DBTC Dawson Butte MTB Ride
Denver Bicycle Touring Club mountain bike laps at Dawson Butte Open Space near Castle Rock — forested rolling terrain with wildlife sightings on midweek mornings.
The vibe
Forest laps with elk and bears
Dawson Butte Open Space sits south of Castle Rock in Douglas County — forested, rolling, and significantly less crowded than the metro’s popular MTB zones. DBTC runs periodic morning rides out here for members who want trail time without the weekend crowds. The terrain is a mix of forested hills and open meadows, offering a couple laps of about 5 miles each at a comfortable mountain bike pace.
Wildlife is a genuine consideration on this one. Elk, bears, and mountain lions call Dawson Butte home, and the ride leaders take that seriously — all riders sign in at the start, and the group moves with appropriate awareness. This isn’t the jump park or hardpack singletrack crowd; it’s people who like being in the woods on a weekday morning.
The ride targets a P2 T2 technical rating — intermediate riders comfortable with mixed terrain and modest climbing. All riders must sign in at ride start. Check dbtc.org for scheduled dates and confirm trail conditions before heading out; the area can be muddy after wet weather.