Colorado’s Front Range, stretching from Fort Collins south down to Colorado Springs, is known for its endless, world-class hiking and biking trails. It’s also home to more micro-breweries than any other region in the country. From a casual dog-friendly hike on Sunday afternoon to a five-hour trek with a 3,500-foot elevation gain, you’ll undoubtedly find the right trail to meet your needs. And the motivating factor for many Front Range residents is the reward of an hand-crafted, frosty draft beer post-workout.

Here’s our Athlinks look at the Top 10 breweries along Colorado’s Front Range to post up post hike.

Boulder

The Local Spot: Mountain Sun Pub

Located on iconic Pearl Street, Mountain Sun is a Boulder institution and is famous for its eclectic vibe and delicious beer. We recommend the Raspberry Wheat for a refreshing pint after a long run or bike ride. Heads up that this spot (as well as their sister restaurants Southern Sun, Under the Sun, Vine St. and Longs Peak Pub) is cash only.

The Spot with the Taco Truck: Sanitas Brewing Co.

Newer to the Boulder brewery scene, Sanitas Brewing Co. has quickly established itself as one of the main players in the community. With a large patio, fantastic beer selections, including their crisp saison, and McDevitt’s Taco Supply permanently posted up in the parking lot, enjoy a relaxing evening after a long bike ride at this crowd-pleasing beer hub, or add their weekly pilates, yoga class or group run to your calendar.

The Beer Geek Destination: Avery Brewing Company

Even if you haven’t been to their flagship brewery, you’ve most likely had an Avery Brewing Co. beer in your life. With a multi-story restaurant/brewery located just outside of Boulder proper, you’ll find locals and tourists alike taking over the patio on a weekend afternoon, not to mention it’s the ultimate end destination for those locals training for IRONMAN Boulder or IRONMAN Boulder 70.3. And do yourself a favor, if you haven’t consumed an Avery IPA before, do so immediately.

The Original: Boulder Beer

Dubbed “Colorado’s First Craft Brewery,” Boulder Beer is home to the famous Mojo IPA. Looking for something a little more refreshing after a long hike in the scenic Flatirons? Try the Sweaty Betty Blonde Hefeweizen for a perfect beer post workout.

Denver

Taproom at Denver Beer Co. for post workout beer
Taproom at Denver Beer Co.

The Hotspot: Ratio Beerworks

Located in the up-and-coming RiNo district, this funky spot houses tasty ales, a rotating food truck, photo booth and endless supply of Denver locals and their dogs. Whether you run, walk, bike or dance your way over to Ratio Beerworks, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and delicious beer in your belly.

The Go-to When You’re On-the-Go: Denver Beer Co.

With two locations — their original tap room and their new canning facility — Denver Beer Co. makes delicious beer that’s easily portable on your next outdoor adventure. We love their Incredible Pedal IPA, Sun-Drenched Wheat IPA and, in the summer, Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch. We also love that DBC encourages drinkers to get out and explore the best of Colorado. You can win free beer for a year by participating in their #DBCExplorer Challenge, where you visit the GPS coordinate location on your beer can and snap a selfie in that location.

The Spot with the Endless Options: Tap XIV

While not a brewery, Tap XIV hosts 70 Colorado craft beers on their taps, allowing you to sample Colorado’s brewers’ bounty in one location. Situated in the heart of LoDo and walking distance from Coors Field, Tap XIV boasts a spacious rooftop patio that accommodates large groups of people. Enjoy a cold one along with a menu full of delicious food designed to share.

Golden

The Microbrew: Barrel and Bottles Brewery

Located right off of Golden’s main drag, Barrel and Bottles offers premium ales and snacks, which are very popular with the locals. We recommend posting up here after trail running through the mountains of Golden, specifically with a Macarita Kettle Sour.

Longmont

CYCLHOPS Oskar Blues beer taps for post workout beer
Oskar Blues on tap at Cyclhops

The Pit Stop: Cyclhops Bike CANtina

One of the offshoots of Oskar Blues Brewery (also in Longmont), Cyclhops Bike CANtina combines bikes, craft beer and tacos into the ultimate pit stop trifecta. Try the full Oskar Blues lineup off their 20 rotating taps or peruse their extensive tequila and margarita menu as you order up fresh tacos made from local ingredients. Cyclhops is also home to Oskar Blues’ bike brand, REEB Cycles, and a full-service bike shop, so you can grab a tune-up while you chow down. Planning on doing the annual Longmont Criterium? This place will be your go-to throughout training.

Fort Collins

The One with the Awesome Brewery Tour: New Belgium Brewing

Featuring a one-of-a-kind brewery tour that books up months in advance, your trip to New Belgium is an all-day experience. Start your day off learning about the history, brewing process and culture behind New Belgium Brewing, then it wrap up in their tap room tasting their famous ales like Fat Tire and Snapshot Wheat.

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