The best gravel rides around Crisman

The Boulder Creek Trail – Boulder Creek Path loop offers a fantastic gravel biking experience, transitioning from paved city paths to dirt and gravel as it ventures into Boulder Canyon. You'll pedal alongside the scenic Boulder Creek, passing through downtown Boulder and the University of Colorado campus before the terrain shifts, providing a true taste of the region's varied surfaces. This route is a great way to experience Boulder's unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, with views expanding into the canyon walls.

This moderate 9.8-mile (15.7 km) loop, with its 711 feet (217 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 56 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet rewarding ride. The path is easily accessible from various points in Boulder, and its car-free sections within the city ensure a smooth and safe journey. You'll find plenty of parking options and nearby cafes to fuel up before or after your ride.

Serving as a main artery of Boulder's cycling network, this loop connects seamlessly to other trails, allowing for customizable adventures. It passes iconic landmarks like the Pearl Street Mall and the Boulder Library, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural immersion. The versatility of Boulder's gravel biking network, with this path at its core, makes it a prime location for diverse cycling experiences.

This Gold Hill General Store – Lefthand Trailhead loop from Dakota Boulevard Parking offers a diverse gravel biking experience, transitioning from smooth pavement to rugged dirt roads. You'll pedal through serene meadows and dense forests, with the landscape dramatically opening up to reveal panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide as you climb towards the historic town of Gold Hill. The varied surfaces and significant elevation changes make this a true test of skill and endurance, embodying the classic Boulder gravel challenge.

Starting your adventure from Dakota Boulevard Parking, be prepared for a demanding ride. The route is rated difficult, covering 37.6 miles (60.5 km) with a substantial 4704 feet (1434 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete. The Gold Hill General Store is a well-known and welcome stop for cyclists to refuel and enjoy the mountain ambiance. Ensure your bike is equipped for varied terrain, as some sections can be rocky and technical, and always carry enough water and supplies.

What makes this route truly special is its blend of challenging terrain and rich history. Gold Hill, the site of Colorado's first major gold discovery, retains a charming, rustic character that transports you back in time. This loop provides a quintessential Boulder gravel experience, offering a

The Switzerland Trail – Gold Hill General Store loop from Wallstreet offers a truly memorable gravel biking adventure, blending challenging terrain with stunning Colorado scenery. You'll navigate a mix of pavement, dirt roads, and the rugged, rocky sections of the historic Switzerland Trail, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Continental Divide and the unique atmosphere of Fourmile Canyon. This difficult 17.0-mile (27.4 km) route, with its 2193 feet (668 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic test for experienced riders, typically taking around 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete.

To tackle this challenging loop, make sure your gravel bike has at least 35-40mm tires, as the rockier sections of the Switzerland Trail are not forgiving to thinner road tires. The route starts from Wallstreet and offers limited car traffic on its dirt sections, though some parts of the Switzerland Trail have seen increased Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. The Gold Hill General Store provides a perfect mid-ride stop for refreshments, allowing you to soak in the rustic mountain ambiance.

This ride is steeped in history, taking you through the historic mining town of Gold Hill, a site of early gold discovery during the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush. The journey to Gold Hill itself offers a glimpse into Colorado's rich past, making the Switzerland Trail loop more than just a physical challenge. It's a chance to explore a significant piece of the region's heritage while pushing your limits on two wheels.