The best road cycling routes around Cheyenne

There are several road cycling routes around Cheyenne, with five specifically highlighted in this guide. These routes primarily focus on easy-to-moderate terrain within the city and its immediate surroundings, offering a blend of urban exploration and natural scenery.

Road cycling in Cheyenne offers a mix of terrain. Within the city, you'll find extensive paved greenways, such as the Greater Cheyenne Greenway, which provides smooth riding through open prairie and shaded sections. Routes often feature gentle elevation changes, making them accessible for various skill levels. For more adventurous rides, areas slightly outside the city, like the foothills leading to the Laramie Mountains, offer varied landscapes with rolling meadows and granite outcrops.

Yes, Cheyenne is well-suited for family-friendly road cycling, especially along its extensive paved greenway system. Routes like the Peanut Pond loop from Cheyenne or the Holliday Park loop from Cheyenne are relatively short, easy, and pass through local park areas, making them ideal for families with children or those seeking a relaxed ride.

Many routes in Cheyenne offer views of significant landmarks. For instance, the Wyoming State Capitol loop from Locomotive and the Wyoming State Capitol loop from N College Dr & Pershing Blvd (NE) both circle the impressive Wyoming State Capitol. Other routes might pass by the Cathedral of Saint Mary or the historic former Union Pacific Railroad station building, offering glimpses into the city's rich history and architecture.

Yes, several popular road cycling routes in Cheyenne are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Wyoming State Capitol loop from Locomotive, the Peanut Pond loop from Cheyenne, and the Holliday Park loop from Cheyenne. These circular routes are convenient for exploration without needing to retrace your path.

The best time for road biking in Cheyenne is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is milder and more predictable. Summers are warm, while spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and often beautiful scenery. Winters can bring snow and colder temperatures, making road cycling more challenging, though paved greenways might still be accessible depending on conditions.

While the routes highlighted in this guide are generally easy, the broader region around Cheyenne offers opportunities for more challenging rides. Areas like Curt Gowdy State Park, located west of the city, feature diverse terrain in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains, which can appeal to road and gravel cyclists seeking more strenuous climbs and varied landscapes. Vedauwoo Recreation Area also offers rugged, scenic roads for adventurous riders.

Many road cycling routes in Cheyenne, especially those utilizing the Greater Cheyenne Greenway or passing through city parks, offer convenient parking options. For routes starting within the city, public parking lots or street parking near parks like Holliday Park or areas close to the State Capitol are typically available. For rides further afield, state parks like Curt Gowdy often have designated parking areas.

Absolutely! Cheyenne's diverse landscape makes it easy to combine road cycling with other outdoor pursuits. Curt Gowdy State Park, a short drive west, is renowned for its mountain biking trails, hiking, and water activities on its three reservoirs. Within Cheyenne, urban parks like Lions Park offer lakes and amenities, while the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens provide a serene environment for a post-ride stroll.

The road cycling routes around Cheyenne vary in length and duration, catering to different preferences. For example, the Peanut Pond loop from Cheyenne is about 10.7 miles (17.3 km) and takes approximately 49 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Wyoming State Capitol loop from N College Dr & Pershing Blvd (NE), cover around 19.2 miles (30.9 km) and can take about 1 hour 28 minutes to complete, offering a good workout while exploring the city.

Cheyenne's road cycling routes often traverse areas showcasing the region's natural beauty. The Greater Cheyenne Greenway, for instance, winds through open prairie and shaded sections, offering views of local flora and fauna. While not directly on the city's paved routes, the nearby Curt Gowdy State Park features rolling meadows, granite outcrops, and pine forests, with three distinct ecosystems and reservoirs like Granite, Crystal, and North Crow, providing stunning natural backdrops for longer rides or explorations.