The best road cycling routes around Boulder
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9,444
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192
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Road cycling routes around Boulder offer diverse terrain, from challenging mountain ascents to scenic rolling hills. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, featuring iconic sandstone formations like the Flatirons and numerous canyons. Road cyclists can navigate routes with significant elevation gains or opt for flatter paths alongside rivers and reservoirs. This varied landscape provides a comprehensive road cycling experience for different skill levels.
Best road cycling routes around Boulder
- The most popular road cycling route…
Last updated: September 27, 2026
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422
riders
74.5km
03:59
1,340m
1,340m
The Ward, Lefthand Canyon, and Lee Hill loop from Pearl Street is a popular road cycling route that immerses you in Boulder's iconic mountain landscape. You'll experience the dramatic ascent…
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422
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This road cycling loop from Pearl Street to Jamestown and back is a classic Boulder ride, offering a fantastic blend of challenging climbs and scenic canyon descents. You'll experience the…
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(5)
367
riders
50.4km
02:27
690m
690m
The Jamestown via Olde Stage and Highway 36 loop offers a quintessential Boulder County road cycling experience, blending challenging climbs with scenic canyon descents. You'll navigate the winding roads of…
311
riders
36.9km
03:19
1,020m
1,020m
The Sunshine and Fourmile Canyons to Gold Hill loop offers a classic Boulder road cycling experience, pushing your limits with its substantial climbs. You'll navigate the winding roads of Sunshine…
5.0
(3)
291
riders
117km
05:14
780m
780m
This challenging road cycling route takes you from the urban buzz of Pearl Street in Boulder out into the expansive northern plains and up to the scenic Carter Lake area.…
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Tips from the Community
Steep. Bring your gears. Wonderful views. Ride it early during the week
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Fourmile Canyon Road is a popular cycling spot that connects Boulder Canyon all the way up to the "ghost town" of Gold Hill via Gold Run Road, Gold Hill Road, and the Peak to Peak Highway. This particular section of Fourmile is from Boulder Canyon to Poorman Hill Road, another popular gravel road that connects to Sunshine Canyon.
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Sunshine Canyon is a popular ride that that takes you straight from downtown Boulder up into the foothills past popular hikes like Mount Sanitas and Lions Lair. This upper section of Sunshine Canyon is gravel, but it is generally well-graded, and hard packed; it is frequently completed by local cyclists on road bikes. The only place where the gravel can be a little looser and chunkier is toward the top of the canyon by Gold Hill, so be aware when ascending or descending.
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Lee Hill Drive is a popular, challenging climb that connects the intersection of Lee Hill with Olde Stage just outside of North Boulder, and Lefthand Canyon. The backside of Lee Hill (the Lefthand Canyon side) is a little nicer for climbing because there is less traffic than on the the Boulder side where there is no shoulder on a series of initial switchbacks. Regardless of which way you go up Lee Hill, coming down the 1,400 foot climb is a real treat after the challenging journey up!
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The east end of Pearl Street before you reach the Pedestrian Mall has seen a lot of growth these last few years. There are great restaurants and coffee shops as well as shopping. There are several large outdoors stores from well-known brands, including Patagonia, Arc'Teryx, Backcountry, Stio, and Mont Bell, all within a few blocks of each other. Boxcar Coffee is an excellent place for a post (or mid) ride latte and pastry, and its right next to Rapha, a high-end cycling clothing shop that also serves coffee.
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Although many road cyclists prefer to ride on the narrow, twisting, and well-trafficked road, the recently re-opened Boulder Creek Path, which takes you up to Chapman Drive, is an excellent alternative to what can sometimes be a dangerous-feeling road down the narrow Boulder Canyon. The bike path, which is a mix of concrete and finely-crushed gravel, traverses next to Boulder Creek, crossing under the highway a few times. Sometimes on busy days you can actually move faster on the descent via this path because you're not sitting in traffic with the cars!
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Carter Lake is a beautiful reservoir in Loveland, Colorado and a popular destination with cyclists from Boulder, Fort Collins, and beyond. This overlook is a great place to snap a photo, sip some water, and take in the views before continuing on your ride.
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The Mountain Fountain is a great little country store in the tiny town of Hygiene in an old grocery store that was built in 1945. It is an extremely well-known and popular stop with local cyclists, and they carry a ton of snacks and drinks for you to refuel on your ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find around Boulder?
Boulder's road cycling routes offer a diverse experience, from challenging mountain climbs with significant elevation gains to scenic rolling hills and flatter paths alongside reservoirs. You'll find options for all skill levels, from easy loops to advanced ascents.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, Boulder is known for its demanding climbs. For a rigorous workout, consider the Ward, Lefthand Canyon, and Lee Hill loop from Pearl Street. This difficult 46.3-mile route features significant climbs through canyons and past mountain foothills, taking nearly 4 hours to complete. The region's terrain, including areas like Flagstaff Mountain Road and Left Hand Canyon, provides ample opportunities for advanced cyclists.
Can I find moderate road cycling routes with scenic views?
Absolutely. A popular moderate route is the Jamestown via Olde Stage and Highway 36 loop. This 31.3-mile path offers a mix of steady climbs and scenic descents, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Another option is the Jamestown via Old Stage, Lefthand Canyon, and Lee Hill Drive from Pearl Street loop, which is a moderate 28.6-mile ride.
Are there any easy or family-friendly road cycling routes?
For an easier ride, the Boulder Reservoir loop via 63rd Street, Niwot Road, and 36 from Pearl Street is an excellent choice. This 20.9-mile easy route leads through rolling terrain and past the Boulder Reservoir, typically completed in about 1 hour 26 minutes. The Boulder Creek Path also offers a scenic and continuous path through town, perfect for less strenuous rides.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?
Boulder's routes often feature stunning natural beauty. You can ride past iconic sandstone formations like the Flatirons, enjoy views from overlooks such as Davidson Mesa Overlook, or cycle near water bodies like the Boulder Reservoir and Twin Lakes. The region is also home to various trails like Cottonwood Trail and Cradleboard Trail.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Boulder?
Boulder's mild climate generally extends the cycling season, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors almost year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While some paths are cleared quickly after snowfall, the best conditions for road cycling are typically outside of deep winter.
How do other road cyclists rate the routes in Boulder?
The road cycling routes in Boulder are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 8,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Boulder's varied terrain, often praising the diverse challenges and scenic beauty.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes available?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Hygiene and Carter Lake loop from Pearl Street is a challenging 72.8-mile route. This ride takes you along the Colorado Rockies front range, offering extensive views and a significant workout.
What kind of terrain should I expect on Boulder's road cycling routes?
You can expect a mix of terrain. Many routes feature well-paved roads with generous shoulders, especially on classic loops like North 63rd Street. However, routes venturing into the canyons and mountains will involve steep, winding ascents and descents, often with significant elevation changes. The region's proximity to the Rocky Mountains means you'll encounter everything from rolling hills to challenging mountain passes.
Are there any specific climbs that are popular among road cyclists?
Yes, Boulder is famous for its challenging climbs. Lee Hill Drive Climb is a well-known ascent, often included in longer loops. Flagstaff Mountain Road also offers a steep and winding climb near the iconic Flatirons, providing a memorable experience close to downtown Boulder.
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