The best cycling routes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park offers over 25 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 4 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the park features routes with significant elevation gains. Notable options include Trail Ridge Road, a 41.5-mile route ascending to 12,183 feet, and the Old Fall River Road & Trail Ridge Road loop, a 29.6-mile path combining a narrow dirt road with sharp switchbacks and paved sections.

Yes, there are several easier routes. The park offers 4 easy touring cycling routes. A good option is the East Shore Trailhead – Shadow Mountain Lake loop from Grand Lake, which is 9.6 miles long with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a more relaxed ride.

The park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter soaring peaks like Longs Peak, pristine alpine lakes such as Bear Lake and Dream Lake, and the Continental Divide. Scenic overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Forest Canyon offer panoramic views of glacial valleys and meadows. Evidence of ancient glaciers is visible throughout the park, shaping its diverse topography.

Yes, the park features beautiful waterfalls. While cycling, you might encounter Adams Falls, located near Grand Lake, or the scenic Chasm Falls along Old Fall River Road. Alberta Falls is also a beloved landmark, accessible via a relatively easy hike from a starting point that can be reached by bike.

The best time for touring cycling is typically from late May through mid-October, weather permitting, when iconic roads like Trail Ridge Road are open. Old Fall River Road is generally open to cyclists from April 1 to November 30. Riding early in the morning is often recommended to avoid vehicle traffic, especially on popular routes.

Bicycles are permitted on all roads open to motor vehicles, both paved and dirt, unless otherwise specified. Cyclists must ride single file, stay to the right, obey speed limits and traffic laws, and travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic. Lights are required during low visibility. An entrance pass is required per person, but a timed entry permit is not necessary for those entering by bicycle. For detailed regulations, you can visit the official NPS website: nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/biking.htm.

Yes, e-bikes are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are permitted, which includes all roads open to motor vehicles within Rocky Mountain National Park. This provides more flexibility for cyclists to explore the park's challenging terrain.

Absolutely. The park offers several excellent loop routes. Besides the challenging Old Fall River Road & Trail Ridge Road loop, you can also explore the Fall River Visitor Center – Many Parks Curve Viewpoint loop from Cascade Lake or the Colorado River – Coyote Valley Trailhead loop from Grand Lake for diverse scenery.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 300 touring cyclists. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled mountain vistas, the challenge of high-altitude climbs, and the opportunity to experience diverse ecological zones, from forested valleys to alpine tundra.

Rocky Mountain National Park is rich in wildlife. Moraine Park, with its open meadows, is a prime location for spotting elk, especially during the fall rutting season. Moose are frequently seen along the Coyote Valley Trail, which is part of the Colorado River – Coyote Valley Trailhead loop from Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for diverse species across the park's varied environments.