Cycling through the breathtaking Colorado

Are you considering a cycling adventure in the enchanting landscapes of Colorado? Look no further! Colorado, a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, offers pristine trails, a vibrant cycling culture, and challenging mountain terrains. Here are some of the best tips to make the most of your cycling experience in this beautiful state of the USA. When are you going to cycle through the breathtaking Colorado?

A Unique Cycling Destination

Colorado, often considered the mecca for cyclists. The state in the west offers a unique vacation experience. The picturesque roads, the authentic cycling community, and the mountainous surroundings with its challenging trails make it the perfect place for cycling adventurers. Whether you are an experienced rider or just starting out, Colorado has something for everyone. It is also just as different as Los Angeles in California, Where you can find some beautiful climbs, but where the cycling routes are less challenging.

Boulder: Cycling Paradise at 1600 Meter Height

Boulder, a city located at 1600 meters altitude, exudes an authentic American student atmosphere. It is home to the University of Colorado and offers a vibrant cycling culture. This city has topped the list of best cycling cities in the US for years. Whether you are a race cyclist or a gravel rider, Boulder has something for everyone.

In the city

The fact that Boulder breathes cycling as a city is evident not only in the many bike shops and coffee houses (Pearl Street is the place to go), but also in the clubhouse of the well-known brand. Rapha It is located, but also from the extensive network of (good) cycling paths, which are also rapidly growing. Additionally, you will also find 24/7 sales points for cycling supplies in various locations. You can get completely lost while riding a route through the intricate network, but perhaps cycling the Boulder Creek Path is a better way to get acquainted with the city and its immediate surroundings.

The mountains in

The city is of course nice, but most road cyclists come to Boulder to get to grips with the altitude meters. And that can of course be very rewarding. Don’t forget that neighboring Denver is also known as the ’mile high city’. You are truly in a high altitude environment here, and it might also be an ideal setting for a high-altitude stage race.

But anyway, the mountains. There are many good options to keep your legs in top shape. The classic climbs from Boulder are, among others, Flagstaff Mountain (a beautiful route of 5.5 kilometers at an average of 6.2%) and Sunshine Canyon (14.5 kilometers at an average of 5.7% with a maximum of 10%).

Good start – Fearsome Foursome Route

Want to get started right away? Then try the Fearsome Foursome, which takes you up the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Magnolia, and Sunshine Canyon. That’s 2,600 meters of elevation gain in 80 kilometers of cycling. That’s great fun. And don’t forget: you’ll be riding through the hamlet of Nederland on this route. Time for a photo stop and a moment to take a deep breath because you’re really at a serious altitude here, 2,500 meters above sea level.

From peak to peak

Another nice alternative is the possibility to use the ‘The Peak to Peak Highway Driving. This is high on the list of many people and is also considered one of the ‘most epic’ rides in the world. Colorado. The route runs between Blackhawk in Colorado and the aforementioned Netherlands. The route is a total of almost 100 kilometers, with over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

If you want to ride the coolest route, you start from Blackhawk and it gets really steep from there. You ride part of it over the aforementioned trail. Fearsome Foursome, It’s a bit steep at the beginning, but the climb to Cold Springs (where there’s also a campground) is really tough. Don’t forget that you’re driving at altitude here! Looking around, you can see the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains through the trees.

After a descending and more hilly section, you start climbing again in the Netherlands. There, it will also be about 8% km of climbing to reach the altitude of almost 2850 meters. In 16 kilometers, you will cover about 450 meters of elevation gain. If you do the climb yourself from Boulder, it will be more than 30 kilometers on average of 4 to 5% km. After reaching Ward (stop here for coffee!), you will descend again towards the final destination in Estes Park. Note: if you do the entire route, you will be (almost) a day on the road!

Gravel time

The fact that you could also ride gravel at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and with such canyons seems more than obvious. What is characteristic of this type of location (in the mountains, near a large city) is that the main roads are well paved, but especially the smaller roads are quickly unpaved. Heaven for a gravel addict.

One of the best tips is to drive north or west from the city in the warmer months. gravel bike. Think of a nice ride to Sunshine Canyon. From there you can wander around the local routes at your own pace.

Another cool spot is the so-called ‘cowboy loop’, which runs north of the city. Easy, firm gravel and you drive a bit through the country lanes there via the 55th past Boulder Reservoir and then via the 39 up to the Cowboy near 66th. Then you drive east via the town of Hygiene and then via Crane Hollow Road back. Easy Peasy. It’s really extensive there and you’ll never get bored.

Want to learn more about gravel biking in Boulder? Check out the site of Gravel Bike Adventures

Our tips for Boulder and the like.

1. Would you like to start your day with coffee before your ride? Then come inside at ‘O.W.L. Coffee Roasters‘. This coffee house/café and bicycle shop (Mikes Bikes – Boulder) is the place to be in Boulder. Great coffee and you’re immediately up to date with the latest bike news.
2. If you make your trip to the Netherlands, you can go to Salto Coffee for the best espresso in town.
3. Boulder Cycle Sport Is another good place to score a new bike (if you live in Boulder). You'll also find the largest selection of bike gear here. If you've lost something on your trip, or if you need any extra supplies.
4. Already mentioned, but in Mike’s Bikes Boulder You can also rent excellent bicycles!
5. If you want to sleep in an atypical hotel that has all the essentials for a good cycling trip, then A-Lodge in Boulder Yours Place to stay. The hot tub, the shuttle service, and more are perfect for your cycling adventure in Colorado.