Attractions and Places To See around St. Ann Highlands - Top 20

Cyclists frequently enjoy the scenic routes and challenging climbs in the area. Popular spots include Lefthand Canyon (from Lee Hill Drive to Ward), known for its long, scenic climb and views of the Indian Peaks. Another favorite is Fourmile Canyon (Boulder Canyon to Poorman), a popular cycling spot connecting Boulder Canyon to Gold Hill. For gravel enthusiasts, Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) offers a well-graded, hard-packed surface.

Yes, you can find charming general stores that serve as great refuel stops. The Ward General Store is a cyclist-friendly spot in the tiny mountain town of Ward, though it's advisable to check opening times, especially during the off-season. Another option is the Gold Hill General Store, located in a historic gold mining village, offering good coffee and cake.

The St. Ann Highlands region is characterized by its canyons and mountain views. You can experience the unique terrain of Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section), which offers a well-graded gravel ride with views towards the foothills. Lefthand Canyon (from Lee Hill Drive to Ward) provides increasingly good views of the often-snowcapped Indian Peaks as you ascend.

Beyond cycling, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including the moderate Barker Reservoir Trail or the more challenging School Bus Trail loop. For hikers, there are options like the easy Gordon Gulch Trail or the moderate Bald Mountain — Switzerland Trail. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the Gordon Gulch Trail or the challenging Blue Dot Trail. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails, Hiking, and MTB Trails around St. Ann Highlands.

Yes, both the Ward General Store and the Gold Hill General Store are categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant stops for refreshments and a glimpse into local life. The scenic canyons also provide opportunities for family outings, though some cycling routes may be more suited for older children or those with cycling experience.

Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) is a popular ride that takes you from downtown Boulder into the foothills. The upper section is gravel but generally well-graded and hard-packed, making it suitable for local cyclists on road bikes. Be aware that the gravel can be a little looser and chunkier towards the top of the canyon by Gold Hill.

Lefthand Canyon (from Lee Hill Drive to Ward) offers a long, scenic climb with increasingly good views of the Indian Peaks as you approach Ward. It's also known for being a super fun downhill ride, but cyclists should watch out for deer in the road and car traffic.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning mountain views and the diverse cycling opportunities, from challenging climbs to well-maintained gravel sections. The general stores in Ward and Gold Hill are also highly valued as charming and convenient stops for refreshments and a taste of local character.

For both the Ward General Store and the Gold Hill General Store, it's highly recommended to check their opening hours in advance, especially if visiting during the off-season, as they may not have set schedules. Visitors often praise the cinnamon rolls at Ward and the coffee and cake at Gold Hill.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For instance, the Gordon Gulch Trail and the DeLonde and Blue Bird Loop Trail are both rated as easy. You can explore more options and detailed routes in the Hiking around St. Ann Highlands guide.

The terrain varies, offering diverse experiences. For cyclists, routes like Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) feature generally well-graded and hard-packed gravel. Other trails, particularly those in the canyons, can involve long climbs with mountain views, as seen in Lefthand Canyon. Hikers and mountain bikers will find a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult routes, often through forested areas and with elevation changes.