Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Colorado

Delta County

The best road cycling routes in Delta County

5.0

(1)

51

riders

7

rides

Road cycling in Delta County, Colorado, offers diverse terrain across upland mesas, along river valleys, and through agricultural lands. The region is characterized by spectacular mountain scenery, including views of the Grand Mesa, the West Elk Range, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Cyclists encounter varied landscapes, from canyon floors to alpine heights, passing fruit orchards and farms. This area provides numerous rural roads for exploration.

Best road cycling routes in Delta County

  • The most popular road…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

#1.

Paonia State Park to McClure Pass via West Elk Scenic Byway

65.0km

03:09

930m

930m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

19

riders

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

4

riders

34.0km

01:49

350m

350m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

5

riders

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Delta County

Hiking in Delta County

Cycling in Delta County

Running Trails in Delta County

Tips from the Community

maniboyflex
May 22, 2025, Ward Creek Reservoir

Ward Creek Reservoir sits just off Highway 65. Take a short detour to stretch your legs, spot birds, and enjoy views of the aspens and calm waters. A few kilometers further, you’ll reach Ward Lake Campground, a great place to spend the night.

0

0

Situated at 9,800 feet elevation in the Grand Mesa National Forest, Jumbo Reservoir is an alpine lake nestled close to Sunset Lake and Mesa Lake along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. It’s a great option to end your ride, enjoy the lake views, and spend the night at Jumbo Campground. The campground has picnic tables and vault toilets, and from there, you can access various hiking and biking trails, including the West Bench Trail No. 501, which stretches for several miles through the area.

0

0

Cobbett Lake is just off Highway 65 on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. It’s an ideal spot for a short break during your ride, with shaded areas and views of the surrounding spruce forest. The adjacent Cobbett Lake Campground offers amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets, and it’s a good option if you’re planning an overnight trip. From the campground, you can also access other lakes and several hiking trails.

0

0

maniboyflex
May 22, 2025, Mesa Lake

This is a pristine and beautiful lake just off the route, perfect for a short break. You can also leave your bike for a moment to hike the loop around the lake and admire its green, crystal-clear water.

0

0

Climbing Grand Mesa from Cedaredge is a monumental ascent onto the world's largest flat-topped mountain. Prepare for a very long 19 mile climb averaging a moderate 4.7% over 4,500ft to reach elevations above 10,800ft. As you climb you'll see the changing scenery from orchards to alpine forests and lakes. The key challenges are the significant altitude and highly variable mountain weather. Crucially the current road status before attempting this climb as the upper section of the CO-65 over Grand Mesa is SEASONALLY CLOSED in mid-April.

0

0

Alexandra P
November 6, 2023, McClure Pass

McClure Pass is a high mountain pass in western Colorado, along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. It's located between the towns of Redstone and Somerset, not far from Carbondale and Paonia. You can enjoy amazing views of Colorado's wild landscapes here, and it's a great spot to stop for a break!

1

0

Paonia State Park is a quiet and secluded mountain reservoir within view of the Ragged Mountains. It's a great place to stop your bike and take a break! There is a plethora of wildflowers.

0

0

Javi
May 13, 2023, Mesa Lake

Mesa Lake's tranquility is truly captivating, no wonder it's become one of the most popular places to visit in Grand Mesa. Its mirror-like waters are hypnotizing, but try to stay alert since you might spot a fish jumping out of them, or even a beaver!

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available in Delta County?

Komoot features 6 diverse road cycling routes in Delta County. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate rides through agricultural lands to challenging climbs into the mountains.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Delta County?

Delta County offers a remarkably diverse landscape for road cyclists. You can expect to ride across upland mesas, along river valleys, and through agricultural lands with fruit orchards and farms. Routes also feature spectacular mountain scenery, including views of the Grand Mesa, the West Elk Range, and the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with terrain ranging from canyon floors to alpine heights.

Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders in Delta County?

Yes, Delta County provides several challenging routes for experienced road cyclists. For instance, the Grand Mesa North Climb – Mesa Lake loop from Truck Emergency is a difficult 68.2-mile path exploring the Grand Mesa with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Mesa Lake – Grand Mesa South Climb loop from Robbins Reservoir, which covers over 65 miles with substantial climbing.

Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural landmarks along the road cycling routes?

Absolutely. Many routes offer breathtaking views of natural landmarks. You can enjoy vistas of the Grand Mesa, the West Elk Range, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Specific highlights include Mount Lamborn and various lakes such as Wolverine Lake, Baron Lake, and Cobbett Lake, which are often found along or near cycling paths.

Can I find routes that pass through agricultural areas or orchards?

Yes, many road cycling routes in Delta County traverse agricultural lands. You'll often pass through fruit orchards, cattle ranches, and vegetable farms, offering a unique scenic experience. The Roadbike loop from Paonia is a great example, leading through these agricultural areas.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Delta County?

The best time for road cycling in Delta County is generally from spring through fall. The region experiences diverse weather, with summer offering warm conditions ideal for higher elevations like the Grand Mesa, and spring/fall providing pleasant temperatures for rides through the valleys and agricultural areas. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there any loop road cycling routes in Delta County?

Yes, Delta County features several excellent loop routes. For example, the Roadbike loop from Paonia is a moderate 21.1-mile circuit through agricultural areas. Another option is the Duke Hill loop from Paonia, a moderate 30.4-mile ride. The region research also mentions the Pea Green Loop and the Black Canyon National Park Loop as popular circular routes.

What towns can I start my road cycling journey from in Delta County?

You can conveniently start your road cycling adventures from any of the major towns in Delta County. These include Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Orchard City, Paonia, and Crawford. Each town offers access to different parts of the region's extensive road network.

Are there places to eat or stay near the road cycling routes?

Yes, the local towns in Delta County provide amenities for cyclists. You'll find local restaurants, brewpubs, and various accommodation options in towns like Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Orchard City, Paonia, and Crawford. These towns also offer bike shops for rentals and services.

What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about road cycling in Delta County?

The road cycling experience in Delta County is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging mountain climbs to scenic rides through agricultural valleys, and the spectacular mountain scenery, including views of the Grand Mesa and the Black Canyon.

Are there options for less crowded road cycling in Delta County?

Delta County is known for its uncrowded trails and roads, offering an authentic outdoor experience. Unlike some more popular destinations, you can often find peaceful rides through rural roads, agricultural lands, and even on challenging mountain ascents without heavy traffic, allowing for a more immersive experience in nature.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Delta County?

While many routes in Komoot's selection are moderate to difficult, the region research indicates that Delta County offers routes suitable for various skill levels. The Pea Green Loop, for example, is described as an easy 17-mile circuit through farmland south of Delta, making it a good option for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride.

Most popular routes in Delta County

Easy hikes in Delta County

Most popular attractions in Delta County

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.

Front RangeBoulder CountyWhite River National ForestSawatch RangeJefferson CountySummit CountyEagle CountyLarimer CountyClear Creek CountyEl Paso CountyGilpin CountyLake CountyDouglas CountyMesa CountySan Juan MountainsGarfield CountyRoutt CountyWeld CountyChaffee CountyPark CountyPitkin CountyPike And San Isabel National ForestsLa Plata CountyGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National ForestsGunnison CountyDenver CountyAdams CountyFlat TopsTeller CountyGrand CountyArapahoe CountyMedicine Bow MountainsFremont CountySan Juan CountyOuray CountyArapaho And Roosevelt National ForestsSan Miguel CountyPueblo CountySan Juan National ForestBroomfield CountyJackson CountyBroomfieldElbert CountySaguache County

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

Things to Do in the Grand Mesa

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy