Country roads! oh wait wrong state.. Colorado has some great mountain biking from high elevation riding at the resorts and desert laps out west and great trails along the front range. We started our cross country trip by stoping in Fruita for a quick ride before he continued east to Bentonville. Circling back in the summer months we came back towards Denver and the high alpine in Breckenridge, and now were finishing out the fall back in Fruita. With plenty of good food, friends, pretzels and more: Colorado is pretty awesome for the outdoor adventure seeking person.
Denver
Apex Park and Maryland Mountain were the 2 places we checked out on our 2 day stop. With Maryland being the first we tried it. Starting the ride 9,000 feet higher from a last time we rode, the climb was quite enjoyable actually. smooth and fairly easy. We were able to do 3 laps and circled back to the car. With Easy Money, Fast money and Hard money its confusing what currency we are in. Easy up, Fast down and Hard down. This system is about 40 minutes from Denver.
The next day we stumbled upon Apex Park. This trail system is used on an even/odd day system, even for up and odd goes both ways as the downhill trail, Enchanted Forest is closed on odd days. So ride it on even days up Apex and down Enchanted to Magic. It’s a fun lap 20 minutes from town.
Breckenridge
We stopped here for a week in August and meet up with my family. Lots of biking food and good time. We were able to ride so fun local stuff behind where we were staying. Sidedoor, B-Line and Bakers Tank were some of our favorite trails to hit, Bakers Tanks is the only 2 way trail so be mindful of hikers. The best way to climb is just to take the road up from Aspen Alley to the tank. You’ll see it. B-lin is a sweet free ride area with wood features, jumps and berms. Sidedoor is a DH jump flow line. nothing too mandatory and easy to navigate. A bit sandy at times so beware.
Fruita & Grand Junction
With this area about a 4 hour drive from home, I have made a few trips here in the last few years. With places like 18rd, Lunch Loops and more. This area offers great spring and fall riding for the cyclist that’s not quite ready to give into winter just yet. Most of my time spent here riding has been out at 18 road. We tend to gravitate to this area because the camping and trail access is quite awesome! With fun trails like PBR, Joes Ridge and Zippity Do Da its great for everyone. While these trails aren’t the hardest they do make for some fun laps to start or finish the day. With some time spent at Kokopelli riding Horse thief and Moore Fun. It’s fun if technical square edge climbing and no flow is your favorite. Lastly over at Lunch Loops we were able to ride Gunny Loop and a few other fun trails. We got snowed out and were un able to do the Ribbon and Free lunch lap so maybe next time.
there is also plenty to do on the road or gravel bike. With the bike path taking you from Fruita to Grand Junction or even taking a lap around Colorado National Monument. Because of the weather we were mostly riding the gravel roads and checking out the area.
Mount Blue Sky
One day of our trip my father and I took a quick drive down to Idaho Springs and brought the road bikes. Starting in town we headed up Highway 103. After some miles there is a turn off to Highway 5. Mount Blue Sky, formerly know as Mount Evans, is the highest paved road in the U.S. Climbing up to 14,130 feet. Round trip was about 55 miles and 7,000 feet of climbing. The road was a steady 4-6%. Great views and a fun filled day.
Food and Fun
With lots of different areas to check out in this state we won’t list the all but a few places worth checking out are found here.
Denver
- Hogsheads Brewery – only beer here no food
- Leroy’s Bagels – Pretty good breakfast sandwiches, not quite east coast style but pretty solid
- Rise & Shine Biscuit Kitchen – North Carolina special all the way in Denver
- Blue Pan Pizza – solid pizza with good beer and drinks
- Mt Blue Sky – Highest paved road in the states
Breckinridge
- Sancho Tacos & Tequilas – Good tacos and sauces
- RMU – a ski/bike shop with a bar and food truck in the back
- Giampietro Pasta& Pizzeria – Very good portions and great calzone
Grand Junction & Fruita
- Hot Tomato – Good pizza and beer in Fruita
- Ramblebine Brewing Co – Brewery with table games and food
- Trail Life Brewing – Beer and sloshes!
- Gelato Junction – ice cream, Gelato and more
- Dinosaur Journey Museum – who doesn’t love learning about the past?
- Colorado National Monument – drive or ride the road to check out the views
