Shakedown Ride - Local Loop to check out your bike's health and to acclimatise to our new surroundings and the altitude.

Your Colorado adventure begins with one of Boulder’s most famous climbs, Flagstaff Hill.

This challenging but rewarding ascent winds through forested switchbacks, offering stunning views of Boulder and the surrounding Front Range. With consistent gradients and a max pitch of 10%, this climb sets the tone for the epic mountain rides ahead.

The descent is fast and exhilarating, leading us back into town to reflect on an incredible first day on the bike. 🚴‍♂️⛰️


🌄 Route Highlights

1. Immediate Climb (Baseline to Flagstaff Road)
The ride starts climbing immediately from Baseline — no warm-up!
The first mile is steep and lets you know what kind of ride this is.
Expect 8–10% gradients in some parts.

2. Scenic Overlooks
Along the way, there are pull-offs with sweeping views of Boulder and the plains.
Best known: Panorama Point and Realisation Point
Great spots for a breather, photos, or just soaking in the view.

3. Pine Forest Vibes
As you climb, you transition into a cool, shaded forest.
You’ll ride through classic Colorado pine, with the scent of fresh air and sun-warmed trees.

4. Realisation Point
A natural turnaround spot for many riders.
There’s a gravel parking lot, restrooms, and benches.
Views across to the Flatirons and into the canyons.

5. Optional Push to the Summit
If you’re feeling strong, continue past Realisation Point up Flagstaff Summit Road.
The gradient steepens and the road narrows.
Reward: A quieter, almost alpine feel — and views from Lost Gulch Overlook or Sunrise Amphitheater.

6. Thrilling Descent
Technical descent with tight turns, fast drops, and amazing flow.
You'll feel like you're in a mountain switchback race — just watch for debris and cars on corners

Notable Climbs ⛰️

Flagstaff Hill
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 9.4km
Elevation Gain: 655m
Summit Elevation: 2,387m
Average Gradient: 7%
Max Gradient: 10%

A steady climb through Boulder Canyon, this ride offers smooth tarmac, flowing gradients, and stunning rock formations lining the route.

Perfect for building endurance, this climb is deceptively long and offers a great warm-up before the higher-elevation passes in the days ahead.🚴‍♂️🔥🏔️


🌄 Route Highlights

1. Boulder Canyon Climb
It starts climbing basically the second you leave Boulder. No mercy.
~26km of steady grade, generally 4–6%, but long.
Road follows Boulder Creek, with big rock walls, river views, and lots of canyon drama.
Shady in the morning, which helps unless you're a lizard.

2. Passing Boulder Falls
Small detour or visual treat mid-way up — Boulder Falls, where tourists park terribly and wander into the road -Try not to hit them.

3. Scenic River & Canyon Walls
The creek gurgles by and gives you cool mountain vibes.
Massive granite cliffs make you feel like you’re in a postcard that smells like sunscreen and ambition.

4. Train Tunnels and Rustic Vibes
You’ll pass the Swiss-style train tunnels, some mining stuff, and cabins tucked into the woods.
This whole ride feels like you’re chasing a marmot into a Coors commercial.

5. Nederland
When you get to Ned, enjoy the weird mountain-town charm.
Fuel stop options: Salto Coffee, New Moon Bakery, or a quick freakout at Carousel of Happiness (yes, it’s a real thing).

6. Descent
The descent is fast — long, curving, and at times sketchy.
Watch for gravel, wind gusts, and cars that don’t understand physics.
Speed limit is 60-70km but... you’ll be testing that, won’t you?

Notable Climbs ⛰️

Boulder Canyon
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 23.9km
Elevation Gain: 910m
Summit Elevation: 2,442m
Average Gradient: 5%
Max Gradient: 8%

Bear Lake Road is one of the most scenic climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Riders looking for an active recovery day can enjoy the gradual ascent through alpine meadows, while those pushing for a strong effort can test their legs on the final steeper sections.🚴‍♂️🔥🏔️


🌄 Route Highlights

1. Epic Alpine Scenery
The views just get better the higher you go: forested slopes, mountain meadows, peaks over 3600m, and maybe even elk chilling by the road like they own the place.

2. Bear Lake Road
This is one of the most beautiful roads to cycle in RMNP:

18 km of climbing - Perfect pavement - Lush alpine forest
Occasionally opens up to dramatic views of the Continental Divide

3. Altitude Challenge
You’re climbing from about 2300m to 2900m, so even though the average grade is manageable (~5–6%), the thin air makes it feel a lot harder.
You’ll feel it in your breathing and legs — pacing is key.

4. Bear Lake
The top of the ride ends at Bear Lake Trailhead, one of the most scenic (and popular) destinations in the park.
Park the bike and take a quick hike around the lake for a bonus leg shake-out.
Bathrooms and water are available at the top.

5. The Descent
You’re in for a fast, sweeping, and gorgeous descent.
Be cautious of shuttle buses and distracted drivers — this is a tourist-heavy area.
But otherwise, it’s pure flow back down.


Notable Climbs ⛰️

Bear Lake Rd
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 11.5km
Elevation Gain: 470m
Summit Elevation: 2,880m
Average Gradient: 4%
Max Gradient: 5.9%

You're officially in legend territory now — cycling Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake and back is one of the most iconic, epic, and brutal road rides in the United States.

This route is jaw-dropping in every way: views, altitude, length, and pain.

Climbing one of the highest paved roads in the USA, this ride is a true test of endurance and altitude adaptation.

With long exposed sections and breathtaking panoramic views, reaching the summit at Milner Pass is an unforgettable achievement.

This is what alpine riding is all about. 🚴‍♂️🔥🏔️

🌄 Route Highlights

1. Trail Ridge Road
This is the crown jewel of RMNP.
It connects Estes Park (East) to Grand Lake (West) over the Continental Divide.
You’ll climb for 32+ km from Estes to the summit (3713m), then descend into Grand Lake — and reverse that on the way back.
This road is literally above the tree line, and feels like riding on the spine of the world.

2. Alpine Tundra Magic
Miles and miles of surreal tundra landscapes above 3350m — windswept, open, and lunar-feeling.
Wildflowers in summer, snowfields even in June.
Herds of elk, marmots, pikas, and maybe even bighorn sheep.

3. Milner Pass & Continental Divide
This is the symbolic and literal halfway point: Milner Pass, at 3280m.
3There’s a little sign marking the Continental Divide, and it feels like a mini victory summit.

4. Descent to Grand Lake
You descend ~900m into piney forests with sweeping curves, rivers, and views of Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake.
It’s beautiful and quiet on this side of the park.

5. The Return Climb
From Grand Lake, you climb back over the Divide.
It’s long and sustained — ~30km of climbing again — but totally different in vibe than the Estes side.
By this point you’re tired and the altitude is laughing at you.


Notable Climbs ⛰️

Trail Ridge Road (South)
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 25.9km
Elevation Gain: 1207m
Summit Elevation: 3701m
Average Gradient: 4.7%
Max Gradient: 5.9%

Trail Ridge Road (Milner Pass)
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 19.7km
Elevation Gain: 961m
Summit Elevation: 3715m
Average Gradient: 4.9%
Max Gradient: 6.3%

Devil’s Gulch Road is a hidden gem of northern Colorado riding — and looping it from Estes Park to Loveland and back gives you a mix of rugged canyons, open valley riding, and big scenic payoffs.

This is one of those routes that feels remote but keeps surprising you with how good the riding is.🚴‍♂️🏔️


🌄 Route Highlights

1. Devil’s Gulch Road Descent
One of the best descents in the region: fast, winding, and scenic as hell (pun intended).
You drop ~600m into the valley through tight curves and sweeping switchbacks.
Great pavement and low traffic.
Views of Lumpy Ridge, forest canyons, and wide-open prairie at the bottom.

2. The Open Valley
At the bottom, it flattens out — ranch land, classic Colorado scenery.
You can roll gently toward Loveland, or choose a turnaround spot based on how you're feeling.
It’s peaceful, quiet, and wide open — huge contrast to alpine Estes.

3. The Return Climb
Now you’ve got to earn it — climbing Devil’s Gulch Road back up to Estes is a long, steady pull.
~10km of climbing at a manageable 4–6% average grade. A few tougher ramps, but nothing insane.

The switchbacks near the top are iconic and make for an amazing photo stop. 📷

Notable Climbs ⛰️

Devil's Gulch Rd
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 28.1km
Elevation Gain: 792m
Summit Elevation: 2432m
Average Gradient: 2.8%
Max Gradient: 10%

Returning to Trail Ridge Road, but this time from the northern approach, riders will experience a long, sustained climb with unforgettable alpine views.

This is a bucket-list ride for any mountain cyclist, offering thin air, winding roads, and a true test of endurance.

Today is about endurance, pacing, and pure climbing grit. If you’ve got the legs, Trail Ridge Road (North) will give you an unforgettable ride. 🚴‍♂️🔥🏔️

🌄 Route Highlights

1. Trail Ridge Road Climb
The climbing starts almost right out of Estes — Deer Ridge Junction (2805m) comes early, then it’s on to Rainbow Curve and beyond.
The grade is steady: 5–7% most of the way.
It’s a long, high climb that just keeps delivering views.

2. Rainbow Curve Overlook
About halfway up (~3200m), this overlook gives you panoramic views of Estes Park, the valley below, and massive peaks in every direction.
Great stop for water, snacks, and jaw-dropping photos. 📷📷

3. Alpine Tundra Landscape
Once you get above 3000m, the trees thin out and you enter the alpine tundra zone.
You’ll see marmots, maybe pikas, and incredible sweeping views of the Continental Divide.

4. Old Fall River Road Entrance
This is your turnaround point.
From here, you’d normally go up Fall River Road (a steep, one-way dirt road to the Alpine Visitor Center), but in this case, you pause, breathe in that pure, high-altitude air, and get ready for a thrilling descent.

5. The Descent
Oh yes. Coming down Trail Ridge is one of the best descents in Colorado.
Long, sweeping, smooth, with huge views — just be ready for strong crosswinds in the alpine section and distracted tourists in rental cars.


Notable Climbs ⛰️

Trail Ridge Road (North)
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 27.1km
Elevation Gain: 1162m
Summit Elevation: 3710m
Average Gradient: 4.3%
Max Gradient: 6.0%

Transfer day - a perfect day to put the legs up today or enjoy a perfect recovery ride for those looking to keep the legs moving while still taking it easy before the next big day or....

The out-and-back from Idaho Springs to Berthoud Pass is a serious climb, one of Colorado’s great “big mountain” rides. It’s got classic switchbacks, thin air, big-mountain vibes, and a real sense of adventure — with a crisp, winding descent as the reward.🚴‍♂️🏔️

🌄 Route Highlights

1. Smooth Climb through Forest & Switchbacks
You’ll leave Idaho Springs and warm up with some gentle climbing on US-40 past Lawson and Empire.
From Empire, the real climb starts: Berthoud Pass is 18km of steady switchbacks and beautiful alpine scenery.
The grade is steady and manageable (~4–6%) with wide turns and great rhythm.

2. The Climb to Berthoud Pass
Berthoud is a classic Colorado HC climb — big, high, long.
You’ll ride through dense forest, past waterfalls and cliffs, until you break treeline near the top.

The final stretch is windswept alpine, with the summit at 3446m — marked by a big sign and parking lot.

3. Epic Descent
You get to rip the entire descent back to Empire and then coast down to Idaho Springs — one of the best rewards for your effort.
Long, fast, swoopy turns — just watch for crosswinds and traffic on the upper section.

Notable Climbs ⛰️

Berthoud Pass
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 17.8km
Elevation Gain: 712m
Summit Elevation: 3217m
Average Gradient: 4.0%
Max Gradient: 5.3%

Mount Blue Sky (formally known as Mount Evans) is the ultimate Colorado challenge, climbing to the highest paved road in North America.

Riding from Idaho Springs to Mount Blue Sky is a bucket-list climb— the highest paved roads in North America, topping out at 4,307m.

It's an epic adventure with unforgettable views and a serious test of your legs, lungs, and mental grit.

With high-altitude exposure, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking summit views, this is one of the most rewarding climbs in the world.🚴‍♂️🔥🏔️


🗺️ Route Description

Idaho Springs to Echo Lake (~22km)

Gentle to moderate climb on Highway 103

Beautiful pine forest, good pavement, moderate traffic

Echo Lake Lodge is a popular rest point with water, snacks, and restrooms - Elevation: ~3050m

Echo Lake to Summit (Mount Blue Sky Road / CO-5) (~22km)

Toll road (free for cyclists), no services after Echo Lake

Steady climb, exposed to wind, alpine tundra starts quickly

The last 8km are brutal: thinner air, steeper sections, often windy

Hairpins and switchbacks (21) with panoramic views
Summit views are out of this world—on a clear day, you can see the Rockies stretch forever

🌟Ride Highlights

🏔️ At 4307m with your bike—fewer than a dozen roads in the world get this high
🌲 Echo Lake: Stunning lake with a great alpine backdrop; good rest stop
🦌 Wildlife sightings: Mountain goats, marmots, bighorn sheep, and birds of prey
🌄 Tundra beauty: Above the treeline, the landscape is stark and surreal
📸 Views from the top: Unobstructed, 360-degree panoramas of the Rockies


Notable Climbs ⛰️

Mount Blue Sky
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 44.1km
Elevation Gain: 2003m
Summit Elevation: 4307m
Average Gradient: 4.5%
Max Gradient: 6.0%

An iconic Colorado climb, Loveland Pass offers breathtaking mountain views and a high-altitude summit that rewards every pedal stroke.

Idaho Springs to Loveland Pass and back is a seriously epic ride. You're linking up a classic Front Range alpine ascent with high-altitude hairpins, expansive views, and a real sense of accomplishment. Not to be confused with the town of Loveland — you’re aiming for Loveland Pass (3655m), one of the highest paved mountain passes in Colorado that bikes are allowed to summit.🚴‍♂️🔥🏔️

🌄 Route Highlights

1. Warm-up Climb to Empire
Leaving Idaho Springs, you get a nice, steady climb on US-40 through cute mountain towns like Lawson, Downieville, and Empire.
Scenic forested riding with creek crossings and old mining remnants.

2. Berthoud Falls to Loveland Valley
As you approach Berthoud Falls, you’ll swing toward Loveland Ski Area.
It’s a bit of a grind, but views start to open up as the forest thins.

3. The Big Climb: Loveland Pass (East Side)
From the base near Loveland Ski Area, you begin one of Colorado’s most iconic climbs:
6km - ~400m elevation gain - Average grade: ~6.5% - Tops out at 3655m
It’s switchback city — especially the last 3km. Totally exposed and stunning.
Incredible views of the Continental Divide, the ski area, and the vastness of Summit County.

4. Summit of Loveland Pass
Huge reward. You’re just shy of 3700m, above treeline. There's a big sign and pull-off with panoramic views of the Rockies.
On a clear day, you can see Grays & Torreys Peaks — two 14ers nearby.

5. Descent Back
The descent is fast, flowing, and open, with incredible lines of sight.
Return ride is mostly downhill or rolling until Empire, then a cruise back into Idaho Springs.

Notable Climbs ⛰️

Loveland Pass
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 25.8km
Elevation Gain: 1047m
Summit Elevation: 3655m
Average Gradient: 4.1%
Max Gradient: 6.6%

Wow, you’ve set yourself up for an absolute beast of a ride!

The route you're planning — from Idaho Springs via Squaw Pass, Juniper Pass, Golden, Lookout Mountain, and back — is a true Queen Stage of Colorado cycling. 🫅

This will push you to the max with serious climbing, jaw-dropping views, varied terrain, and a mix of front range history and high-altitude alpine glory.🚴‍♂️🏔️

🌄 Route Highlights

1. The Early Grind: Idaho Springs to Squaw Pass
The ride kicks off with a solid climb out of Idaho Springs on Squaw Pass Road.
You’ll get into the groove with a moderate ~5% average climb for about 13km.
The scenery starts strong: pine forests, views of Mt. Evans, and rolling hills.

2. Squaw Pass to Juniper Pass
After the Squaw Pass summit, you get a rolling section before diving into the more demanding climb up Juniper Pass.
16km climb with some sections reaching 8% grade.
You’ll pass through an open alpine landscape with views of the Continental Divide, distant peaks, and vast forested valleys.
A real high-altitude feel: expect to crest 3400m.

3. Juniper Pass to Golden
Once you descend from Juniper Pass, the road winds down to Golden.
This descent is fast and sweeping, but be mindful of hairpin turns and some of the quicker stretches.
Golden is nestled in a beautiful valley, offering a nice reprieve and a spot for a snack or water refill.

4. Golden to Lookout Mountain
After fueling up in Golden, the next hard climb is Lookout Mountain: ~10km at an average 6% grade.
It’s relentless but worth it for the views and the history — Lookout Mountain is famous for its panoramic vistas of the Denver metro area, the Front Range, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Buffalo Bill's Grave is a small landmark near the summit, where you can take a break, soak in history, and enjoy the stunning vistas.

5. Lookout Mountain to Squaw Pass
The descent down from Lookout Mountain is a delightful, fast, curvy route, with gorgeous views over Golden and Denver as you head back toward Squaw Pass.
Warning: Watch for traffic — Lookout Mountain is a popular spot for tourists, so make sure you’re on alert.

6. Return via Squaw Pass (NW)
After hitting Squaw Pass, you’ll face the same climb back up (but on the northwest side of the pass).
It’s a tough but rewarding final push to the finish — you've already done so much climbing, and this is just the final reminder that this is the Queen Stage. 🫅


Notable Climbs ⛰️

Squaw Pass / Juniper Pass South East
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 20.8km
Elevation Gain: 1141m
Summit Elevation: 3400m
Average Gradient: 5.5%
Max Gradient: 5.9%

Squaw Pass / Juniper Pass North West
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 23.8km
Elevation Gain: 1027m
Summit Elevation: 3400m
Average Gradient: 4.3%
Max Gradient: 5.9%

Lookout Mountain
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 7.2km
Elevation Gain: 389m
Summit Elevation: 2236m
Average Gradient: 5.4%
Max Gradient: 7.0%

One of Colorado’s most scenic mountain passes, Guanella Pass features dense forests, open alpine meadows, and dramatic ridgelines.

The double ascent makes this another serious climbing day.

The route traverses through a canyon for much of the ascent and passes by hydroelectric reservoirs en-route to the summit.

You’ve conquered Stage 1 of the Colorado Rockies Grand Tour — time to raise a glass and celebrate like a champion! 🍾🎉

🌄 Route Highlights

1. Starting the Climb: Idaho Springs to Guanella Pass (South)
You leave Idaho Springs and begin the climb right away on Squaw Pass Road (CO-103), heading south.
The first leg of the ride takes you through beautiful forests and rolling terrain.
The climb starts gentle for about 11km, but you’ll soon encounter more steady ascents with longer grades (6–8%) as you approach Guanella Pass South.

2. Reaching Guanella Pass South
This is the first big checkpoint. The views of the surrounding valleys and peaks are stunning, and the climb to ~3353m is well worth it.
This part of the climb will give you a good sense of the elevation, with the air getting thinner the higher you go.

3. Descent to Grant
After reaching the summit of Guanella Pass South, you start the descent to Grant.
The descent is fast and exhilarating but can be a little tricky with some sharp corners.
You’ll cruise downhill for several miles, passing through alpine meadows and potentially seeing wildlife like elk or bighorn sheep.
Grant is a quiet, small town at the base of the pass.

4. Climb to Guanella Pass North
From Grant, the real challenge begins as you tackle the north side of Guanella Pass.
This side of the pass is a longer and steeper climb than the southern approach.
Expect 8–10% gradients over 12km

The climb can feel tough, especially in the second half, but the alpine tundra views are worth the effort.

5. Summit of Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass is one of the most iconic high-altitude passes in Colorado. At 3556m, it offers amazing panoramic views of the Continental Divide and the Mount Bierstadt area.
You’ll be above the tree line, so the landscape opens up, giving you a true sense of alpine wilderness.

6. Descent Back to Idaho Springs
After taking in the summit views, the ride back is a rewarding descent.
The first section of the descent will be on the north side of Guanella Pass — fast, sweeping turns with breathtaking views down into the valleys.
When you re-enter Idaho Springs, you’ll have completed a huge ride with climbing, sweeping views, and tough mountain challenges.

Notable Climbs 🏔️

Guanella Pass - South
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 17.4km
Elevation Gain: 943m
Summit Elevation: 3553m
Average Gradient: 5.4%
Max Gradient: 8.6%

Guanella Pass - North
🪜Climb Stats:
Length: 20.8km
Elevation Gain: 936m
Summit Elevation: 3556m
Average Gradient: 4.5%
Max Gradient: 8.0%