The best road cycling routes around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont
5.0
(2)
986
riders
15
rides
Road cycling routes around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont traverse the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering diverse terrain for cyclists. The region features significant elevation gains, alpine lakes, pristine rivers, and dense forests. This mountainous environment provides a variety of road cycling experiences, from challenging climbs to scenic loops.
Best road cycling routes around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont
- The most popular road cycling route is Mount Blue Sky (Evans) to Juniper and Mestaa'Ėhehe Passes loop — Gravel, a 58.3 miles (93.9 km) trail that takes 5 hours 56 minutes to complete. This demanding route features significant elevation gain through mountainous terrain.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Idaho Springs to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit, a difficult 55.0 miles (88.5 km) path. This route offers a challenging ascent to a high mountain summit.
- Local road cyclists also love the Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass via Echo Lake, a 32.5 miles (52.4 km) trail leading through mountainous landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 59 minutes.
- Road cycling around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont is defined by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, alpine lakes, and dense forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, including moderate and difficult routes.
- The routes in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. More than 900 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Downieville-Lawson-Dumont's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
5.0
(1)
253
riders
93.9km
05:57
2,460m
2,460m
This difficult 58.3-mile gravel cycling loop near Idaho Springs offers high-altitude challenges and stunning views of the Continental Divide
5.0
(1)
237
riders
88.5km
05:04
2,090m
2,090m
Cycle the challenging 55.0-mile (88.5 km) Idaho Springs to Mount Blue Sky Summit route, gaining 6851 feet (2088 metres) of elevation.
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46
riders
52.4km
02:59
1,210m
1,210m
Challenge yourself on the difficult 32.5-mile road cycling route from Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass, gaining 3959 feet with stunning views.
44
riders
76.4km
04:01
1,400m
1,400m
Cycle the challenging 47.4-mile Guanella Pass Summit route from Idaho Springs, gaining 4591 feet through Arapaho National Forest.
41
riders
44.5km
02:03
510m
510m
Road cycling the moderate Clear Creek Greenway offers 27.7 miles of scenic views along Clear Creek, connecting historic towns like Idaho Spr
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Popular around Downieville-Lawson-Dumont
Tips from the Community
This high alpine lake is quite the view and a destination for many. **If you plan on parking here to hike Mt. Evans, a reservation is required to park at Summit Lake and must be purchased through recreation.gov PRIOR to the day of your hike. It's $7. All specific and important info can be found at: recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438
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Embarking on the ascent of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is must-do for any cyclist looking for a high altitude challenge. The road up to the summit, which is at 14,130 feet above sea level, is the highest paved road in North America, so as you ride up this epic switchbacking road, keep an eye on how you feel because many experience altitude sickness at these elevations. The summit parking lot is a great place to rest, take photos, and enjoy the views before heading back down the road, which demands vigilance. There are no guardrails, little to no shoulder, and steep drops along the road so please be aware as you begin your descent.
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This section of Little Bear Creek Road from the summit of Mestaa'Ėhehe pass to just before series of tight switchbacks is a fun, smooth gravel road that is doable on a road bike. If descending and not feeling the switchbacks, you can take a sharp right, then a left on to Old Little Bear Creek Road (a slightly less well-graded gravel road) that is more straight for some fun, fast descending.
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Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a small former mining town just off of I-70. This is a great place for hikers, cyclists, and trail runners to start or end an outdoor adventure; with its blend of history, local shops and restaurants, and natural beauty this is a must-stop for anyone visiting Colorado.
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Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush by George and David Griffith, two prospectors from Kentucky. After 1864, gold and silver ore was mined in countless mines around Georgetown. The town was not a mining camp, but a center for the ore miners and prospectors. Today, the town has a really nice atmosphere and you can still take a ride with the old steam train. There is also a very nice brewery at the north end of the town
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Mestaa'Ėhehe Pass (formerally Squ*w Pass) Summit is located at just over 9,800 feet. This is a popular area for cyclists in the summer time as the temperatures are significantly cooler than in Denver. This also marks the spot where most typically finish the bulk of their climbing. If you are heading back to Idaho Springs or Denver, it's mostly downhill with some great descending.
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Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush by George and David Griffith, two prospectors from Kentucky. After 1864, gold and silver ore was mined in countless mines around Georgetown. The town was not a mining camp, but a center for the ore miners and prospectors. Today, the town has a really nice atmosphere and you can still take a ride with the old steam train. There is also a very nice brewery at the north end of the town.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
The region, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers diverse terrain for road cyclists. You'll encounter significant elevation gains, scenic loops, and routes that traverse alpine lakes, pristine rivers, and dense forests. While many routes are well-paved, some more strenuous options may include unpaved or difficult segments.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a moderate ride?
While many routes in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont are challenging, there are options for moderate riders. For instance, the Clear Creek Greenway is a moderate 44.5 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a less strenuous experience compared to the more demanding mountain climbs.
What are some of the more challenging road cycling routes in the area?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Downieville-Lawson-Dumont offers several demanding routes. The Mount Blue Sky (Evans) to Juniper and Mestaa'Ėhehe Passes loop is a difficult 93.9 km route with over 2,400 meters of elevation gain. Another strenuous option is the Idaho Springs to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit, an 88.5 km path with over 2,000 meters of climbing.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can expect breathtaking vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, alpine lakes, and dense forests. Notable features include the crystal-clear North Yuba River, popular for its tributaries and swimming spots. Cyclists might also pass by scenic lakes such as Saint Mary's Lake and Loch Lomond.
Are there any historical points of interest near the road cycling routes?
Yes, the Downieville area retains a rustic feel from its late 1800s gold rush days, adding a unique historical charm. Cyclists might pass through or near historic settlements like Idaho Springs and the Town of Georgetown, which offer glimpses into the region's past.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
The road cycling routes in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, stunning mountain views, and the diverse natural landscapes encountered along the way.
Are there any road cycling routes that offer views of specific mountain passes or summits?
Absolutely. Routes like the Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass via Echo Lake offer stunning views as you ascend. Another route, the Idaho Springs to Guanella Pass Summit, provides a challenging climb to a notable mountain pass, offering expansive vistas.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Downieville-Lawson-Dumont?
The Sierra Nevada Mountains region is best enjoyed for road cycling during the warmer months when passes are clear of snow. Conditions can vary, so it's always advisable to check local weather and road status before planning your ride, especially for high-elevation routes like those leading to Mount Blue Sky or Guanella Pass.
Can I expect to see wildlife while road cycling in this area?
Yes, the Downieville-Lawson-Dumont area is rich in wildlife. Cyclists might have opportunities to spot various animals such as beavers, otters, rabbits, foxes, and deer, particularly during the fall season when wildlife is more active.
Are there any routes that are particularly scenic or known for their views?
Many routes in the region are renowned for their scenic beauty. The Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass via Echo Lake is known for its stunning views. Generally, any route ascending into the Sierra Nevada Mountains will offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding alpine landscapes.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Downieville-Lawson-Dumont area?
There are 14 road cycling routes available in the Downieville-Lawson-Dumont area, ranging from moderate to difficult in intensity, providing options for various skill levels.
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