I am planning a trip to the Denver/Boulder area this summer and was wondering if anyone has maps/courses/directions for rides in the 75-100 mile range. I would like to ride over some of the major passes and wondering if that is possible starting from the Boulder area.
From Boulder proper the closest would be Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. The road typically opens around Memorial Day. You would probably have to drive up to Estes Park and ride over to Grand Lake and back (approx 50 miles to Grand Lake from Estes) One way from Boulder to Grand Lake is about 90 miles.
Get a very early start to avoid traffic and heavy weather in the afternoon.
Other good rides would be south and west of Boulder. For example, the ride from Evergreen to the top of Mt. Evans (14,000+ ft) takes you over Squaw Pass. Remember to acclimatize yourself for a couple of days before tackling the high passes.
Have fun.
If your plans are flexible, you might want to be here on July 9 and ride the Triple Bypass. It’s a very well organized ride put on by Team Evergreen. It’s 120 miles, with over 10K of climbing, over Squaw, Loveland, and Vail passes. Loveland Pass tops out somewhere around 11,200 ft! The ride starts in Evergreen, and ends in Avon: Not to be taken lightly. Home Page: http://teamevergreen.org/triple_bypass.htm
I found these on the MotionBased TrailNetwork:
Masonville and Back
Gunbarrel to Carter Lake
Gunbarrel/Lyons/Ward Loop
Magnolia/Dirt RD to Coal Creek/South Beaver RD/Nederland/Eldora shelf.