The best road cycling routes around Mead
4.1
(26)
544
riders
34
rides
Road cycling routes around Mead are characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain, offering accessible paths through rural landscapes. The region features agricultural areas and views of the St. Vrain Creek, providing a serene backdrop for rides. Its location in Weld County connects to broader trail networks, enhancing cycling opportunities. The area's topography is generally low-lying, with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for various skill levels.
Best road cycling routes around Mead
- The most popular road cycling route is Longmont Loop and Saint Vrain Greenway, a 22.4 miles (36.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 46 minutes to complete. This route features paved paths and views of St. Vrain Creek.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Saint Vrain Greenway and Longmont Loop, an easy 14.7 miles (23.6 km) path. It offers a mostly paved surface, ideal for various skill levels.
- Local road cyclists also love the Roadbike loop from Calkins Reservoir, a 26.3 miles (42.3 km) trail leading through agricultural fields, often completed in about 2 hours 10 minutes.
- Road cycling around Mead is defined by rural landscapes, flat terrain, and greenway connections. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to moderate loops.
- The routes in Mead are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.9 stars from 18 reviews. More than 400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Mead's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
4.9
(9)
26
riders
36.1km
01:46
110m
110m
This easy 22.4-mile road cycling route combines the Longmont Loop and Saint Vrain Greenway, offering diverse scenery and wildlife.
1
riders
23.6km
01:11
90m
90m
Enjoy an easy 14.7-mile road cycling loop on the Saint Vrain Greenway and Longmont Loop, featuring river views and Golden Ponds.
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4.5
(2)
43
riders
42.5km
02:10
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.3
(3)
51
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
34
riders
83.7km
04:00
1,070m
1,070m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
This is the intersection of the Saint Vrain Greenway and Left Hand Creek Trail Trailhead. The Left Hand Creek Trail will take you all the way into Boulder, so it is a great way to go from Union Reservoir into the city.
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Golden Ponds are three beautiful ponds along the Lykins Gulch Greenway. There is a boardwalk that takes you out towards the center of the main pond, so that you can take in the surrounding scenery.
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The trail around the ponds is a paved bike path with a flat packed gravel side. The ponds are beautiful, especially at dawn and sunset, and there is a parking lot with restrooms on the northeast side.
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This smooth, relatively flat trail cuts diagonally across the city as is follows its namesake creek. You'll pass through a number of neighborhoods and parks before the trail connects with the LoBo Trail (Longmont to Boulder), where you can continue on to Boulder if you like.
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The Sandstone Ranch Park in Longmont, Colorado, is a vast recreational and natural area that offers a variety of amenities and activities. It spans over 313 acres, featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and extensive walking and biking trails, including the St. Vrain River Greenway. The park also includes historical sites, such as the Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center, which offers educational programs about the local environment and history. Additionally, the park hosts community events and sports programs, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
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The St. Vrain River Trail is the "crown jewel" of Longmont's trail system as it links many parks, schools, other trails, and commercial areas via an attractive, well-maintained concrete path. This is a great way to get off the roads as you hike around Longmont!
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The park has ample parking, nice green space, and restrooms. The bike path follows the creek here for a ways and is a great scenic path that connects to a number of other routes around Longmount.
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The St. Vrain River Trail is the "crown jewel" of Longmont's trail system as it links many parks, schools, other trails, and commercial areas via an attractive, well-maintained concrete path. This is a great way to get off the roads as you run around Longmont!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Mead?
There are over 30 road cycling routes around Mead listed on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes 9 easy routes, 21 moderate routes, and 3 more challenging options.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in Mead?
Yes, Mead offers several easy routes ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. The Longmont Loop and Saint Vrain Greenway is an easy 22.4-mile paved path with views of St. Vrain Creek. Another great option is the Saint Vrain Greenway and Longmont Loop, a 14.7-mile mostly paved route suitable for all skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Mead?
Road cycling routes around Mead are generally characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. You'll primarily encounter paved paths through rural landscapes, agricultural areas, and along the St. Vrain Creek, offering a serene backdrop with minimal elevation changes.
Are there any longer or more challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the McIntosh Lake – Main Street loop from US287 & 21st Ave is a difficult 58.8-mile route. While Mead's immediate area is flatter, this route extends to offer more significant elevation gains.
What are some scenic highlights or attractions I can see along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer picturesque views of the St. Vrain Creek and rural landscapes. You can also pass by natural features like Golden Ponds and McIntosh Lake. The Saint Vrain Greenway itself is a notable feature, connecting various points of interest.
Are there any loop road cycling routes around Mead?
Yes, many routes around Mead are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate loop is the Roadbike loop from Calkins Reservoir, which covers 26.3 miles through agricultural fields.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Mead?
The road cycling routes in Mead are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from 18 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet rural landscapes, the flat terrain, and the well-maintained greenway connections that make for enjoyable rides.
Is Mead a good area for family-friendly road cycling?
Yes, Mead's generally flat terrain and network of paved paths, including sections of the Saint Vrain Greenway, make it suitable for family-friendly road cycling. The easier routes provide a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all ages.
Where can I find parking for road cycling trails in Mead?
While specific parking details vary by route, many trailheads and parks connected to the greenway system, such as Sandstone Ranch Community Park near Longmont, offer designated parking areas for public access to the trails.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Mead?
The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Mead, with milder temperatures. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions can vary, with potential for colder temperatures and occasional snow or ice.
Are there any road cycling routes that connect to larger trail networks?
Mead is strategically located to connect to broader regional trail networks. The developing "Mead in Motion" plan aims to enhance these connections, allowing cyclists to extend their rides significantly, for instance, towards Boulder via the Left Hand Creek Trail accessible from areas like Union Reservoir.
Are there any places to stop for refreshments or cafes along the road cycling routes?
While Mead itself is a rural community, routes that extend towards nearby towns like Longmont, such as the Longmont Loop and Saint Vrain Greenway, will offer more opportunities for cafe stops and refreshments within those urban areas.
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