{"id":2458485,"date":"2020-05-15T10:15:03","date_gmt":"2020-05-15T16:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/?p=325720"},"modified":"2020-05-15T10:15:03","modified_gmt":"2020-05-15T16:15:03","slug":"finding-your-ride-breaking-down-some-of-our-favorite-25-50-100-routes-in-western-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/local-news\/finding-your-ride-breaking-down-some-of-our-favorite-25-50-100-routes-in-western-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding your ride: Breaking down some of our favorite 25\/50\/100 routes in western Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image p402_hide\">\n<div class=\"caption-container\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/cycling-2550100-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/cycling-2550100-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/cycling-2550100-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/cycling-2550100-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/cycling-2550100-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/cycling-2550100-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/p><figcaption><strong>A cyclist heads towards Sopris Mountain after leaving Carbondale early Thursday morning on day 5 of Ride the Rockies 2019.<\/strong><br \/><em>Chelsea Self \/ Glenwood Springs Post Independent<\/em><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Road biking is one of the most popular summer activities in Colorado for both visitors and locals alike, and the central Rockies are home to some of the best biking routes you\u2019ll find.<\/p>\n<p>From scenic canyons to high river valleys, and from thickly forested roads to rocky top vistas, you\u2019ll encounter world-class scenery wherever you go.<\/p>\n<p>But before you head out into the unknown, you might want to consider both the amount of time you have to ride and the level of riding you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n<p>Lucky for you, there are many great choices \u2014 from short rides in the range of 25 miles, (1\u20132 hours) to medium rides of around 50 miles, (2\u20134 hours) to century rides (4\u20138 hours), you\u2019ll find them all here.<\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col\" readability=\"6\">\n<div class=\"row at-donation at-donation-mobile p-0\" readability=\"7\">\n<div class=\"col-xl-4 p-2\">\n<div data-bg=\"url(https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/03\/AT-logo-white.png)\" class=\"p-0 mt-2 mb-2 h-75 text-center rocket-lazyload\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/03\/AT-logo-white.png\" class=\"logo m-0 p-0 invisible\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h3 class=\"d-inline mr-3\">Support Local Journalism<\/h3>\n<p><button class=\"btn d-inline\" type=\"button\" onclick=\"handleDonationButtonClickMidArticle()\">Donate<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>You\u2019ll also find everything from routes that can be ridden with ease, to some that are much more challenging.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size has-very-light-gray-color has-vivid-purple-background-color\"><strong>Routes out of Aspen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Short rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Maroon Creek Road<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 22 miles round trip. This is one of the most popular short rides out of Aspen. Its popularity is due not only to its serene ascent through the heavily forested Maroon Creek Valley, but also for its destination \u2014 Maroon Lake, the popular viewing spot for the Maroon Bells.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Castle Creek Road<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 24 miles round trip. Like Maroon Creek Road, Castle Creek Road winds its way through a gorgeous mountain valley and ends up at a classic Colorado destination \u2013 the ghost town of Ashcroft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Medium rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p402_hide\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div class=\"caption-container\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/08\/AT_AT200710070622018AR.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-118733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/08\/AT_AT200710070622018AR.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/08\/AT_AT200710070622018AR-150x96.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/08\/AT_AT200710070622018AR-325x209.jpg 325w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/08\/AT_AT200710070622018AR-620x399.jpg 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"><\/p><figcaption><strong>Cyclists head over Independence Pass on the longest and steepest elevation gain of the Ride the Rockies route in 2016.<\/strong><br \/><em>Jordan Curet\/Aspen Times file<\/em><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Independence Pass<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 40 mile round trip. This classic Colorado road ride winds its way through thick forests and clings to the side of mountains high above the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River before the final (steep!) push up to the 12,095-foot summit on the Continental Divide.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rio Grande Trail to Carbondale&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 60 miles round trip. This trail is built on the old Rio Grande Railroad route from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, and is relatively flat and well maintained. Head for Carbondale\u2019s downtown to grab a bite before cruising back up the trail.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Century rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chapman Lake<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 95 miles round trip. For the first 19 miles of this ride, you\u2019ll follow the Rio Grande Trail through Snowmass Canyon. Turn right at Basalt and head up the beautiful Fryingpan Valley where you\u2019ll ascend to Ruedi Reservoir before leveling out around Meredith.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hanging Lake&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 100 miles round trip. Take the Rio Grande Trail to Glenwood Springs, and then connect to the Glenwood Canyon Trail for the final 10 miles to the Hanging Lake parking lot. If you\u2019re up for it, add the 1-mile hike up to the lake \u2013 one of Colorado\u2019s premiere destinations. (A permit is required for the hike.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size has-very-light-gray-color has-vivid-purple-background-color\"><strong>Routes out of&nbsp;Carbondale and&nbsp;Glenwood Springs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Short to medium rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>4 Mile Road<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 20 miles round trip. The road starts where Glenwood\u2019s Midland Avenue leaves off, and follows Fourmile Creek up a scenic winding valley to Sunlight Mountain Resort.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Crystal Valley Trail\/Prince Creek Road<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 20 miles round trip from Carbondale. With a wide-open view of majestic Mount Sopris, this trail is popular both for its scenery and easy riding. Pair it with a 6 mile detour up Prince Creek Road if you want a little bit longer ride.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Missouri Heights loops<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 20 to 50 miles. Missouri Heights, just north of Carbondale, includes several scenic, low traffic roads that you can loop in any combination. Head up Catherine Store Road, Cattle Creek Road, Spring Valley Road, or Red Canyon Road, loop back down and use the Rio Grande Trail as a connector.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thompson Creek Road and Hardwick Bridge Road&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 30 to 40 miles from Carbondale or Glewood Springs. Thompson Creek Road ascends 6 miles to the iconic Thompson Divide area west of Carbondale. Pair it with Hardwick Bridge Road, which traverses the west side of the Roaring Fork Valley, and use the Rio Grande Trail to make a loop.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Glenwood Canyon Trail<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 32 miles round trip. This popular ride has some of the best scenery you\u2019ll find anywhere with its vertical canyon walls and view of the Colorado River, and the ride is smooth and easy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Century rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Colorado River Road to McCoy<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 104 miles round trip. This ride starts in Glenwood Springs and is a popular extension of the Glenwood Canyon Trail. The Colorado River Road is a beautiful 35-mile ride that follows the Colorado River from Dotsero north to the town of McCoy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>McClure Pass<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 91 miles round trip. Take Highway 133 straight south out of Carbondale and stay on it all the way to the top of the 8,769 foot pass. Stop over at Redstone to fuel up on the way, and at Penny Hot Springs to relieve sore muscles on the return trip.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p402_hide\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div class=\"caption-container\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/McClurePassPage11byAS-1024x681.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-325729\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/McClurePassPage11byAS-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/McClurePassPage11byAS-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/McClurePassPage11byAS-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/McClurePassPage11byAS-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2020\/05\/McClurePassPage11byAS-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/p><figcaption><strong>Mary Lyn Bondlow cycling on McClure Pass, which is along Highway 133 near Redstone.<\/strong><br \/><em>Anna Stonehouse\/ Aspen Times<\/em><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size has-very-light-gray-color has-vivid-purple-background-color\"><strong>Routes out of&nbsp;Grand Junction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Short rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Palisade Wine and Fruit Tour<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 23 miles. This scenic loop starts at Palisade\u2019s downtown area and zig-zags its way through some of the agricultural community\u2019s most beautiful rural areas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Little Park Road\/DS Road<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 29 or 56 miles. Little Park Road has some spectacular views, but it\u2019s a steep ride up \u2014 ascending over 2,500 feet in the first few miles. Return on Monument Road for the short ride, or take the out-and-back DS Road until the pavement ends for the longer ride.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Medium rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Colorado National Monument Loop<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 38 miles. Called the \u201ccrown jewel\u201d of road biking in the Grand Valley, the loop starts on Monument Road just west of downtown Grand Junction before heading into the park, (entrance fee required) looping around Rim Rock Drive and returning on the Riverfront bike trail.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grand Mesa Hill Climb<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 63 miles round trip. This might be one of the more difficult, and beautiful, rides you\u2019ll ever take, with over 6,000 feet of climbing. Start at the Highway 65 exit of of I-70 and follow the road along Plateau Creek for 10 miles, then its uphill all the way to the 10,839-foot summit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Century rides<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Unaweep Canyon&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 88 miles round trip. This gorgeous out-and-back route through a majestic canyon starts at the Gunnison River of Highway 50 had heads southwest until the turnaround at Gateway on the Dolores River.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/finding-your-ride-breaking-down-some-of-our-favorite-25-50-100-routes-in-western-colorado\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via:: The Aspen Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A cyclist heads towards Sopris Mountain after leaving Carbondale early Thursday morning on day 5 of Ride the Rockies 2019.Chelsea Self \/ Glenwood Springs Post Independent Road biking is one of the most popular summer activities in Colorado for both visitors and locals alike, and the central Rockies are home to some of the best [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2458485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-local-news"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-08-17 15:58:12","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSPN The Valley&#039;s Quality Rock","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2458485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2458485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2458485\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2458485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2458485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2458485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}