FIVE CHALLENGING ROAD-BIKING ROUTES IN COLORADO
Mount Evans Road
Distance: 48 miles (77 kilometers)
Start/End: Idaho Springs
Elevation Gain: 5,540 feet (1,689 meters)
Time: 2.5 hours
Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Distance: 28 miles (45.1 kilometers)
Start/End: Estes Park/Grand Lake
Elevation Gain: 4,661 feet (1,421 meters)
Time: 6 hours
Independence Pass
Distance: 37.6 miles (60.5 kilometers)
Start/End: Aspen/Twin Lakes
Elevation Gain: 4,187 feet (1,276 meters)
Time: 3.5 hours
Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance: 55 miles (88.5 kilometers)
Start/End: Estes Park/Black Hawk and Central City
Time: 3.5 hours
Loveland Pass
Distance: 19 miles (30.6 kilometers)
Start/End: Dillon/Intersection of I-70 and US Hwy. 6
Highest Elevation: 11,930 feet (3,636 meters)
Time: 1.5 hours
Mount Evans Road
Distance: 48 miles (77 kilometers)
Start/End:
Idaho Springs
Elevation Gain: 5,540 feet (1,689 meters)
Time: 2.5 hours
Cycling to the peak of one of the nation’s highest points certainly isn’t easy, but every summer, throngs of cyclists test their will against this 48-mile incline. The route runs through a variety of ecosystems, from forested glades to high-altitude tundra. But be wary; when the trees disappear, so do the guardrails. Near the peak, the road begins a lengthy section of switchbacks. At the top, views of the Rocky Mountains expand across the horizon and overlook massive, serrated peaks. Look to the far end of the parking lot for an informational sign identifying each jagged mountain. While catching your breath before tackling the sharp downhill, walk over to the roofless stone building where rangers are often found giving hands-on lectures regarding the plants and animals found in the area. Riders will also find a bicycle parking area at the summit.
Once you’ve completed the route, consider a stop in Idaho Springs and a soak in their natural hot spring pool. The town’s many restaurants and cafés are ideal for replenishing your reserves with a late lunch.
Quick Tip: There are no services along the way, so be sure to bring a bike kit along. Weather can change quickly at this altitude, so layered, water-resistant clothing is highly recommended. The road is closed due to winter conditions from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and is open weather permitting.
Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Distance: 28 miles (45.1 kilometers)
Start/End:
Estes Park/
Grand Lake
Elevation Gain: 4,661 feet (1,421 meters)
Time: 6 hours
The grandeur of rocky peaks and lush blankets of pine trees accompany riders along this route. Grazing elk, bighorn sheep and other animals are common visitors to the roadside and surrounding cliffs. The ride combines straight-aways with twists in the road that showcase aspects of the park’s beauty. Higher up, tundra with brush no taller than a few feet is a contrast to the granite peaks of the Rockies that loom like immovable giants in the distance. The most scenic section of the ride comes across 4.5 miles of roadway that travel continuously at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet. This section provides the best opportunity to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery.
At either end of the trip, Estes Park and Grand Lake are filled with places to eat, stay and play before and after your epic ride.
Quick Tip: Services are limited along the route, with a few ranger stations interspersed along the 28-mile ride. Traffic can be heavy toward the middle of summer, though drivers are usually courteous and well warned to share the road with cyclists. Even if you don’t need to, it’s a good idea to stop at a few of the overlooks along the way to enjoy scenery as you give your body a break. Consider stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center, somewhat of a halfway marker between park entrances, complete with a snack bar and viewing stations. Cyclists should be aware of two switchback sections in particular, those near Fairview Curve and Rainbow Curve. Views are spectacular here, so drivers may be more focused on the scenery than on laboring cyclists. Road closures generally occur between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Independence Pass
Distance: 37.6 miles (60.5 kilometers)
Start/End:
Aspen/
Twin Lakes
Elevation Gain: 4,187 feet (1,276 meters)
Time: 3.5 hours
The road rises to its zenith at 12,095 feet. Aspens and evergreens dissolve into one another as a lush valley meanders below. The peaks of the surrounding mountains cut jagged lines against the sharp blue sky. Riding the route just before its fall closure is an ideal way to see the aspens’ colors change from green to shimmering gold and orange. The town of Aspen, one of the ride’s endpoints, certainly has everything. If you finish your ride here, consider stopping by one of the many spas to help work out any knots the journey may have caused. Twin Lakes, while not as posh as Aspen, is certainly just as scenic. Ending your ride here means not having to change out of your cycling attire before heading off to an energy-replenishing brunch, lunch or dinner.
Quick Tip: Due to its high altitude and winter road conditions, this route is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance: 55 miles (88.5 kilometers)
Start/End:
Estes Park/
Black Hawk and
Central City
Time: 3.5 hours
As you ride, skirting the lower ridges of the Front Range, make sure to take in views of the craggy Indian Peaks and the hulking mass of Longs Peak near Allenspark. As the name suggests, the byway runs along the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, which create undulations in the road. The constant increase and decrease in elevation make for a challenging and varied ride. A number of towns are located along this 55-mile stretch, each offering places to stop and rest. If your ride takes you north to south, your final stop will be in the gaming towns of Black Hawk and Central City. If you take the route north, you’ll end up at the doorstep to Rocky Mountain National Park in evergreen-laden Estes Park.
Quick Tip: Estes Park, Black Hawk and Central City are all within a short drive from Denver. If you’re staying in the city, but want to spend a day cycling, consider this epic ride.
Loveland Pass
Distance: 19 miles (30.6 kilometers)
Start/End:
Dillon/Intersection of I-70 and US Hwy. 6
Highest Elevation: 11,930 feet (3,636 meters)
Time: 1.5 hours
Loveland Pass is a popular route used by Denver locals to access nearby ski areas in the winter. In the spring, summer and fall, when temperatures are more welcoming, cyclists power over the Continental Divide on this switchback-heavy route. The road is a constant climb, with a steady 6.7 percent grade. Riders in need of a breather should use Keystone as a rest point. Keystone, a winter ski area, is also a full-service town year-round. The town of Dillon, on the route’s western end is quaint and welcoming, and a number of residents are avid cyclists themselves. The entire ride laces through evergreen forests. The top of the switchback section provides a superb vantage point for views into a high-mountain valley.
Quick Tip: While this road is open year-round, it’s best to schedule a ride during the relatively warmer months of spring, summer and fall.
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Updated: 07/14/2008
