Highline Canal Bike Rental

Question

Traveling to Denver this coming weekend and looking for some advice on any options to rent a hybrid bike near the High Line Canal and do a 20-30 mile ride. Prefer an area with less elevation change. I will have a car but no way to transport a bike, so would like to get on the canal with as little street riding as possible.

If there aren't rental shops available, what would be some good starting points for a 5-8 mile round trip walk. I will be staying in the western part of Littleton.

Thx!

Answer

The High Line Canal Trail is a great choice for a long, mostly flat ride with scenic views of suburban Denver, open space, and some natural areas. Since you’re staying in western Littleton, you’re already very close to the southern portion of the canal, which is ideal for minimizing street riding.

Bike Rental Options Near the High Line Canal:

Denver B-cycle – Docking stations are primarily downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, so unless you want to ride from downtown, this might not be convenient for your area.
Highlands Ranch / Littleton Rental Shops – Shops like Sports Authority (if still operating in area), REI Littleton, or Bear Creek Bike Shop sometimes offer daily hybrid bike rentals. It’s best to call ahead to confirm availability and pickup locations.
Pedal Bike Tours & Rentals – They occasionally do custom deliveries for trails south of Denver; calling them could allow for a rental drop-off near your preferred canal access point.

Suggested Starting Points for the High Line Canal Trail:

Western Littleton / South Platte Access – You can park near the South Platte Trail intersection; this gives a mostly flat, traffic-free ride north or south along the canal.
Deer Creek Trailhead – A nice section with less street riding; you can ride north towards Englewood or south toward Chatfield Reservoir.
Chatfield Reservoir Access Area – Offers easy parking and direct access to the southernmost canal trail, allowing for longer rides without road interruptions.

Alternative Walking Options:

Start at the South Platte or Deer Creek access points and do a 5-8 mile out-and-back along the canal; the trail is mostly dirt and gravel but very manageable for walking.
Chatfield Reservoir area has shorter loops along the canal and lake shoreline, perfect for a scenic, moderate walk.
Look for the High Line Canal Trail maps online; there are several accessible trailheads with parking near Littleton and Highlands Ranch.

Overall, for your planned 20-30 mile hybrid ride, renting a bike locally near Littleton or western Highlands Ranch is your best bet to start directly on the canal and avoid street riding. If rentals fall through, the canal sections around South Platte or Deer Creek make excellent 5-8 mile walking options.

Highline Canal Bike Rental

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