Centennial Trail
Trail Guide
easy

Centennial Trail

Downtown / Spokane Valley
37 miles
4.8/5
37 mi
Distance
2-4 hours (full) / 45-90 min (segments)
Duration
point to-point
Route Type
4.8/5
Rating
The Centennial Trail: Spokane's Premier Riverside Cycling Path
The Centennial Trail is Spokane's crown jewel — 37 miles of paved path tracing the Spokane River from Riverfront Park through the Spokane Valley and all the way to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's the trail that connects the city, passing through pine forests, riverside parks, and urban corridors with easy access from downtown. For mountain bikers, it's the perfect warm-up, recovery ride, or family cruise, with plenty of spots to stop for food, a swim, or a view. The trail is flat, well-maintained, and rideable year-round, making it the most popular cycling route in the Inland Northwest.
Distance
37 miles
Difficulty
easy
Surface
Paved, well-maintained
Route Type
point to-point
Location
Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA
Neighborhood
Downtown / Spokane Valley
The Centennial Trail isn't just a path — it's Spokane's cycling spine. Starting in Riverfront Park, the heart of downtown, it follows the Spokane River through Gonzaga University, the Barker Road trailhead, and Liberty Lake before crossing into Idaho. The western segment is more urban; the eastern segment gets progressively more scenic with river views and pine forests. It's not a mountain bike trail in the technical sense, but it's the connective tissue that links Spokane's trail systems and the perfect way to get miles in without worrying about traffic.

Trail Tags

family-friendlyscenicpavedriver-viewscommuter
Why the Centennial Trail Is a Must-Ride

Highlight 1

37 miles of paved riverside riding

Highlight 2

Connects downtown Spokane to Coeur d'Alene

Highlight 3

Passes Riverfront Park and Gonzaga University

Highlight 4

Year-round rideable surface

Highlight 5

Easy access from multiple trailheads
Centennial Trail Features and Access Points
Scenic River Views
Parking
Restrooms
Water Fountains
Paved Surface
Dog Friendly (leashed)
Best Times to Ride

Early Morning (7–10 AM)

The best time to ride in Aspen. Trails are fresh, temperatures are cooler at altitude, and you'll beat the afternoon crowds on popular routes like Maroon Bells.

Late Morning (10 AM–Noon)

Great for longer rides when fully acclimatized. Aim to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Avoid Afternoons in Summer

Aspen summers bring rapid afternoon thunderstorms, especially above treeline. Start early and plan to return before 2–3 PM. Always bring a rain layer.

Gear Up Before You Ride

Before hitting Centennial Trail, make sure you're fully prepared for high-altitude mountain biking. Check out our local Aspen bike shops for gear, mountain bike rentals, spare tubes, or a quick tune-up.

Aspen Cycling

Aspen's premier mountain bike shop, conveniently located near popular trailheads

Ute Mountaineer

Perfect for last-minute gear, trail maps, or a quick bike check before your ride

Safety Tips for Mountain Biking in Aspen, CO
  • •Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted mountain bike helmet — Aspen trails are technical
  • •Acclimatize first: Aspen sits at 8,000 ft — give yourself 1-2 days to acclimatize before hard rides, especially if flying in
  • •Watch for thunderstorms: Afternoon summer storms build fast in the Rockies — start early and be off exposed terrain by 2 PM
  • •Bring water & snacks: High altitude increases dehydration. Bring more water than you think you need plus energy snacks
  • •Know wildlife etiquette: Aspen has bears, moose, and elk. Make noise on blind corners and know how to react to wildlife
Trail Location
Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap

Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA

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Explore More Philadelphia Bike Trails

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Current Weather
50°F
Clear Sky
8 mph
Wind
0 mm
Precipitation
Ride Conditions: Good

Decent riding conditions today.

Live data via Open-Meteo · Austin, TX

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