Considering a cycling adventure in the enchanting landscapes of Colorado? Look no further! A paradise for cycling enthusiasts, Colorado offers pristine roads, a vibrant cycling culture and challenging mountainous terrain. Here are some of the best tips to make the most of your cycling experience in this beautiful US state. When will you be cycling through breathtaking Colorado?
A unique cycling destination
Colorado, often considered the mecca for cyclists. The state in the west offers a unique holiday experience. Its scenic roads, authentic cycling community and 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 different from Los Angeles at California, where you will also find beautiful climbs, but where the cycling routes are just less challenging.
Boulder: cycling paradise at 1,600 metres altitude
Boulder, a city located at 1,600 metres above sea level, exudes an authentic American student atmosphere. It is home to the University of Colorado and offers a vibrant cycling culture. This city has been at the top of the list of best cycling cities in the US for years. Whether you are a road cyclist or a gravel rider, Boulder has something for everyone.
In the city
That Boulder as a city breathes cycling is evident not only from the many bike shops and coffee houses (Pearl Street is the place to go), a clubhouse of the famous brand Rapha established, but also from the extensive network of (good) cycle paths, which is also growing rapidly. You will also find 24/7 sales outlets for cycling supplies in several places. You can completely lose yourself by riding a route along the fine network, but perhaps riding the Boulder Creek Path is a better introduction to the city and its immediate surroundings.
Into the mountains
The city is fun, of course, but most road cyclists come to Boulder to take in altimeters. And that, of course, is quite possible. Don't forget that neighbouring Denver is also known as 'the mile high city'. So you are really high up here and it might also be an ideal environment for an altitude training.
Anyway, the mountains, then. There are many good options to get the legs in optimal shape. The classic climbs from Boulder include Flagstaff Mountain (a nice route of 5.5 kilometres at 6.2% average) and Sunshine Canyon (14.5 kilometres at 5.7% average with a max of 10%).
Good start - Fearsome Foursome Route
Want to start right away? Then ride the Fearsome Foursome, taking in the climbs of Flagstaff Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Magnolia and Sunshine Canyon. That puts you at 2600 altimeters in 80 kilometres of cycling. Nice. Not to mention, you ride through the hamlet of Holland on this route. Time for a photo stop and a moment to catch your breath because you really are at serious altitude here, 2500 metres above sea level.
Peak to Peak
Another great alternative is the opportunity to drive the 'Peak to Peak' highway. This is high on the list of many and is also considered one of the 'most epic' drives in all of Colorado. The route runs between Blackhawk in Colorado and the aforementioned Netherlands. The route totals nearly 100 kilometres, containing over 1,200 altimeters.
If you want to ride the coolest route, you start from Blackhawk and there it goes up fast. You ride part of it over the aforementioned Fearsome Foursome here, but the beginning, the climb to Cold Springs (where there is also a campground) is really tough. Remember that you are riding at altitude here! If you look around you can see over the trees the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
After a downhill and more hilly section, you start climbing again in Holland. There it goes back to 8% as well, before continuing to climb to almost 2850m altitude later, after a short descent. You cover about 450 altimeters in 16 kilometres. If you do the climb from Boulder itself, it is more than 30 kilometres at an average of 4 to 5%. After reaching Ward (stop here for coffee!)you descend again to the final exit point in Estes Park. Note that if you do the whole route, you'll be on the road for (almost more than) a day!
Gravel time
That at the foot of the Rocky mountains and with such canyons you could also ride gravel seems more than obvious. What is characteristic of this type of location (in the mountains, near a big city) is that the major roads are well paved, but the smaller roads in particular are quickly unpaved. Heaven for a gravel addict.
One of the best tips is to drive to the north or west of the city in the warmer months on the gravelbike. Consider a scenic drive to the Sunshine Canyon. From there, you can get delightfully 'lost' on the local trails.
Another cool spot is the so-called 'cowboy loop', which runs at the north end of town. Easy, solid gravel and you drive a bit through the farm roads there via 55th past Boulder Reservoir and then continue up via 39 to the Cowboy near 66th. Then you drive east via the town of Hygiene and then back via Crane Hollow Road. Easy Peasy. It's really vast there and you'll never get bored.
Want to know more about graveling in Boulder? Then check out the site of Gravel Bike Adventures
Our tips for Boulder and beyond
- Want to get your day off to a good start with coffee before your drive? Then drop in at 'The Tune Up'. This coffee house/café cum bike shop (Full Cycle) is the place to be in Boulder. Good coffee and you're up to date with the latest cycling news too.
- If you make your drive to NETHERLANDS, you can go to Salto Coffee for the best Espresso in town.
- Boulder Cycle Sport is your go-to place to score a new bike (should you live in Boulder). You'll also find the biggest selection of bike gear here. In case you lost something while travelling, or you need extra things.
- Already mentioned, but at Full Cycle rent great bikes too!
- If you want to sleep in an a-typical hotel that does have all the essentials for a good cycling trip, then A-Lodge in Boulder your Place to stay. The hot-tub, shuttle service and more are perfect for your cycling adventure in Colorado.
