The best cycling routes around Idaho Springs

There are 11 touring cycling routes available around Idaho Springs, offering a diverse range of experiences from moderate valley rides to challenging mountain ascents. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.

For a more relaxed and family-friendly experience, the Clear Creek Greenway is an excellent choice. This 26.2-mile (42.1 km) paved path runs along Clear Creek, providing scenic views and access to downtown Idaho Springs without significant elevation gain, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Experienced cyclists looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes. The Echo Lake to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit route offers a substantial ascent to one of North America's highest paved roads. Another demanding option is the Idaho Springs to Echo Lake and Lodge route, which features significant elevation gain as it climbs towards Echo Lake.

Many routes in Idaho Springs boast spectacular scenery. The Echo Lake to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit route provides unparalleled alpine views from the highest paved road in North America. You'll also find breathtaking vistas along the Echo Lake and Mestaa'Ėhehe Pass to Evergreen loop, especially from the Mestaa’ėhehe Lookout Tower.

Yes, there are several excellent loop routes for touring cyclists. The Echo Lake and Mestaa'Ėhehe Pass to Evergreen loop is a challenging 43-mile (69.3 km) ride. Another popular option is the Echo Lake, Squaw Pass & the Scott Lancaster cycle trail loop from Idaho Springs, covering 46.4 miles (74.6 km).

The best season for touring cycling in Idaho Springs is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, and mountain passes are clear of snow. Always check local weather conditions and road closures, especially for high-altitude routes like Mount Blue Sky, which can have snow into early summer.

Along your rides, you can encounter several notable attractions. Echo Lake is a beautiful stop, often part of routes heading towards Mount Blue Sky. The historic town of Idaho Springs itself offers a glimpse into the area's mining heritage. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass by the Mestaa’ėhehe Lookout Tower.

The touring cycling routes around Idaho Springs are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 visitors. Cyclists often praise the challenging mountain climbs, the breathtaking alpine scenery, and the variety of terrain available, from paved roads to scenic greenways.

Yes, beyond the paved touring routes, the Idaho Springs region also offers options for gravel cycling. You can find challenging gravel routes like the Mount Blue Sky (Evans) to Juniper and Mestaa'Ėhehe Passes loop, as well as singletrack and dirt roads in areas such as Devil's Canyon and Barbour Forks Trail for those seeking off-road adventures.

For additional information on biking trails throughout Clear Creek County, including Idaho Springs, you can visit the official tourism website: visitclearcreek.com. This resource can provide further details on trail conditions and local regulations.

Absolutely. The region is renowned for its high-altitude cycling. The route from Idaho Springs to the Mount Blue Sky Summit is a challenging 55-mile ride with significant elevation gain, leading to the highest paved road in North America. Another notable climb is the 47.4-mile Guanella Pass Summit route, ascending through the Arapaho National Forest.