By Ranay Janssen

As the Memorial Day Weekend kicks into high gear, many outdoor enthusiasts will choose to stay closer to home and get some exercise. For metro area residents, it's a great time to break out your favorite two-wheeler and hit a few of the Golden bike trails. We have five suggestions for bike trails and five fantastic Golden breweries to end your trip with.

Lookout Mountain: This bike trail is not for the faint of heart. The 4.3 mile uphill hike was featured on the U.S. Pro Challenge and is one of the most famous climbs on the Front Range. This trail climbs 1,300 feet before reaching the mountain’s peak. While it may seem intimidating from the bottom, those who conquer this mountain trail are rewarded with beautiful views of Golden and the surrounding areas. Cyclists can end their trail by heading back down the mountain or continue onto a fifteen-mile loop that passes a buffalo herd. Regardless of the length of your bike trip, make a stop at Golden City Brewery on your way home. Started in 1993, Golden City Brewery is a family-ownedbrewery that features a backyard setting that is hard to beat. Stop by and have an Evolution IPA or a Clear Creek Golden Pale Ale in the carriage house. Golden City Brewery is the perfect end to the long Lookout Mountain bike trail.

Enjoy the views along Clear Creek. Tubing may offer a nice cool down after a hot bike ride.
Photo - visitgolden.com

Clear Creek Bike Path: This bike path is ideal for those looking for a more casual bike ride. This 19-mile trail rides beside Clear Creek on a slow downward trek t the east. Clear Creek path takes riders past the Coors Brewery and the Colorado Railroad Museum. On Saturdays, riders can even hear the train whistles echoing along the trail. Clear Creek bike path is perfect for those who want their ride to be accompanied by the sounds of nature. At the end of the nineteen-mile trail, riders can continue on in Denver for long distances. Or head back for a beer at New Terrain Brewing in Golden. A quick ten-minute ride from the bike path, New Terrain Brewing offers a space for cyclists to cool down after the long ride. Enjoy the weather with a Suntrip, Belgian wit, on the patio or head inside to drink a Hopptropica, tropical pale ale.

32nd Avenue Bike Trail: This bike path is an on-street route that takes riders straight from the heart of Denver to Golden. The 32nd Avenue Trail will help you practice your city biking by riding alongside other cyclists and cars on one road. This fifteen mile journey can begin in the Highlands and will run up to Coors Brewery in Golden. If you’re in need of a break on the way, there are several parks off 32nd Avenue. This includes Crown Hill Park where you can walk off stiff muscles. Once you arrive in Golden, finish up at Barrels and Bottles Brewery. Stop in and try an Orange Creamsicle Ale or The Fro, an American pale ale. A much needed break and beer will give you the motivation to ride the easier downhill back to Denver.

North Table Mountain: North Table Mountain is a popular hang out for mule deer, birds, elk, an occasional bear and oh, yes, hikers, bikers and rock climbers. For cyclists there are numerous trails to pursue. Whether you want to follow the most popular 7.4-mile trail from the northwest end of the Jeffco Open Space Park, or find a more extensive workout up the mountain, North Table Mountain has just the ticket. The bike trails for this mountain connect to the Clear Creek Bike Path in Golden. No matter if it’s 20 miles or seven, Mountain Toad Brewing is the perfect way to end a day of cycling. Mountain Toad Brewing on Washington Avenue can serve you a citrusy Parade Pale or a Mt. Zion IPA.

White Ranch: In 1865, a family built their home on what is now White Ranch. Their house stands to this day and is now surrounded by 18 miles of hiking and biking trails. Just under three miles from the city of Golden, White Ranch offers five trail/park connections from various locations to the east, including Fairmount Trail, Crown Hill Park, Pioneer Trail, Clear Creek Trail and Van Bibber Park. Fairmount Trail is a simple three-mile trek for cyclists who want an easy ride but can be more difficult when it connects to the 14-mile Ralston Creek Trail. White Ranch also features horseback trails and hiking trails for a well-rounded experience. After you’ve satisfied your outdoor adventures, stop by Holidaily Brewing Co., not far from the west entrance to White Ranch. Make sure to try Fat Randy’s IPA or the Favorite Blonde Ale, inspired by the founder’s grandfathe