The best gravel rides in Weld County

Weld County offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 80 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 27 easy, 44 moderate, and 11 difficult options.

Gravel biking in Weld County features diverse terrain, from expansive prairies and agricultural lands to unique geological formations like the Pawnee Buttes. You'll find an extensive network of dirt and gravel roads, with some routes also traversing river corridors within the South Platte watershed, such as the Cache la Poudre River area.

Yes, Weld County has 27 easy gravel biking routes. A good option for a relatively flat and accessible ride is the Somerset Trail – Left Hand Creek Park loop from Longmont Park-n-Ride, which covers about 28.4 km.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Weld County offers 11 difficult routes. One such route is the Flagstaff Mountain and Boulder Canyon gravel loop — Lafayette, a demanding 52.9 km path with significant climbing. Another difficult option is the Izaak Walton Park – Golden Ponds loop from Longmont, spanning over 63 km.

Weld County's gravel trails offer views of vast prairies, agricultural lands, and distant mountains. You might encounter striking rock formations like the Pawnee Buttes in the Pawnee National Grassland. River corridors, such as the Cache La Poudre River, also provide scenic backdrops. Additionally, areas like the Signature Bluffs Natural Area offer picturesque views.

Many gravel routes in Weld County are designed as loops. For example, the Aquarius Open Space – Adler-Fingru Open Space loop from Kneebone Open Space is a popular 38.5 km circular route. Another option is the Coal Creek Trail – View of Longs Peak loop from 119th St & Austin Ave, which is a 46.4 km loop.

The gravel biking routes in Weld County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Over 700 gravel bikers have explored the area using komoot, often praising the diverse terrain and the unique high-plains riding experience.

The Pawnee National Grassland area, a significant gravel biking destination in Weld County, is particularly scenic in spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and wildflowers are in bloom, making for pleasant riding conditions. Summer can be hot, and winter may bring snow, impacting trail conditions.

Yes, many routes across Weld County's vast plains and agricultural lands offer views of distant mountains, including the Rockies. The View of Longs Peak – Aquarius Open Space loop from 119th St & Austin Ave is a specific route known for its mountain vistas.

Many trails in Weld County have accessible trailheads and parking. For instance, the Somerset Trail – Left Hand Creek Park loop is accessible from the Longmont Park-n-Ride. The Poudre River Trail and Great Western Trail also have various access points throughout the county.

Yes, several parks and open spaces are integrated into or connected to the gravel biking network. These include Sandstone Ranch Community Park, Frank State Wildlife Area, and the Aquarius Open Space, which features in routes like the Aquarius Open Space – Adler-Fingru Open Space loop from Lafayette.

The gravel bike trails in Weld County vary significantly in length. While there are shorter options, many popular routes range from 30 km to over 60 km. For example, the Coal Creek Trail and Rock Creek Trail gravel loop is 53.2 km, and the Coot Lake Dock – Left Hand Creek Park loop is 32.9 km.