🚴🍴 What If Your Ride Planned Lunch?

🚴 Rail Trail Series: Part 4 — Western U.S.

Recently, my wife and a friend rode out from our neighborhood along the local rail trail. It’s one of those low-key routes that quietly connects the city to the countryside—over 20 miles if you keep going. That day, they didn’t ride the whole thing. Just far enough to end up at the brewpub that hugs the edge of the trail.

A relaxed ride, a good chat, and a patio table with snacks and a drink. That’s the kind of trail day that sticks with you.

Even if I haven’t ridden them all (yet!), I’ve been using the GTMTB Assistant to uncover the best rail trails across North America. These posts are your jumping-off point: a few standout options to inspire your own ride, walk, or weekend trip.

🥪 Why Food + Rail Trails Work So Well
Rail trails are already easygoing: wide, flat, scenic. Add a café or taproom along the way, and it turns the ride into a full-day experience—even if it’s just 10 miles round-trip.

This week, we’re showcasing 3 rail trails in the Western U.S. with food stops right off the trail. Whether you live close or just need a spark for your next getaway, these trails are all about low-effort adventure and mid-ride rewards.

About this series:
We’ve been highlighting relaxed, scenic rides from coast to coast—trails anyone can enjoy, anytime.

This is Part 4 of 4: Western U.S.
Catch up on past editions: Eastern U.S. · Central Canada · Western Canada

— Adam

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The Why-Factor

✨ Why These Trails Shine

Each of these Western U.S. rail trails blends scenery, accessibility, and nearby eats—perfect for a low-effort adventure:

🌊 Monterey Bay Coastal Trail (CA)
Breezy ocean views, beach access, and nearly nonstop chances to refuel—think seafood spots, cafés, and 🍦 ice cream stands. It’s a classic California coast ride, minus the hills and highway stress.

🏔️ Union Pacific Rail Trail (UT)
Winds gently through alpine farmland, wetlands, and historic towns. With trailheads in food-friendly Park City and 🥧 small-town diners in Coalville, it’s a relaxed out-and-back with a side of local charm.

🍺 South Platte River Trail (CO)
Rolls through Denver’s greenbelt with wide-open views and mellow grades. The highlight? A full-service brewery right on the trail—plus 🚴‍♂️ easy access to Denver’s bike network and Littleton’s local eats.

🗺️ Make It a Full-Day Adventure

Each trail pairs easygoing riding with nearby spots to eat, drink, and unwind—turning a simple outing into something memorable.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (CA)

• 🥗 Patio Burrito Stops
  Head south to Abalonetti Bar & Grill or Bayview Grille on Old Fisherman’s Wharf—both offer ocean views and full meals just off the trail.

• 🦐 Cannery Row & Wharf Cafés
  One block north, find seafood joints, gelaterias, and ice cream shops steps from the pavement.

✅ Verdict: Trailside or nearly so—snacks, coffee, and full meals within sight of your bike.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail (UT)

• ☕ Atticus Coffee & Teahouse (Park City)
  About 200 m from the Bonanza Drive trailhead—an easy stop before or after your ride.

• 🍕 Coalville Eats
  Cafés, delis, and ice cream shops sit just a block or two from the trail in downtown Coalville.

✅ Verdict: Just off-trail, with great options at both ends.

South Platte River Trail (CO)

• 🍻 Breckenridge Brewery (Littleton Taproom)
  Located directly along the trail—roll up and grab a pint.

• ☕ Littleton/Milton Trailheads
  A 2–5 minute ride brings you to a cluster of cafés, bakeries, and brewpubs right near the path.

✅ Verdict: Yes—brewery and coffee stops are trail-adjacent, no long detours needed.

🌎Why These Rail Trail Regions Work

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail – Monterey, CA

• 🍦 Seaside Flow
  A breezy, low-effort ride past tide pools, piers, and scenic oceanfront. Chowder shops, cafés, and ice cream stands are never far from your handlebars.

• 🚶 Built-In Breaks
  Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row sit directly on the trail—offering seafood patios and water views with zero detours.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail – Park City, UT

• 🚴‍♀️ Ride + Refuel
  Meander through sagebrush hills, farmland, and quiet towns—then roll into Park City or Coalville for coffee, pizza, or sandwiches right off the path.

• 🛤️ Easygoing + Connected
  A flat, scenic ride with paved town sections that make it easy to hop on and off for food stops—perfect for a relaxed lunch loop or café spin.

South Platte River Trail – Denver, CO

• 🍺 Pints & Pedals
  Cruise mellow riverside paths straight to Breckenridge Brewery and other nearby taprooms—trail access doesn’t get easier than this.

• 🌿 Urban Escape
  Despite its metro location, this greenbelt trail winds through parks and wildlife zones—with cafés and shaded rest stops always within reach.

Feeling inspired? Whether you're chasing beautiful vistas, shaded riverside paths, or a post-ride patio with local brews, the GTMTB Custom Assistant can help you find it.

Use it to uncover scenic rail trails, map out a weekend escape, or build a laid-back ride with food stops—anywhere in North America.

Your ride, your pace, your perfect trail day.

👉 Click here to open GTMTB the Assistant. ^{(No app or setup—just confirm your email if prompted.)}

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