Black Lake No. 2

The Vail to Copper Mountain via Vail Pass route is a classic Colorado touring bicycle ride, offering spectacular mountain views as you traverse through subalpine meadows and forests. You'll follow the dedicated Vail Pass Recpath, a fully paved trail that winds alongside creeks and small waterfalls, with stunning vistas of the Gore and Tenmile Ranges. The route takes you past scenic spots like Black Lake No. 2 and Black Lake (Dam No. 1) before reaching the high point at Vail Pass.

Planning your ride requires considering the significant elevation gain of 3188 feet (972 metres) over 33.4 miles (53.7 km), which makes it a difficult route taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Many cyclists opt for a shuttle service to the summit of Vail Pass, turning the challenging climb into a rewarding, mostly downhill cruise towards Copper Mountain. Remember that the high altitude at the pass, over 10,600 feet, can affect riders from lower elevations, so allow time to acclimate.

This trail is notable for being one of Colorado's first separated bicycle paths over a mountain pass, established during the construction of Interstate 70. It offers a safe, traffic-free cycling experience and connects to a wider network of recreation paths, including the Ten Mile Canyon Recpath at Copper Mountain. The route also provides amenities at Vail Pass summit and Copper Mountain, making it a well-supported journey through the heart of the Rockies.