The best gravel rides around Chía

Gravel biking around Chía offers a diverse mix of landscapes, from the rolling plains of La Sabana de Bogotá to significant elevation changes. You'll encounter endless dirt roads and varied surfaces, reflecting Colombia's 'gravel by nature' reputation. The routes often feature challenging climbs and rewarding descents through picturesque surroundings.

The gravel biking network around Chía is primarily defined by challenging routes with significant elevation gains. All 7 routes currently listed are rated as difficult, making them more suitable for experienced riders seeking a demanding adventure. For example, the route Best views of the Benasque Valley – Collado de Sahún loop from Chía involves over 880 meters of climbing.

Chía's gravel routes offer access to stunning natural beauty. You can find breathtaking views from places like Collado de Sahún. The region also features beautiful waterfalls such as Remáscaro Gorge Waterfalls and Espigantosa Waterfall, and the serene Ibón of Plan (Basa de la Mora).

The dry season, typically between December and March, is considered the best time to visit Chía for outdoor activities, including gravel biking. This period generally offers more favorable weather conditions for exploring the trails and enjoying the region's natural beauty.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Chía are designed as loops. For instance, you can explore the Linsoles Reservoir – Benasque Village Center loop from Benasque, which covers 42.6 km with over 1,300 meters of elevation gain. Another option is the challenging Linsoles Reservoir – Linsoles Reservoir loop from Eriste, a 52.8 km ride with over 1,400 meters of climbing.

The gravel bike trails in Chía are generally considered difficult. All 7 routes listed in this guide are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and varied terrain that will challenge even experienced riders. For example, the Castejón de Sos – Linsoles Reservoir loop from Benasque is a 95.2 km trail with over 2,500 meters of climbing.

The gravel biking routes in Chía are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 70 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied and challenging terrain, often praising the rugged climbs, epic descents, and the immersive cultural experience found along the quiet backcountry roads.

Beyond the natural landscapes, the region offers interesting points like the Paliuenga Terraces, which provide unique views. You might also pass through settlements like Castejón de Sos, which can offer a glimpse into local life and culture.

Gravel rides in Chía are characterized by substantial elevation changes. Even shorter routes like the Best views of the Benasque Valley – Collado de Sahún loop from Chía, at 26.8 km, involve over 880 meters of ascent. Longer routes can feature over 2,500 meters of climbing, providing a significant workout.

Chía's diverse landscapes, including La Sabana de Bogotá and nearby hills like La Valvanera, offer opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. The Parque La Montaña del Oso is an eco-tourism park ideal for nature lovers, suggesting that you can easily combine your gravel biking trips with walks or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.

The duration of gravel bike routes in Chía varies depending on their length and elevation. For example, the 42.6 km Linsoles Reservoir – Benasque Village Center loop from Benasque typically takes around 3 hours and 55 minutes, while the 95.2 km Castejón de Sos – Linsoles Reservoir loop from Benasque can take approximately 9 hours and 45 minutes.