The best road cycling routes in San Juan County

Road cycling in San Juan County primarily features a mountainous landscape with high alpine passes, river valleys, and dramatic peaks. You'll encounter challenging climbs and descents through the San Juan Mountains, with routes winding past historic mining towns and through dense forests. The terrain varies from paved mountain roads to scenic river trails, often involving significant elevation changes.

There are 10 road cycling routes detailed in this guide for San Juan County. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, catering to cyclists looking for significant elevation gains and scenic mountain roads.

While San Juan County is known for its challenging, high-altitude environment, some routes offer more moderate experiences. For instance, the Telluride to Mountain Village route is a moderate 24.2 km ride with less elevation gain compared to other routes, making it a good option for those seeking a less strenuous ride. The San Miguel River Trail also offers a moderate experience along a river valley.

Experienced cyclists looking for a challenge will find several demanding routes. The Telluride to Dallas Divide is a difficult 93 km route with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is Telluride to Lizard Head Pass, a 50 km path that climbs to a high mountain pass. The Coal Bank Pass – Molas Pass loop from Boyce Lake is also a difficult route featuring significant climbs.

San Juan County's routes offer stunning natural landmarks and viewpoints. You can enjoy views of Engineer Mountain, the Grenadier Range, and Maggie Gulch Overlook. Natural monuments like Ice Lake, Little Molas Lake, and the Animas River are also accessible, with some routes passing by the beautiful Clear Creek Waterfall.

Given the high-altitude and mountainous nature of San Juan County, the best time for road cycling is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period avoids heavy snow and ice on mountain passes, ensuring safer and more accessible routes. Always check local weather and road conditions before heading out.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. For example, the Red Mountain Pass loop from Ouray is a popular 37.2 km loop through high mountain passes. Another option is the Telluride – Telluride loop from Telluride, a moderate 26.2 km ride that starts and ends in Telluride.

The road cycling routes in San Juan County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the dramatic mountain scenery, challenging climbs, and the rewarding views from high alpine passes.

Telluride serves as an excellent starting point for several road cycling adventures. Routes like Telluride to Dallas Divide, Telluride to Lizard Head Pass, and Telluride to San Juan Mountains Viewpoint all begin or pass through the area, offering diverse experiences from moderate to difficult.

Road cycling in San Juan County involves significant elevation changes. Many routes feature substantial climbs, with some, like the Coal Bank Pass – Molas Pass loop from Boyce Lake, exceeding 1300 meters of ascent. Even moderate routes like Telluride to Mountain Village still include over 350 meters of climbing, so be prepared for undulating terrain.

Yes, the San Miguel River Trail offers a road cycling experience that follows a river valley. This route provides a different perspective of the region's natural beauty, often with less intense climbing than the high mountain passes.