver. September gets only 23 mm of rain and October 26 mm. The high passes are markedly colder than the city: allow a difference of 15 °C or more, and possible frosts from autumn.
High season
July and August
July to August
highs 30.5 to 31.9 °C, lows 15 to 16 °C
Midsummer: a 31.9 °C average high in July, with 32 mm of rain. The heat of the plain stays bearable, and the passes are open. Late-afternoon storms are frequent on the ridges, with hail and lightning: ride early, come back down before 2 pm, and avoid lingering above the tree line.
March to May
March to May
highs 11.7 to 20.8 °C, lows -4.3 to 5.7 °C
Unsettled spring: 51 mm of rain in March, 43 mm in April and 88 mm in May, spread over 12.3 days that month. The plain is rideable, but the high passes are closed or snowy, and lows stay close to zero in March. May is the wettest month of the year in Denver.
Winter
November to February
November to February
highs 4.7 to 12.1 °C, lows -9.7 to -2.6 °C
Days in Denver are dry and often sunny, with 15 to 26 mm of rain a month, but the cold is sharp: a -9.7 °C low in January. In the mountains, snow closes the high passes. Riding in the city or on the plain remains possible on a clear afternoon, not a grand trip.
Climate in Denver, month by month
Most pleasant months: May to October.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5 °C | -10 °C | 22 mm | 8 h/day |
| Feb | 6 °C | -9 °C | 26 mm | 9 h/day |
| Mar | 12 °C | -4 °C | 51 mm | 10 h/day |
| Apr | 16 °C | 0 °C | 43 mm | 11 h/day |
| May | 21 °C | 6 °C | 88 mm | 11 h/day |
| Jun | 29 °C | 13 °C | 42 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jul | 32 °C | 16 °C | 32 mm | 13 h/day |
| Aug | 31 °C | 15 °C | 37 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 28 °C | 11 °C | 23 mm | 11 h/day |
| Oct | 19 °C | 3 °C | 26 mm | 10 h/day |
| Nov | 12 °C | -3 °C | 18 mm | 8 h/day |
| Dec | 8 °C | -6 °C | 15 mm | 8 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Altitude, from the city to the passes
Denver is already high, and the passes exceed 3,500 m. Thin air tires the rider and slightly reduces engine power. Drink plenty, eat light and do not push on the first day.
Afternoon storms
In summer, clouds form over the ridges around midday, then hail and lightning strike. Set off at dawn, cross the high passes in the morning, and come back down without delay as soon as the sky darkens.
Passes closed by snow
Trail Ridge Road, Mount Blue Sky and Independence Pass close in winter and reopen depending on snowfall. In autumn, a snowfall can close them again within hours. Check road advisories before leaving.
Filtering and helmets
Colorado tolerates, under conditions, filtering between stationary cars, but not lane splitting in moving traffic. For helmets, the rule depends on age: find out, and wear one everywhere.
Wildlife on the road
Elk, deer and bighorn sheep cross at dawn and dusk, notably around Estes Park. Slow down in blind bends, and fill up before the long mountain sections.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Denver
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Denver?
At the EagleRider Denver branch, 4710 Lipan St, north-west of the centre and less than 10 km from it as the crow flies. The exact pick-up time is given on your confirmation.
Which motorcycle for the Colorado passes?
The EagleRider fleet includes Harley-Davidson Pan America and BMWs from the GS range for rough roads, and Road Glides or BMW K 1600 GTLs for comfort. The free models vary by branch and dates.
Do I need a guide for Trail Ridge Road?
No, the road is paved and well signposted. You just need to check it is open and the weather before leaving, and plan warm layers for the 3,500 m pass.
How many days for the Rockies?
Two to three days allow Trail Ridge Road and Mount Blue Sky without rushing. With a week, add Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge and the passes of western Colorado.
Can I return the motorcycle somewhere other than Denver?
The rental company and the dates decide: a return in Grand Junction or Albuquerque, where EagleRider also has a branch, is not guaranteed. The search shows you what exists for your rental days.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Denver
What licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Colorado?
The licence must cover motorcycles (category A for a European licence), and the rental company may ask for an international permit as well. Minimum age and licence seniority depend on each rental company and each model.
Can a passenger ride behind?
Yes, on touring bikes and most adventure bikes, which offer a dual seat and a backrest. The passenger is equipped like the rider. The lightest motorcycles do not always have room for a second person.
What equipment should I bring for the passes?
A jacket with a liner, warm gloves and rain protection. At 3,500 m, even in July, the temperature can fall to a few degrees. A light neck gaiter makes a real difference.
Do I have to pay to enter Rocky Mountain park?
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park charges for access per vehicle, motorcycles included, sometimes with a timed-entry reservation in high season. Check the current conditions before departure.
When should I book my motorcycle in Denver?
Book early for July and September, the months when the passes are open and most in demand. Enter your dates in the search and look at the motorcycles offered.
About us
Why ride out of Denver by motorcycle
Denver is one of the few big cities whose mountains are less than an hour away. Between Peak to Peak, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Blue Sky and Pikes Peak, the region is among the highest playgrounds in the country, with switchbacks, tunnels and ridge roads.
The branch in the north-west of the city simplifies the exit to the west. Depending on the season, you book a one-day loop, or a week on the Colorado passes. Always keep a margin: at altitude, the weather decides the programme.
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