Southwest Denver ends abruptly where the plains slam into the foothills. Beyond it, red rock formations and pine-covered hills rise toward the higher peaks of the Front Range.
The geology here is spectacular. At Dinosaur Ridge, near Morrison, fossilised dinosaur tracks and bones are exposed in the rock, and the ridge has been a source of important finds since the 1870s. Nearby, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is set between enormous slabs of red sandstone, a natural concert venue with superb acoustics where legendary bands have played. The view from the top over the plains and the city at sunset is unforgettable.
The rides from here head into the mountains. Deer Creek Canyon and Turkey Creek Canyon offer twisty roads through the foothills, while US 285 climbs southwest through forests and valleys toward the high country and Kenosha Pass. The Guanella Pass ride leads to Georgetown and over the pass to Grant, and the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, further north, is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, crossing the tundra above 12,000 feet. Trail Ridge closes in winter, usually from mid-October until late May, and the park has used a timed-entry permit system in summer, so check before you go.
The weather can be dramatic. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms with lightning and hail, especially in the mountains, so start early and plan to be off the high roads by early afternoon. The altitude affects both riders and machines, and the sun is intense. In spring and autumn, snow can fall without warning at higher elevations.
The suburbs around Sheridan and Lakewood have every service, including fuel, food and motorcycle shops, and the stretch along C-470 has many stations. Traffic in the Denver area can be heavy, especially on weekends and on the roads leading into the mountains. Carry plenty of water and warm clothes, and enjoy the transition from city to mountains, one of the most sudden and dramatic in the country.