Cycle to Work, Then Take These Ten Boulder Bike Routes for a Spin

Tomorrow morning, June 25, thousands of cyclists will take over local lanes and paths in honor of Bike to Work Day. Boulder hosted the first event back in the ‘70s, and now, the celebration spans across the state. Hundreds of stations throughout the metro area will be serving free breakfast, followed by after-work parties with drink discounts, giveaways and more.

While Boulder Walk and Bike Month’s flagship event is not to be missed, there are lots of places to pedal year-round. From scenic gravel rides to ultra-challenging climbs, here are ten Boulder bike routes for every preference.

For the newest of new mountain bikers: Schoolhouse Loop
Specially designed for those brand new to mountain biking, the flat 1-mile Schoolhouse Loop within Heil Valley Ranch makes for a great practice lap. Cruise past historic structures and navigate nine optional, man-made obstacles, including skinnies and log rollovers. Once you get your bearings, check out the adjacent Overland Loop. This easy, 2.2-mile path has a gentle ascent of 260 feet, along with lots of wildflowers in the summertime.
For beginner mountain bikers with ambition: Doudy Draw
Newer mountain bikers who have built up some skills and confidence should take a ride along the 2.2-mile Doudy Draw trail. From the parking lot off Eldorado Springs Drive, the wide gravel path quickly narrows to singletrack. Limited shade, medium-sized rocks and a total elevation gain of 450 feet pose challenges, but mellow stretches allow you to catch your breath. Continue onto the intermediate 2-mile Springbook loop or the easier 3-mile Flatirons Vista circuit.

For interconnected intermediate trails: Betasso Preserve
Ride from town to complete the iconic 16-mile Super Betasso or simply drive up Boulder Canyon to access Betasso Preserve. This popular park features panoramic mountain views and a trail system that’s almost entirely ranked as intermediate. Wind along singletrack and down fast sections on the 3.3-mile Canyon Loop. To lengthen your route, continue further via the 0.8-mile Loop Link, which leads to the 2.4-mile Benjamin Loop. Note that bike directionality changes monthly, and cyclists are not permitted on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For technical mountain biking and a fun flow: Walker Ranch Loop
This classic mountain bike ride is relatively short, yet challenging. Steep climbs lead to fast, flowy descents — along with one challenging hike-a-bike section that stairsteps down to South Boulder Creek. Ride Walker Ranch Loop clockwise or counterclockwise, gaining roughly 1,550 feet across 7.7 miles. A true test of stamina and skill, there’s also the 30-mile Super Walker that involves cycling up Flagstaff Road for a total ascent of nearly 6,000 feet.

For expert mountain bikers looking to suffer: South Saint Vrain Figure Eight
As one of the region’s best backpacking routes, many take two days to tackle the South Saint Vrain Figure Eight. It’s a monster of a climb, gaining around 2,200 feet across 16 miles with a max grade of 27 percent. This gnarly ride begins off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and travels past the iconic Brainard Lake — but don’t admire the views too long. Large boulders and loose rocks demand a high level of focus and endurance.
For varied terrain and elevation gain: Poor Man’s Pass
Avid local cyclist and Westword contributor Adam Perry recently completed 25 challenging Boulder-area climbs, and of them, Poor Man’s Pass ranks as his favorite for a mix of gravel, road and dirt. Beginning downtown, the route follows Boulder Canyon before veering north up Fourmile Canyon Drive and right onto Poorman Road, the steepest part of the ride. Follow this dirt stretch for 1.5 miles before taking a right onto Sunshine Canyon Drive, admiring views of Mount Sanitas on your way back into town. The loop spans roughly ten miles and gains around 1,100 feet of elevation.

For cyclists who love local history: Gold Hill
This gravel loop begins like the aforementioned route, but rather than turning right on Poorman Road, you continue up Fourmile Canyon Drive. Near the former mining town of Salina, the path changes to Gold Run Road — this is the most direct course, but quite steep. Turn left to continue on Fourmile Canyon Drive for a longer, but more gradual ascent. Follow this for around six miles to the ghost town of Sunset, then take the Switzerland Trail to Gold Hill Road, veering right at the junction. Make a stop at the Gold Hill Store for baked goods and live bluegrass tunes before the downhill ride.

For an adventurous jaunt around town: B360
On June 1, Boulder Walk and Bike Month kicked off with an organized ride along the B360. Directional markers made navigation a breeze, but the loop’s digital map is easy to follow, too. Heading clockwise from Valmont Bike Park, you’ll pedal along South Boulder Creek and past the University of Colorado Boulder before traveling north along the foothills. Go east at Wonderland Lake to complete the 24-mile circuit, which is open to all types of bikes, including e-bikes. If you’d prefer a shorter ride, there’s also a 12-mile version, the B180.

For a chill ride to the brewery: Longmont-to-Boulder (LoBo) Regional Trail
From the Cottonwood Trailhead on the north side of town, it’s just a quick 3.8 miles along the LoBo Regional Trail to Avery Brewing Company. Sip one of several options on draft or even enjoy lunch from its sunny, misted patio before circling back. Though uphill on the return, the gravel and paved paths gain a mellow 100 feet of elevation. If you really want to earn your beer, complete the full 12-mile route to Longmont, where you’ll find Wibby Brewing, Left Hand, Oskar Blues and more craft breweries.

For first-time visitors adjusting to the altitude: Boulder E-Bike Tour
Learn about local landmarks on this guided e-bike experience that begins at North Boulder Park. Groups cycle past the historic Hotel Boulderado, retailers and restaurants on Pearl Street Mall, then along shady Boulder Creek before a stop at CU Boulder. Admire views of the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park on the way back to your starting point. Priced at $105 per adult, two-hour tours are available daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.