The best road cycling routes around Pueblo

Pueblo's road cycling routes offer a diverse range of scenery. You can expect to traverse high desert landscapes, enjoy expansive reservoir views, and follow picturesque riverfront paths. The region also provides glimpses of the Front Range of the Rockies, including Greenhorn Mountain and the Wet Mountains, and even Pikes Peak to the north.

The terrain in Pueblo generally features gentle ascents and descents, making it accessible for various fitness levels. You'll find a mix of easy, paved paths, particularly along the Arkansas River, and moderate routes with more varied terrain, such as those around Lake Pueblo State Park. There are currently 3 easy and 3 moderate routes listed in this guide.

Yes, Pueblo offers several easy and family-friendly options. The Arkansas River Trail loop from Pueblo is an easy route following the historic Arkansas River. Another great option is the Arkansas River and Pueblo Reservoir Trail Loop, which is also rated easy and features paved sections along the river and around the lake. The Fountain Creek Multiuse Path is also noted as a 12.6-mile fully paved and traffic-free path, ideal for easy rides.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Pueblo Reservoir, Greenhorn Mountain, and the Wet Mountains. You can also visit Runyon Lake, which is along the Arkansas River Trail, or experience the urban charm of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. For panoramic vistas, the Liberty Point & the Pueblo Reservoir loop from Pueblo includes the Liberty Point overlook, offering incredible sunset views over the reservoir.

Pueblo's location provides milder winters and less snow compared to much of Colorado, allowing for year-round outdoor activity. This means you can enjoy road cycling throughout most of the year, with spring and fall offering particularly pleasant conditions.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Pueblo to Beulah loop is a moderate route spanning over 56 miles (91 km) with significant elevation gain, providing a more demanding experience. The region also offers hundreds of miles of dirt roads for gravel biking, extending into the eastern canyons and plains for those looking for varied terrain.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Pueblo are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Pueblo Reservoir & Pueblo loop from West Pueblo and the Liberty Point & the Pueblo Reservoir loop from Pueblo, both offering scenic circular journeys.

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, accessible via the Arkansas River Trail system, offers an urban cycling experience with shops, restaurants, and a blend of nature and city life. The extensive Pueblo River Trail System is well-maintained and marked, making it easy to navigate to various attractions and potential amenities.

Pueblo boasts an extensive network of trails, including the 30-mile-long Arkansas River Trail system, which connects Lake Pueblo to Colorado State University Pueblo. This system, along with the Fountain Creek Multiuse Path and new bike lanes, highlights Pueblo's commitment to encouraging bike travel and provides numerous options for cyclists.

Pueblo stands out due to its diverse landscapes, combining high desert scenery with significant water features like Lake Pueblo and the Arkansas River. Its milder climate allows for year-round cycling, and the city's dedication to developing its trail infrastructure, including being a stop on the TransAmerica Trail, makes it an emerging and appealing cycling destination.

Yes, especially in the more open, high desert areas and along river paths. Cyclists might spot wildlife such as wild turkeys and pronghorns, particularly during spring and fall. The Nature and Raptor Center, accessible via a bike trail along the Arkansas River, also offers opportunities to observe native wildlife.

While this guide focuses on road cycling, Pueblo County is also known for its extensive network of dirt roads suitable for gravel biking. For more information on gravel cycling opportunities, you can visit visitpueblo.org/attractions/gravel-cycling/.