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DISCOVER GREAT LOCAL RIDES & EVENTS

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We're excited to share these fantastic cycling routes, complete with essential details, user-friendly navigation, and turn-by-turn directions that works seamlessly on any device. Join our thriving cycling community, committed to exploring, engaging in our community, and sharing valuable tips.

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ALL ROUTES

GRAVEL ROUTESROAD ROUTESMOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILHEADSBIKE PATH ROUTES

GRAVEL ROUTES

Boulder, Colorado is a gravel riding paradise. Ride any direction from our shop and you'll find a gravel road or path that takes you off the beaten path. We are lucky to have such a variety of terrain options to mix up your ride. Flat roads, grinding climbs, single-track adventures, and everything in between. Check out some of our recommended routes and explore Boulder and the Front Range the best way we know how!

GRAVEL RIDING IN BOULDER, CO

GOLD HILL/CHAPMAN DRIVE

GOLD HILL/CHAPMAN DRIVE | 30 MILES

For those looking for a challenge on an iconic Boulder ride. This route features multiple extended steep dirt climbs and technical dirt descents. The views from Gold Hill and Chapman make all the hard work worth it!

niwot - open sky

OPEN SKY - NIWOT | 29.6 MILES

This mixed surface loop features a few short rollers and plenty of stunning views of the Front Range mountains. The terrain and gravel\dirt is usually in good condition, and in ideal conditions can be done on a road bike (with big tires). While it is a ride with relatively little climbing, it may be challenging for newer riders due to the number of rolling hills.

logan mill, switzerland trail, sugarloaf

LOGAN MILL > SWITZERLAND TRAIL > SUGARLOAF | 41.5 MILES

This challenging gravel ride features several extended, steep climbs, and several long gravel descents that can be quite technical on rough roads. This route is intended for advanced riders only and has a mid-ride stopping option in Nederland.

ROAD ROUTES


Pristine pavement and bike-friendly roads are the name of the game in Boulder. We are fortunate to have the ability to ride 12 months of the year on the road. With route options that range from flat and rolling rides adjacent to the foothills or into the mountains on sweeping switchbacks with awe-inspiring views, there is no shortage of variety in Boulder County and beyond. Take on a challenge with one of our recommended rides, ranging from short, in-town climbs to epic adventures through our winding canyons that take you towards the continental divide.

ROAD RIDING IN BOULDER, CO

CARTER LAKE

CARTER LAKE | 67.4 MILES

The Carter Lake loop is a classic Boulder road ride. It's perfect early/late season, or mid-summer if you get out early. While mostly flat, there are some significant rollers, and the climb up to Carter Lake is a moderate one. The descent down from Carter Lake is steep in places, so please be careful when descending (especially around traffic).

WARD VIA HWY 36

WARD VIA US 36 | 52.7 MILES

This long, stunning climb features easy gradients, beautiful creek views, and smooth pavement. The only challenging part is the last mile into Ward, so make sure to save energy for that part!

NCAR

NCAR | 14 MILES

This climbing road ride passes through Boulder, the CU campus, and up to NCAR. The ride through Boulder and the CU campus can be busy, but it's a beautiful route to NCAR. The NCAR climb is stead, not too steep, and has great pavement. You can optionally ride multiple NCAR laps for bonus points.

MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTES & TRAILHEADS

On the outskirts of Boulder, you can find a wide range of trail-riding options. Most trailheads have options for beginners and experts alike. Looking for something closer n town? Take a trip down the bike path from Full Cycle and visit Valmont Bike Park with a variety of terrain for different riding styles.

MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS IN BOULDER, CO

MARSHALL MESA

MARSHALL MESA | 12.4 MILES

Marshall Mesa is an easy to moderate South Boulder trail system with stunning views of the Flatirons. This is a great starting point if you're getting into mountain biking (or if you're an advanced gravel rider). Optionally, this ride can be done from the shop if you want to add on some bike path commuting to your workout.

BETESSO

BETASSO | 6.9 MILES

The Betasso Preserve is one of the best beginner/intermediate trail rides within Boulder. The views and riding conditions at Betasso are among the best in town!

HEIL RANCH

HEIL RANCH | 9.6 MILES

This moderate to advanced mountain bike ride features a lot of rocky terrain which is best ridden on a full suspension bike. Great place to ride when renting a mountain bike! It's not a good place for beginners, unless they really want to test their ability! There are a few technical sections, so please know that ahead of time.

BIKE PATH ROUTES

Visiting Boulder and want to explore our town on two wheels? Check out some of our bike paths to get a tour of the many neighborhoods and greenspaces in Boulder.

BIKE PATH ROUTES IN BOULDER, CO

CREEK PATH ADVENTURE LODGE

CREEK PATH > ADVENTURE LODGE | 11.2 MILES

This charming multi-surface ride takes you through Boulder's downtown and up Boulder Canyon to the Adventure Lodge. This is a fun ride for all ability levels, and features all of the climbing in the first half of the ride, so your ride back into town will be a breeze!

TOUR OF SOUTH BOULDER

TOUR OF SOUTH BOULDER | 22.9 MILES

This meandering bike path ride takes you throughout the South Boulder bike path network and all the way down to Superior on the new 36 bike path. It's perfect for an all day bike adventure for those new to town, or a fun coffee ride that has an option to ride further south towards Denver!

BOULDER BIKE PATH

BOULDER BIKE PATH | 18.2 MILES

This is a mostly flat, almost entirely bike path ride from Full Cycle down to Marshall Mesa and back via multiple connected bike paths. It is a perfect ride for those new to the area, looking for a non-technical ride, that is almost entirely on a bike path