Copper Mountain, Leadville, Red Cliff, Minturn, & Vail loop

The best time to ride this loop is typically from late spring through early fall. For stunning autumn colors, especially in mid to late September, the scenery is particularly beautiful. Be aware that mountain weather can change rapidly, with afternoon rain showers being common.

You can typically find parking in the towns along the route, such as Copper Mountain, Vail, Leadville, or Minturn. Many cyclists choose to start from Copper Mountain, taking advantage of available parking there.

No, this loop is considered a difficult road ride, suitable for advanced-intermediate to advanced cyclists with very good fitness. It features substantial elevation gain and three mountain passes over 10,000 feet, including a Cat 1 climb up Vail Pass, which demands significant physical exertion, especially at high altitude.

Generally, no specific permits or fees are required for cycling the public roads and dedicated bike paths that make up this loop. While the Vail Pass Bike Path is part of a state park, there is typically no fee for cyclists using the path.

The route primarily consists of paved roads and dedicated bike paths. You'll experience varying road conditions, including stretches with wide shoulders, minimal shoulders, and the well-maintained Vail Pass Bike Path. Some sections may have sand on the shoulder, and you should be mindful of traffic, especially on highways.

The loop offers numerous scenic and historical points of interest. You'll pass by the dramatic landscape around the Climax Molybdenum mine, the historic Camp Hale, and quaint towns like Red Cliff and Minturn. Notable highlights include the Clinton Gulch Reservoir, Fremont Pass Summit, Tennessee Pass – Continental Divide & 10th Mountain Division Memorial, and the iconic Red Cliff Bridge.

This road cycling loop is not typically considered dog-friendly. As it primarily follows paved roads and dedicated bike paths, often alongside traffic, it's not a suitable environment for dogs. It's best to leave your furry friends at home for this particular ride.

Yes, sections of this route intersect with or run parallel to several other trails. You'll find parts of the Colorado Trail (segments 7, 8, and 9), the Tenmile Recpath, the Gore Valley Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail along various portions of the loop.

The loop features several significant climbs. You'll ascend Fremont Pass (11,318 feet), Tennessee Pass (10,424 feet), and Vail Pass (10,662/10,666 feet). The climb up Vail Pass from the Vail side is particularly notable, considered a Cat 1 climb with steep sections.

Given the length, difficulty, and high altitude, you should bring plenty of water and nutrition, layers of clothing for changing mountain weather, sun protection, a bike repair kit, and a fully charged phone. It's also wise to carry a map or GPS device with the route loaded, as cell service can be spotty in some areas.

Historically, there has been resurfacing work on US Highway 24 south of Minturn, which could impact shoulder availability. While this was scheduled for completion by late 2024, it's always a good idea to check local road conditions and construction updates before your ride, especially for sections like US 24 between Red Cliff and Minturn where shoulders can be minimal.