The best road cycling routes around Sugarloaf

The start of the Magnolia Road climb from Boulder Canyon Drive up to the Twin Sisters Spur junction offers a famously brutal road biking test right out of the gate on a paved road, though the pavement can be rough in spots. Leaving Highway 119, Magnolia Road immediately ascends with punishing, double-digit gradients that rank among the steepest paved miles in the area. As you grind up this initial section you'll climb steeply through foothills, potentially catching glimpses of Boulder Canyon below.

Panorama Point on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, CO, offers stunning, panoramic views of the city, whether it's day or night, all year round. You can drive up to the overlook, making it accessible to families and dogs. Parking is limited, however, and the vehicle length limit on Flagstaff Road is 30 feet because it is narrow and twisty. Several trails start and/or pass by here including Flagstaff Trail and the Viewpoint Trail, the latter of which climbs from Boulder Canyon and Eben G. Fine Park near downtown. Panorama Point has three picnic tables, but no restrooms.

Cycling along West Dillon Road through Admor Open Space treats riders to a varied geography. The landscape unfolds with rolling hills, expansive meadows, and glimpses of majestic mountains. The open space, with its diverse terrain and natural beauty, creates a scenic and enjoyable cycling experience in this Colorado locale.

You can easily walk along the river from the city towards Red Rocks.

The Boulder Adventure Lodge (also known as the A-Lodge) is the closest hostel/camping area to downtown Boulder. Located just up Fourmile Canyon, the A-lodge hosts an entrance to the Betasso Preserve, which is a collection of multi use trails in the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Trails area.

The trail is paved and crosses the creek here between Eben Park and the Boulder Creek trail. You can also use this as a great trailhead from which to access the mountains and canyons just west of here.

The road up Flagstaff from Chautauqua to Chapman Drive, where you can continue to Artists Point overlooking Boulder, is an iconic Boulder climb. This fun, twisting road (whether you ride up or down) grants you great views over the city as you pass by large sandstone boulders and cliffs, stands of pine trees, and several viewpoints. Watch out for cars on both the ascent and descent, this is a very popular drive for tourists and locals alike and there are several well-trafficked hiking trails off of the road.

Lee Hill Drive is a popular, challenging climb that connects the intersection of Lee Hill with Olde Stage just outside of North Boulder, and Lefthand Canyon. The backside of Lee Hill (the Lefthand Canyon side) is a little nicer for climbing because there is less traffic than on the the Boulder side where there is no shoulder on a series of initial switchbacks. Regardless of which way you go up Lee Hill, coming down the 1,400 foot climb is a real treat after the challenging journey up!