The best road cycling routes around Clifton
3.8
(10)
1,117
riders
39
rides
Road cycling routes around Clifton offer a diverse landscape for riders. The region features varied terrain, including routes near natural monuments, lakes, and agricultural areas. Elevations range from gentle gradients around water bodies to more significant climbs, providing options for different fitness levels. The area's physical features include open spaces and established pathways suitable for road bikes.
Best road cycling routes around Clifton
- The most popular road cycling route is Colorado National Monument East Gate to Little Park Road loop, a 32.4 miles (52.2 km) trail that takes 2 hours 42 minutes to complete. This route features notable elevation changes, offering a challenging ride.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Blue Heron Lake – Least Tern Pond loop from Highway 6 west of 35 ½ Road, a moderate 35.4 miles (56.9 km) path. This route navigates around water features, providing a scenic and relatively flat experience.
- Local road cyclists also love the Blue Heron Lake – Brown Cycles Bike Shop loop from Fruitvale, a 42.7 miles (68.8 km) trail leading through open landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 18 minutes.
- Road cycling around Clifton is defined by routes near natural monuments, lakes, and agricultural plains. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to more challenging ascents.
- The routes in Clifton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 1000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Clifton's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
37
riders
52.2km
02:42
890m
890m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
102km
08:51
1,800m
1,800m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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42
riders
30.7km
01:29
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
65
riders
68.5km
03:16
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
35
riders
51.7km
02:37
100m
100m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
This is a nice stretch of the 28-mile River Front Trail. As the name suggests, this trail follows the Colorado River, but it also passes through or bay a number of nice lakes, ponds, and parks, making it a great choice for a relaxing waterside ride.
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Las Colonias Park is a lovely riverside spot along the Colorado River and the Riverfront Trail. You’ll find picnic shelters, restrooms, a dog park, playgrounds, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts and events. Take a moment to explore the butterfly-shaped pond or rent a kayak or paddleboard nearby. Swimming isn’t allowed in the ponds, but it’s a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air before getting back on your ride. You can also access the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens right from the park.
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Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a stunning riverside park with great views of the Colorado River and the surrounding mesas. The park features access to the multi-use Riverfront Trail, which is perfect for walking, biking, or running along the river. There are green spaces, a dog park, beach access, picnic shelters and playgrounds, and an amphitheater, which hosts concerts and events. The Butterfly Pond and access to paddleboarding or kayaking on the river make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. You can also access the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens from here.
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The Clifton Nature Park is a local favorite in Grand Junction Colorado, accessible either via D Road or the bike trail. This park is wheelchair friendly with many paved paths, a pond with fishing piers, and a nature trail along the river for walking and hiking. There are also many sitting and picnic areas as well as bathrooms for you to use. This is a great place to stop as you walk down the bike path and look for birds and other animals.
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The Clifton Nature Park is a local-favorite in Grand Junction Colorado, accessible either via D Road or the bike trail. This park is wheelchair friendly with many paved paths, a pond with fishing piers, and a nature trail along the river for walking and hiking. There are also many sitting and picnic areas as well as bathrooms for you to use. This is a great place to stop as you ride down the bike path and look for birds and other animals.
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This large pond in the park is fed by the Colorado River and is home to many birds. There is a dirt path that circles the park and fishing is allowed per regulations. The best view is on the east shore with the national monument in the background.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Clifton?
Clifton offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 35 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 10 easy, 19 moderate, and 10 difficult trails.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Clifton?
Yes, Clifton has 10 easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. One such route is the Corn Lake – Clifton Nature Park loop from Orchard Mesa, which is 15.1 miles (24.3 km) long and features gentle gradients.
Where can I find more challenging road cycling routes around Clifton?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Clifton offers 10 difficult routes. The Colorado National Monument East Gate to Little Park Road loop is a notable option, spanning 32.4 miles (52.2 km) with significant elevation changes of over 890 meters.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in Clifton?
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit for road cycling, the 10 easy routes available in Clifton are generally suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with longer distances. Routes with minimal elevation gain, such as those around lakes, would be ideal.
What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes in Clifton?
Road cycling routes in Clifton offer diverse scenery, including natural monuments, serene lakes, and expansive agricultural plains. You'll find open landscapes and established pathways, providing a varied visual experience throughout your ride.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Clifton?
Many of Clifton's road cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the popular Colorado National Monument East Gate to Little Park Road loop and the Blue Heron Lake – Least Tern Pond loop from Highway 6 west of 35 ½ Road.
What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks along the road cycling routes?
The region's routes often pass by natural monuments and lakes. For specific points of interest, consider exploring areas near Corn Lake or the Las Colonias Park, which are often incorporated into routes like the Corn Lake – Clifton Nature Park loop.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Clifton?
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Clifton, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes routes near natural monuments, lakes, and agricultural areas, catering to different ability levels.
Are there routes that navigate around water features?
Yes, several routes in Clifton feature water bodies. The Blue Heron Lake – Least Tern Pond loop from Highway 6 west of 35 ½ Road is a great example, offering a scenic and relatively flat experience around lakes.
Can I find routes that pass through open landscapes?
Absolutely. Many road cycling routes around Clifton lead through open landscapes and agricultural plains. The Blue Heron Lake – Brown Cycles Bike Shop loop from Fruitvale is a good option for experiencing these open areas.
What is the typical duration for a road cycling route in Clifton?
Route durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. For instance, the Colorado National Monument East Gate to Little Park Road loop typically takes around 2 hours 42 minutes, while the longer Blue Heron Lake – Brown Cycles Bike Shop loop from Fruitvale can take about 3 hours 18 minutes.
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