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.
Adventure brief
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.
Sunset Rails and Ales offers an unforgettable way to explore Colorado’s stunning countryside by railbike along the Historic Denver Boulder Valley Railroad tracks. Located in Erie, Colorado, this unique adventure allows you to pedal your way through picturesque landscapes with sweeping views of the Flatirons and towering Longs Peak. Whether you’re with friends or family, this private experience combines outdoor exercise with scenic beauty and a hint of local flavor as you make a refreshing stop at The Handlebar Factory, a popular local spot offering optional craft beverages. The railbike’s easy pedaling mechanism makes it accessible for all fitness levels, and the quiet rhythmic motion gives you a wonderful sense of connection to the environment. This journey is perfect for those looking to enjoy Colorado’s nature without the challenges of traditional hiking. As the sun dips lower in the sky, the scenic vistas light up in warm hues, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable photos and meaningful conversations. Colorado Railbike Adventures ensures a safe, well-supported experience, making Sunset Rails and Ales a must-do outdoor activity for visitors seeking something different in the Erie area. Expect good company, beautiful views, and the simple joy of pedal-powered exploration on historic railroad tracks.
Route Schematic
Route at a Glance
A short out‑and‑back that highlights a trestle crossing, a halfway rest at The Handlebar Factory, and a steady climb back to the Depot.
Depot — Arrival & Check‑In
Arrive at the Depot, check in with the railbike crew, enjoy lawn games or a short interpretive look at the Erie Coal Train history before the briefing and bike setup.
Coal Creek Trestle — Descent and Vistas
Pedal westward, descend the hill and cross the trestle at Coal Creek while taking in continuous views toward the Flatirons and Longs Peak.
Turnaround Point & Rest
At the turnaround you dismount for a rest; the crew turns the railbikes while riders can play yard games, take photos, or visit The Handlebar Factory for beverages.
Return to Depot — Uphill Finish
The return leg climbs back to the Depot, requiring more sustained pedaling effort than the outbound portion.
The return includes a noticeable uphill climb, so riders should be prepared for moderate exertion; this departure requires participants be 21 or older due to the mid-ride beverage stop.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:14:28.089Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.