ERIE BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Rails and Ales: Pedaling the Erie Railbed Toward the Front Range Glow
A 120-minute railbike outing on the Historic Denver Boulder Valley Railroad that pairs a 4.2-mile round trip with a mid-ride stop at The Handlebar Factory for optional craft beverages.
Sunset Rails and Ales: Pedaling the Erie Railbed Toward the Front Range Glow.
Sunset Rails and Ales is a purpose-built railbiking departure from Erie that sends riders along the Historic Denver Boulder Valley Railroad for a short, scenic loop framed by the Flatirons and Longs Peak. The outing includes a mid-tour break at The Handlebar Factory—where guests can purchase craft ciders, beers and cocktails and receive a souvenir cup—and returns over the Front Range as the light fades, all on a two-hour railbike experience designed for adult riders.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Front‑Range Vistas from the Rails
The route opens westward from the Depot and drops toward Coal Creek; along the descent and over the trestle you get sustained views of the Flatirons and Longs Peak—an uncrowded vantage on the Front Range framed by the rails.
A Compact 4.2‑Mile Loop with a Workout on the Return
The outing covers a 4.2-mile round trip that heads west from the Depot, descends and crosses the Coal Creek trestle, then reverses for an uphill return to the Depot—expect the second half to require more effort as you climb back.
Halfway Pause at The Handlebar Factory
This special departure includes a midway stop at The Handlebar Factory where riders can purchase craft ciders, beers and cocktails; each rider receives a souvenir cup, and because alcohol is available this tour requires participants to be 21 and over.
What the day feels like
How the Ride Feels
Expect a relaxed but active two‑hour loop: check in at the Depot, get a concise safety and equipment briefing, then settle into spaced railbikes and pedal at your own pace. The outbound leg is mostly downhill with panoramic views; at the turnaround the crew pauses to turn bikes and give riders time to rest, enjoy yard games or visit The Handlebar Factory, then you head back—brisk and more demanding as you climb to the Depot under the sunset.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress for the weather and sun: hat, layered clothing for cool‑season or evening trips, and closed‑toe secure footwear—if you lose a flip‑flop while pedaling you cannot stop to retrieve it. A jacket is recommended for cooler evenings.
Meet at the Depot: 4121 County Rd 3, Erie, Colorado 80516. Operators recommend arriving about 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in and complete setup.
The outing runs approximately 120 minutes from check‑in through return to the Depot.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Sunset Rails and Ales experience?
The tour lasts approximately 120 minutes from check‑in to return.
Where do I meet the group?
Meet at the Depot located at 4121 County Rd 3, Erie, Colorado 80516; operators advise arriving 15–20 minutes before departure to check in.
Is alcohol available during the tour?
Yes—this special departure includes a midway stop at The Handlebar Factory where riders may purchase craft ciders, beers and cocktails; a souvenir cup is provided per rider.
Are there age restrictions for riders?
This tour requires riders to be 21 years of age or older.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress for the weather, wear a hat for sun protection, and bring a jacket for cool or evening departures; closed‑toe shoes are recommended as flip‑flops are not suitable for pedaling.
How long is the riding distance?
The route is a 4.2‑mile round trip, with a downhill outbound followed by an uphill return.