The best road cycling routes around Summit

Summit County offers a diverse network of road cycling routes. You can find around 30 routes on komoot, ranging from easy scenic rides to challenging mountain passes. This includes over 55 miles of the paved Summit County Recreational Pathway system.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Summit County features several demanding mountain passes. Loveland Pass, at 11,990 feet, offers dramatic alpine scenery and panoramic views with challenging climbs up to a 9% grade. Hoosier Pass, reaching 11,542 feet on the Continental Divide, also provides stunning vistas. The classic 80-mile Copper Triangle loop traverses four mountain climbs and three mountain villages, showcasing expansive mountain scenery.

Yes, Summit County caters to all skill levels. The paved Summit County Recreational Pathway system connects towns like Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Keystone, offering many leisurely options. The Green Valley round – Jolie Cafe loop from Summit is an easy 27.8-mile trail with gentle gradients, perfect for a relaxed ride. The Whitebridge Road loop from Summit is another easy option, covering 22.2 miles through local landscapes.

Road cycling in Summit County offers breathtaking natural beauty. Many routes feature views of Lake Dillon, a prominent high mountain lake, and traverse sections of the Continental Divide. You'll also encounter impressive mountain ranges like the Gore Range and Tenmile Range. Keep an eye out for the Sapphire Point Overlook for stunning panoramic views of the ranges and Lake Dillon, or explore Mayflower Gulch for its rugged peaks and historic mining remnants.

The mild temperatures in summer and fall make these seasons ideal for road cycling in Summit County. During these months, you can enjoy comfortable riding conditions and vibrant landscapes, including alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers along routes like Boreas Pass.

Yes, Summit County has several excellent loop routes. The Dillon Reservoir Recpath Loop is a moderate 32.7-kilometer (20.3-mile) ride offering great mountain and lake views around Lake Dillon. The Jolie Cafe – Osborn Pond loop from Summit is another popular moderate 32.0-mile path with varied terrain. For a longer challenge, the Copper Triangle is a classic 80-mile loop.

Summit County's high-elevation terrain means many routes involve significant climbing. Passes like Loveland Pass reach 11,990 feet and Hoosier Pass 11,542 feet, offering challenging ascents. Even moderate routes like the Brookside Drive – Washington Rock loop from Summit can have over 370 meters (1,200 feet) of elevation gain, providing a good workout with rewarding views.

The road cycling experience in Summit County is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 39 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse network of paved recreational paths, the challenging mountain passes, and the stunning views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Many routes in Summit County traverse or offer views of the expansive Arapaho National Forest, providing a mix of open mountain vistas and forested sections. While specific routes vary, the presence of the forest ensures opportunities for shaded riding, especially on paths that wind through lower elevations or along river corridors.

The towns within Summit County, such as Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, serve as convenient hubs with access to the cycling network. These towns typically offer public parking facilities that can be used as starting points for various routes. Specific parking details often depend on the chosen route's trailhead or access point.

Summit County has a robust free public transportation system, Summit Stage, which connects the main towns and resorts. While specific bike transport policies can vary, this system can often help cyclists access different parts of the extensive recreational pathway network, allowing for one-way rides or reaching trailheads without a car.