COLORADO CLIMBS

Cycling Climbs of Colorado - a Fine List

Welcome to the new Colorado Climbs Guide Page by Pedal Dancer®, featuring the very best bike climbs in Colorado with all the facts offered in one place. Scroll down to see the Colorado climbs in detail. Find lists of the highest climbs, the classic climbs, the climbs that traverse the Continental Divide, recommended climbs and ride reports for each climb in Colorado.


Continental Divide Climbs
 
The Great Divide runs straight through Colorado.

Popular cycling climbs that cross the Continental (Great) Divide. You could do all eight in one week-long vacation to Colorado. All cyclists in Colorado discover three things:
  1. False flats exist and they hurt. 
  2. The divide rules over pain far more than how steep the road appears.
  3. Anytime your front wheel is pointed toward the divide - you will feel it.
Climbs on the divide:


Highest climbs in Colorado:

Ready to challenge yourself on a bike up the roads of the highest mountains in Colorado? Here is a list of the climbs you may cycle, name and elevation:
  1. Mount Evans summit 14150 ft
  2. Pikes Peak summit 14,115 ft
  3. Trail Ridge Road pass 12183 ft  
  4. Cottonwood Pass 12126 ft
  5. Independence Pass 12095 ft
  6. Loveland Pass 11992 ft 
  7. Hoosier Pass 11541 ft
  8. Slumgullion Pass 11530 ft
  9. Fremont 11320 ft
  10. Monarch Pass 11312 ft
  11. Berthoud Pass 11307 ft 


My favorites climbs:

I am certain every cyclist has their own personal favorites, my favorite cycling areas in Colorado are:
  • Copper Triangle (Copper Mountain, Leadville, Battle Mountain, Vail Pass loop) 
  • Independence Pass/Aspen (both sides)
  • Maroon Bells + Castle Creek, Aspen
  • Grand Mesa and Paonia area
  • Squaw Pass/Mt Evans/Idaho Springs Loop
  • Lyons, Old St. Vrain Canyon, Peak to Peak Hwy, Ward, Lefthand Canyon, Boulder Loop
  • Lyons, Allens Park, up Trail Ridge Road / Grand Lake
  • Deer Creek, High Grade, Turkey Creek area loop, SW Denver
  • Frisco, Keystone, Montezuma, Loveland Pass, Georgetown area
  • Cottonwood Pass between Crested Butte and Buena Vista
  • Deckers Loop south of Denver
  • Colorado Monument near Grand Junction
More by Pedal Dancer: COLORADO CYCLING GUIDE PAGE
Come prepared: Dressing for the Weather in Cycling By Pedal Dancer

Tips for riding the Triple Bypass event ride in Colorado: Tips for Riding the Triple Bypass


THE MAP

Map of 27 recommended bike climbs in Colorado featured on this page: interactive map link

Best bike climbs in Colorado
Map of popular cycling climbs in Colorado by Pedal Dancer


Climb Records:

Most Difficult: Mt Evans is rated as the most difficult climb in Colorado at 9.0 (if the rating considered altitude and weather it should be doubled!). Grand Mesa from either side is also very difficult, but the north side is the second most difficult climb in Colorado. At third most difficult is Trail Ridge Rd - East side.

Highest: Mount Evans is the highest climb with a maximum elevation reached of 14150 ft.. Pikes Peak summit is 14,115 ft. Trail Ridge Road is 12183 ft and Cottonwood Pass is 12126 ft. Next is Independence Pass at 12095 ft in elevation.

Longest: Of the climbs listed below, Lizard Head Pass (south side from Delores to Telluride) is the longest at 49.2 miles, although it is not very steep (1.3% average grade). The entire climb of Mt Evans from Idaho Springs is 28 miles. McClure Pass (north side) is also long at 25.4 miles. Trail Ridge Rd (east side) is another long climb at a distance of 24.3 miles.

Longest Hardest: Mount Evans, Grand Mesa (both sides). Hard hard hard.

Steepest: Magnolia Rd is thought to be the steepest paved road in Colorado with a 9.1% average grade, and a maximum grade of 17%.

The Shortest Hardest: If you like your climbs intense, then you will want to ride East Portal (max 16%), Magnolia Rd (max 17%), and Flagstaff Rd (max 14%). 

Greatest Ascent: The honor of most effort goes again to Mt Evans with 6240ft gain in elevation during the climb, followed by a tough Trail Ridge Rd with 4663 ft gain, barely edging out Grand Mesa (south route from Delta) with 4620 ft elevation gain (although these figures vary by resource).

Fastest Descent: Hold on for the ride down the west side of Rabbit Ears Pass, the south side of Wolf Creek Pass, and the south side of Hoosier Pass.  

Most Scenic: My vote goes to Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Rd, Mt Evans (on a good weather day), Red Mountain Pass or Colorado National Monument. I like open vistas!

Closed for Winter: Trail Ridge Rd, Independence Pass, and Mt Evans.  

My Top Bucket List Climbs: Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Rd, Mt. Evans, Loveland Pass (south side), and Grand Mesa.


Classic Climbs:

According to Rocky Mountain Cycling Club (RMCC) there are 46 paved passes in the state of Colorado, 27 of those are over 10,000 ft in elevation. I need to give the fine folks at RMCC credit for compiling their list of 15 Classic Colorado Climbs listed as (in alphabetical order):
  • Black Canyon (north rim)
  • Black Canyon (south rim)
  • Cheyenne Canyon 
  • Colorado National Monument
  • Deer Creek / High Grade
  • Golden Gate Canyon
  • Grand Mesa
  • Lefthand Canyon
  • Lookout Mountain
  • Magnolia
  • Mt. Evans
  • Rist Canyon
  • St Mary's Glacier
  • Super Flagstaff 
  • Trail Ridge Rd

(Possibly the) Most Scenic Climbs in the United States

In the opinion of TourofCalifornia.org, two climbs in Colorado made the list of the most scenic climbs in our nation:

Most Scenic/Spectacular Climbs

1. Nacimiento Ferguson Road, CA
2. Red Mountain Pass, CO
3. Onion Valley, CA
4. Beartooth Pass, MT
5. Alpine Summit, UT
6. Independence Pass, CO
7. McKenzie Pass, OR
8. Cherohala Skyway, NC
9. Mount Baker, WA
10. Castle Valley, UT


COLORADO CLIMBS IN DETAIL


This is the ultimate resource list for cycling climbs in Colorado, offering ride facts and links to ride descriptions, maps and climb profiles by those who know best - the individuals who get out and ride the rides: MyBicycleRoutes, CyclePass, ClimbbyBike, 303Cycling, SteepClimbs, ColoradoGuy, Trimble Outdoors, Colorado-Cycling.com, SummitBiking, Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, Colorado Bike Maps, 5280, Team Evergreen, STRAVA, MapMyRide, RidewithGPS, Pedal Dancer, plus local websites and bloggers.

I have included the climbs I have ridden and know best. Colorado has more than these 26 climbs highlighted on this page.  Jon Summerson wrote a fine book, worth buying, in which he details 144 climbs in Colorado, titled The Complete Guide to Climbing by Bike in Colorado; read my 2011 book review: Recommended Reading: Guide to Climbing

What I hope to accomplish through compiling this list, is to provide you with one place to locate and read all the resources available about a specific climb you plan to conquer; planning ahead to make your ride better and your bucket list more complete.

Presented in alphabetical order, I detail the climbs I am most familiar with, beginning with the FAQs for each of these popular rides (or ones I really think you should ride), then offer links by the experts.

* The Difficulty ratings below are courtesy of Rocky Mountain Cycling Club or ClimbbyBike.
* The Bucket List ratings below are by Pedal Dancer.

27 Colorado cycling passes are featured: 

Battle Mountain, Berthoud Pass, Colorado National Monument, Cottonwood Pass, Deer Creek / High Grade Rd., Fremont Pass, Grand Mesa, Guanella Pass, Hoosier Pass, Independence Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Lookout Mountain, Loveland Pass, Magnolia Rd, Maroon Bells, McClure Pass, Monarch Pass, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak, Rabbit Ears Pass, Red Mountain Pass, Squaw Pass, Super Flagstaff, Swan Mountain, Tennessee Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Vail Pass.

* I will continue to add links to these climbs


BATTLE MOUNTAIN

Battle Mountain
Nearby town: Red Cliff, Minturn, Vail
Area of Colorado: Near former 10th Mountain Division training camp
Road: Hwy 24
Distance (miles): 1.8
Grade (avg.): 4%; max 8%
Ascent (ft): 433
Max elevation (ft): 8789
Difficulty (rmcc):
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Tennessee Pass, Vail Pass
Notes: Beautiful rock formations, and a climb you can see coming. Part of the Copper Triangle ride.

Battle Mountain Links:

BERTHOUD PASS

Berthoud Pass (south side) - from Empire
Nearby town: Empire
Area of Colorado: pass between Winter Park and I-70
Road: US 40
Distance (miles): 11
Grade (avg.): 4.4%; max 6%
Ascent (ft): 2527
Max elevation (ft): 11315
Difficulty (rmcc): 3.4
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Loveland Pass, Mt Evans
Notes: Good shoulder for much of the ride from Empire.

Berthoud Pass (north side) - from Winter Park
Nearby town: Winter Park
Area of Colorado: pass between Winter Park and I-70
Road: US 40
Distance (miles): 8.8
Grade (avg.): 4.1%; max 6%
Ascent (ft): 1915
Max elevation (ft): 11315
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.4
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Loveland Pass, Trail Ridge Rd
Notes: Can be heavy with car traffic

Berthoud Pass Links:

BLACK CANYON

Black Canyon Gunnison Rim
Nearby town: Gunnison
Area of Colorado: Between Gunnison and Delta
Road: CO 92
Distance (miles): 5.49
Grade (avg.): 5.9%
Ascent (ft): 531
Max elevation (ft): 8277
Difficulty (ClimbByBike): 67.9
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Notes: Scenic, constant, mostly moderate. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Links:

COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

Colorado National Monument - (east park entrance)
Nearby town: Grand Junction
Area of Colorado: Western Range near border to Utah
Road: Monument Park (National Park)
Distance (miles): 11
Grade (avg.): 4.3%; max 8%
Ascent (ft): 2091
Max elevation (ft): 6655
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.3
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Notes: Nice views, fine loop ride.

Colorado National Monument - (west park entrance)
Nearby town: Fruita
Area of Colorado: Western Range near border to Utah
Road: Rim Rock Drive (National Park)
Distance (miles): 5.8
Grade (avg.): 4.4%; 8% max
Ascent (ft): 1352
Max elevation (ft): 6655
Difficulty (john summerson): 0.63
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Grand Mesa, Kokopelli trail
Notes: Go on a light tourist day, best in spring or fall.

Colorado National Monument Links:

COTTONWOOD PASS

Cottonwood Pass (east side) - from Buena Vista
Nearby town: Buena Vista
Area of Colorado: Pass between Buena Vista and Crested Butte
Road: RD 306
Distance (miles): 19.2
Grade (avg.): 4.1%; max 10%
Ascent (ft): 4196
Max elevation (ft): 12126
Difficulty (rmcc): 5.3
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Monarch Pass, Independence Pass
Notes: The road is fully paved on this side. A pretty treed gradual climb up until the last few km.

Cottonwood Pass (west side) from Crested Butte/Gunnison
Nearby town: Crested Butte / Gunnison
Area of Colorado: Pass between Crested Butte and Buena Vista
Road: CR742 (partial hard-packed dirt)
Distance (miles): 17.9
Grade (avg.): 2.9%
Ascent (ft): 2756
Max elevation (ft): 12126
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.4
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Monarch Pass, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Note: A must do ride, the unpaved section should not keep you away

Cottonwood Pass Links:

A landmark for Front Range Cyclists - the rest stop on High Grade Rd, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

DEER CREEK CANYON / HIGH GRADE

DeerCreek / High Grade Rd - from Chatfield Reservoir
Nearby town: Littleton (south of Denver)
Area of Colorado: climb from Chatfield Reservoir into foothills
Road: Deer Creek Canyon and High Grade Road
Distance (miles):
Grade (avg.): 1.2%; max 9%
Ascent (ft): 2171
Max elevation (ft): 7696
Difficulty (rmcc):
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Lookout Mountain, Squaw Pass
Notes: A very popular local Denver climb. High Grade Rd is quite steep.

Deer Creek / High Grade Links:

FREMONT PASS

Fremont Pass (north side) - from Copper Mountain
Nearby town: Copper Mountain
Area of Colorado: pass near Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Road: CO 91
Distance (miles): 11.4
Grade (avg.): 2.7%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 1618
Max elevation (ft):11318
Difficulty (rmcc): 1.3
Bucket list rating: 1
Nearby climbs: Vail Pass, Tennessee Pass
Notes: Wide shoulder, the first climb of the traditional Copper Triangle ride as you depart Copper Mountain.

Fremont Pass (south side) - from Leadville
Nearby town: Leadville
Area of Colorado: Pass between Leadville and Copper Mountain
Road: CO 91
Distance (miles): 12.5
Grade (avg.): 1.8%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 1166
Max elevation (ft):11318
Difficulty (rmcc): 0.6
Bucket list rating: 1
Nearby climbs: Independence Pass and Tennessee Pass
Notes: Much better as a descent.

Fremont Pass Links:

GRAND MESA

Grand Mesa (southeast side) - from Delta
Nearby town: Delta
Area of Colorado: Enormous elevated mesa near Grand Juntion
Road: CO 65
Distance (miles): 19.6
Grade (avg.): 4.5%; max 6%
Ascent (ft): 4620
Max elevation (ft): 10840
Difficulty (rmcc): 6.3
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Red Mountain Pass
Notes: A difficult long climb that brings you through varied terrain.

Grand Mesa (northwest side) - from Grand Junction
Nearby town: Mesa/Grand Juntion
Area of Colorado: Enormous elevated mesa near Grand Juntion
Road: CO 65
Distance (miles): 21.4
Grade (avg.): 5.0%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 5640
Max elevation (ft): 10840
Difficulty (rmcc): 8.6
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Colorado National Monument, Kokopelli Trail
Notes: A stark change from the bottom to the top

Grand Mesa Links:

GUANELLA PASS

Guanella Pass - from Georgetown
Nearby town: Georgetown
Area of Colorado: Detour off of I-70 before Eisenhower Tunnel
Road: RD 381
Distance (miles): 10.75
Grade (avg.): 5.4 %; max 10%
Ascent (ft): 948
Max elevation (ft): 11660
Difficulty (ClimbbyBike): 105.23
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Loveland Pass, Berthoud Pass
Notes: I have only camped, snowshoed, built hiking trails, and climbed fourteeners near the road, never cycled it, but love this area.

Guanella Pass Links:

One of the many chances you will have to ride over the Continental Divide, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

HOOSIER PASS

Hoosier Pass (south side) - from Fairplay
Nearby town: Alma, Fairplay
Area of Colorado: Park County
Road: CO 9
Distance (miles): 11
Grade (avg.): 2.8%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 1606
Max elevation (ft): 11541
Difficulty (rmcc): 1.4
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Swan Mountain, Fremont Pass
Notes: Better than the north side, but big roads lead to this climb with a very fast descent.

Hoosier Pass (north side) - from Breckenridge
Nearby town: Breckenridge
Area of Colorado: Summit County
Road: CO 9
Distance (miles): 9.5
Grade (avg.): 3.8%; max 6%
Ascent (ft): 1894
Max elevation (ft): 11541
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.2
Bucket list rating: 1
Nearby climbs: Swan Mountain, Vail Pass
Notes: Very limited shoulder with truck traffic. Don't make it a priority.

Hoosier Pass Links:

Final climb to Independence Pass, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

INDEPENDENCE PASS

Independence Pass (east side) - from Twin Lakes
Nearby town: Twin Lakes, Buena Vista, Leadville
Area of Colorado: pass near Aspen
Road: CO 82
Distance (miles): 17.1
Grade (avg.): 3.2%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 2883
Max elevation (ft): 12095
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.8
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Cottonwood Pass, Tennessee Pass
Notes: Magnificent climb and descent. Closed in Winter.

Independence Pass (west side) - from Aspen
Nearby town: Aspen, Carbondale
Area of Colorado: pass near Aspen, middle of the state
Road: CO 82
Distance (miles): 21
Grade (avg.): 3.6%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 3995
Max elevation (ft): 12095
Difficulty (rmcc): 4.4
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Cottonwood Pass, McClure Pass
Notes: An absolute must climb from town through the narrows to the top. Closed in Winter.

Independence Pass Links:

LIZARD HEAD PASS

Lizard Head Pass (south side) - from Delores
Nearby town: Delores
Area of Colorado: entry into the south side of Telluride
Road: CO145
Distance (miles): 49.2
Grade (avg.): 1.3%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 3270
Max elevation (ft): 10250
Difficulty (rmcc): 1.3
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Red Mountain Pass, Lizard Head Pass
Notes: A nice climb and very fun descent into Telluride but watch for road surface conditions.

Lizard Head Pass (north side) - from Telluride
Nearby town: Telluride
Area of Colorado: climbing out of Telluride to Durango
Road: CO 145
Distance (miles): 16
Grade (avg.): 1.9%; max 6%
Ascent (ft): 1592
Max elevation (ft): 10250
Difficulty (rmcc): 0.9
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Red Mountain Pass, Grand Mesa
Notes: Steep double ascent out of town then a long gradually down.

Lizard Head Pass Links:

The switchbacks of Lookout Mountain, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

Lookout Mountain (one way) - from Golden
Nearby town: Golden
Area of Colorado: Golden, at the base of the foothills near I-70
Road: Lookout Mountain Road
Distance (miles): 4.5
Grade (avg.): 5%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 1282
Max elevation (ft): 7317
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.1
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Deer Creek Canyon/High Grade, Golden Gate Canyon
Notes: A Front Range landmark climb, short but sweet. Nice views of Denver. You will see cyclists on this climb year-round.

Lookout Mountain Links:

Loveland Pass - south side, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

LOVELAND PASS

Loveland Pass (northeast side) - from I-70
Nearby town: Georgetown
Area of Colorado: Bypass of I-70 around the Eisenhower Tunnel
Road: US 6
Distance (miles): 4.5
Grade (avg.): 4.6%; max 8%
Ascent (ft): 1100
Max elevation (ft):11990
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.4
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Berthoud Pass
Notes: A very nice ride to the top from the town of Georgetown.

Loveland Pass (southwest side) - from Dillon
Nearby town: Keystone, Dillon, Frisco
Area of Colorado: Summit Country near Eisenhower Tunnel
Road: US 6
Distance (miles): 15, (8.5 from Keystone)
Grade (avg.): 3.7% (from Dillon), 5.9% (from Keystone); max 9%
Ascent (ft): 2952 (from Dillon), 2650 (from Keystone)
Max elevation (ft):11992
Difficulty (rmcc): 3.4 (from Dillon)
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Swan Mountain, Vail Pass
Notes: From Lake Dillon, this is one of my favorite big pass climbing rides.

Loveland Pass Links:

MAGNOLIA ROAD

Magnolia Road
Nearby town: Boulder
Area of Colorado: hills of Boulder County
Road: Magnolia Rd
Distance (miles): 3.8
Grade (avg.): 9.6%, max of 17%+
Ascent (ft): 2170
Max elevation (ft): 7992
Difficulty: really hard!
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Flagstaff, Peak to Peak Highway
Notes: The corners are unbelievably steep. Magnolia race version includes the 7 miles of dirt at the top and is 18-miles in length.

Magnolia Links:

Maroon Bells, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

MAROON BELLS

Maroon Bells (one way) - from Aspen
Nearby town: Aspen
Area of Colorado: road to 2 fourteeners in Pitkin County
Road: RD 13
Distance (miles): 9.1 (from town)
Grade (avg.): 3.1%
Ascent (ft): 2015
Max elevation (ft): 9584
Difficulty: 7/10
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Independence Pass, McClure Pass
Notes: Combine this climb with nearby Castle Creek Rd climb. *Restricted auto traffic during certain times of day (which makes for great cycling!). A true Colorado landmark where you will likely see deer, moose and marmot. Nice Ranger Station at the top, and nicer Rangers.

Maroon Bells Links:

The climb from Carbondale to McClure Pass, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

MCCLURE PASS

McClure Pass (northeast side) - from Carbondale
Nearby town: Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Aspen
Area of Colorado: Pass through the changing autumn leaved near Aspen
Road: CO 133
Distance (miles): 25.4
Grade (avg.): 1.9%
Ascent (ft): 2610
Max elevation (ft): 8780
Difficulty (rmcc): 1.5
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Independence Pass, Maroon Bells
Notes: Bike Path part of the way along the Crystal River. Gradual approach only steep at the very end.

McClure Pass (southwest side) - from Paonia
Nearby town: Delta
Area of Colorado: Small town in Delta County south of the Grand Mesa
Road: CO 133
Distance (miles): 13.4
Grade (avg.): 2.9%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 2045
Max elevation (ft): 8780
Difficulty (rmcc): 1.8
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Notes: Very pretty area.

McClure Pass Links:

MONARCH PASS

Monarch Pass (east side) - from Salida
Nearby town: Salida
Area of Colorado: Major climb between Salida/Buena Vista and Gunnison
Road: US 50
Distance (miles): 17.9
Grade (avg.): 4.0%; max 8%
Ascent (ft): 3787
Max elevation (ft): 11312
Difficulty (rmcc): 4.6
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Cottonwood Pass. Independence Pass
Notes: I haven't ridden this side of the pass.

Monarch Pass (west side) - from Gunnison
Nearby town: Gunnison
Area of Colorado: Pass between Gunnison and Salida/Buena Vista
Road: US 50
Distance (miles): 9.0
Grade (avg.): 5.8%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 2755
Max elevation (ft): 11312
Difficulty (rmcc): 4.9
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Cottonwood Pass, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Notes: The major pass east of town, Cottonwood Pass is more quiet and worth your time.

Monarch Pass Links:

Climbing above tree-line to Mount Evans, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

MOUNT EVANS

Mount Evans (there's only one way to the top!) - from Idaho Springs
Nearby town: Idaho Spring
Area of Colorado: Detour off of I-70 at Idaho Springs
Road: CO 103
Distance (miles): 28
Grade (avg.): 4.5%; max 10%
Ascent (ft): 6610
Max elevation (ft): 14150
Difficulty (rmcc): 9.0
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Squaw Pass, Berthoud Pass
Notes: Highest paved road in North America! Extreme high altitude, extreme weather changes, magnificent! Very rough road surface, take caution on descent. Fee to cars ($10) and bikes ($3) at park entry kiosk. Closed in Winter.

Mt. Evans Links:

PIKES PEAK

Pikes Peak - (one way) to the summit
Nearby town: Colorado Springs
Area of Colorado: South of Denver, front range 14er
Road: Route 24 and Pikes Peak Toll Rd
Distance (miles): 15.7 (with 154 turns on the road)
Grade (avg.): 4.7%, max 10%
Ascent (ft): 4880
Max elevation (ft): 14,115
Difficulty:
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: 2-hours away by car
Notes: Highway open 7:30am-8:30pm. Cost $12 per person. High traffic. Opened to cyclists year-round in January 2013.

Pikes Peak Links: 

RABBIT EARS PASS

Rabbit Ears Pass (west side ) - from Steamboat Springs
Nearby town: Steamboat Springs
Area of Colorado: Entrance to Steamboat Springs
Road: US 40
Distance (miles): 22.4
Grade (avg.): 2.3%, max 8%
Ascent (ft): 2775
Max elevation (ft): 9426
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.0
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Trail Ridge Road, Berthoud Pass
Notes: The other side is a more gradual approach.

Rabbit Ears Pass Links:

RED MOUNTAIN PASS

Red Mountain Pass (south side) - from Silverton
Nearby town: Silverton, Durango, Purgatory
Area of Colorado: Pass between Durango, Silverton and Ouray
Road: US 550
Distance (miles): 10
Grade (avg.): 3.5%; max 7%
Ascent (ft):  1853
Max elevation (ft): 11081
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.0
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Lizard Head Pass
Notes: Riding along the spectacular Million Dollar Highway.

Red Mountain Pass (north side) - from Ouray
Nearby town: Ouray
Area of Colorado: Pass between Ouray and Silverton
Road: US 550
Distance (miles): 13.5
Grade (avg.): 4.7%; max 8%
Ascent (ft): 3327
Max elevation (ft): 11081
Difficulty (rmcc): 4.7
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Lizard Head Pass, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Notes: Can have heavy traffic in tourist season. Nearby Ouray is called "Little Switzerland" of Colorado.

Red Mountain Pass Links:

The beautiful Echo Lake at the top of Squaw Pass, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

SQUAW PASS

Squaw Pass (east side) - from Bergen Park / Evergreen
Nearby town: Bergen Park
Area of Colorado: Detour off of I-70 in Front Ranre
Road: CO 103
Distance (miles): 16
Grade (avg.): 4.0%
Ascent (ft): 3353
Max elevation (ft): 11130
Difficulty (rmcc): 4.1
Bucket list rating: 3
Nearby climbs: Mount Evans, Deer Creek / High Grade
Notes: Fantastic long gradual climb that seems like it will never end. Popular with locals.

Squaw Pass (west side) - from Idaho Springs
Nearby town: Idaho Springs
Area of Colorado: Detour off of I-70
Road: CO 103
Distance (miles): 15.2
Grade (avg.): 4.5%
Ascent (ft): 3590
Max elevation (ft): 11130
Difficulty (rmcc):
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Mount Evans, Berthoud Pass
Notes: This is big mountain climbing, most stop at Echo Lake Lodge, some riders detour up Mt Evans for the ultimate high altitude climb.

Squaw Pass Links:

SUPER FLAGSTAFF / FLAGSTAFF

Super Flagstaff Mountain (one way) - from Boulder
Nearby town: Boulder
Area of Colorado: the total climb of Flagstaff + the top section
Road: Flafstaff Rd
Distance (miles): 5.5
Grade (avg.): 6.9%; max 14%
Ascent (ft): 1998
Max elevation (ft): 7692
Difficulty (rmcc): 4.2
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Magnolia, Sunshine Canyon, Peak to Peak Highway
Notes: They call it the Alpe d'Huez of Colorado, it is short, steep and a landmark.

Flagstaff Links:

The view down the bike path from Swan Mountain to Breckenridge, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

SWAN MOUNTAIN PASS

Swan Mountain Pass (east side) - from Keystone
Nearby town: Dillon, Keystone
Area of Colorado: Alternative route to Breckenridge, not using I-70
Road: Swan Mountain Rd
Distance (miles): 3.4 (path) 2.6 (road)
Grade (avg.): 3.0%
Ascent (ft): 573
Max elevation (ft): 9552
Difficulty:
Bucket list rating: 1
Nearby climbs: Loveland Pass, Ute Pass, Boreas Pass,
Notes:  This side now uses a new bike path.

Swan Mountain Pass (west side) - from Summit H.S.
Nearby town: Frisco, Breckenridge
Area of Colorado: Summit County, south side of Lake Dillon
Road: Swan Mountain Rd
Distance (miles): 2.0
Grade (avg.): max 7%
Ascent (ft): 464
Max elevation (ft): 9465
Difficulty:
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Boreas Pass, Loveland Pass, Fremont Pass, Ute Pass
Notes: This is very short, but in parts, quite steep. Super fun no brakes needed descent.

Swan Mountain Links:

TENNESSEE PASS

Tennessee Pass (southwest side) - from Leadville
Nearby town: Leadville
Area of Colorado: Part of the Copper Triangle route
Road: US 24
Distance (miles): 9.8
Grade (avg.): 0.5%
Ascent (ft): 272
Max elevation (ft): 10424
Difficulty (rmcc): 0.04
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Fremont Pass, Independence Pass
Notes: The road feels nearly flat. This is more of a road going to or coming from other climbs. A peaceful ride. No services at the top, bring water and food.

Tennessee Pass (northeast side) - from Minturn / Vail
Nearby town: Minturn
Area of Colorado:
Road: US 24
Distance (miles): 22.4
Grade (avg.): 2.3%
Ascent (ft): 2684
Max elevation (ft): 10424
Difficulty (rmcc): 1.9
Bucket list rating: 2
Nearby climbs: Vail Pass, Battle Mountain
Notes: I have never climbed up this direction.

Tennessee Pass Links:

TRAIL RIDGE ROAD

Trail Ridge Road (east side) - from Estes Park
Nearby town: Estes Park
Area of Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park
Road: US 34 
Distance (miles): 24.3
Grade (avg.): 3.6%; max 7%
Ascent (ft): 4663
Max elevation (ft): 12183
Difficulty (rmcc): 5.2
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Peak to Peak Highway, All the Boulder climbs
Notes: The road through majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. The first big climb I did in Colorado, and on a road bike.

Trail Ridge Road (west side) - from Granby
Nearby town: Granby, Grand Lake
Area of Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park
Road: US 34
Distance (miles): 21.7
Grade (avg.): 3.0%; max 6%
Ascent (ft): 3483
Max elevation (ft): 12183
Difficulty (rmcc): 3.2
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs:  Rabbit Ears Pass, Berthoud Pass
Notes: The back entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park, sweeping switchbacks. Large tourist building at the top of the pass.

Trail Ridge Road Links:

Vail Pass, Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer
VAIL PASS

Vail Pass (east side) - from Copper Mountain
Nearby town: copper Mountain, Frisco
Area of Colorado: Pass between Copper Mountain and Vail
Road: I-70 bike path
Distance (miles): 6.1
Grade (avg.): 2.8%
Ascent (ft): 900
Max elevation (ft): 10600
Difficulty (rmcc): 0.8
Bucket list rating: 4
Nearby climbs: Fremont Pass, Hoosier Pass
Notes: Paved (cement) bike path to the top, can get very busy with all levels of cyclists (including some tourists who van to the top and pedal down).

Vail Pass (west side) - from Vail
Nearby town: Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek
Area of Colorado: Pass between Vail and Copper Mountains
Road: some road plus I-70 bike path
Distance (miles):  9.7
Grade (avg.): 3.7% (with max 12% sections, and false flats)
Ascent (ft): 1872
Max elevation (ft): 10600
Difficulty (rmcc): 2.1
Bucket list rating: 5
Nearby climbs: Battle Mountain, Tennessee Pass
Notes: Very steep in parts, use proper gearing, paved bike path or old highway now closed to cars (which is a false flat). Rest Stop at the top of the Pass.

Vail Pass Links:

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

If I were on vacation in Colorado and wanted to ride a grouping of beautiful mountain passes, I would plop myself down in one location and ride the climbs nearby; pack up the car, travel to the next central location and do the same thing. I travel no differently in Colorado than I do in France. If I am traveling with another person, there is no reason why two people should be driving in the car, put one person out on the road and have a great time playing sag support. Enjoy every inch of the road and every mountain pass possible. I also think nothing of loading the bike on the car and driving to the best starting point to make a ride of higher quality overall.

There is more to Colorado cycling than the big mountain passes, many of these locations have excellent shorter bike rides, mountain bike rides, rafting, kayaking, boating, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and fourteener climbing.

Consider these towns as excellent base camps for your rides:

Frsico / Breckenridge: From Summit County you can climb Vail Pass, Loveland Pass, Hoosier Pass, Boreas Pass, Ute Pass, Swan Mountain, Fremont Pass, and complete the Copper Triangle ride. Be sure to enjoy local festivals, concerts, boating, fishing and the plenitude of outdoor patios. (Pedal Dancer - Visiting Breckenridge for the USA Pro Challenge)

Vail / Edwards: A bit pricey and oddly placed along the route of a major interstate highway, Vail still offers beauty and good activities in summer. Ride to Vail Pass, Battle Mountain, up to Beaver Creek Resort, or complete the Copper Triangle route. (Pedal Dancer - Recommended road rides near Vail)

Aspen: You can easily fill 3-5 days of fun in this town. Ride to Maroon Bells, up and over Independence Pass, up Castle Creek Rd, looping out and back to Snowmass Village, riding along the Crystal River to McClure Pass. Even the Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs is within ride distance. Aspen has gold medal rivers for fishing and excellent hikes. From Aspen you can ride in two directions to Crested Butte. (Pedal Dancer - Recommneded road rides near Apsen)

Crested Butte: You will love this small town with tons of character. You'll have camping, hostel, hotel, condo and B&B choices in this ski town with good restaurants. Ride to Cottonwood Pass (partial dirt) and Kebler Pass (partial dirt). Travel to Monarch Pass and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, or Grand Mesa.

Telluride: You'll find fun and beauty with lots of other musical and cultural activities in this town. Ride to Lizard Head Pass and take in other climbs on your way to or from this mountain town cradled in a picturesque valley.

Durango: This town is tourist heaven, with mountain biking, kayaking and narrow gauge railroad riding. Cycle the Million dollar Highway to Silverton and beyond to Ouray - the little Switzerland of Colorado.

Steamboat Springs: Cycling, hiking, mountain biking, rodeo watching - this is just a great cowboy town with lots of outdoor activities.

Golden: Central in the foothills west of Denver, Golden is a good base to ride Lookout Mountain, Deer Creek and High Grade, Red Rocks, Golden Gate Canyon, and either ride or drive to Squaw Pass and Mount Evans, or conquer the climbs nearby in Boulder County. (Pedal Dancer - Travel Guide to Golden)

Boulder: If you dare, visit Boulder, where you are guaranteed to be passed by 325 riders at break-neck-STRAVA-segment pace.  Flagstaff Rd and Magnolia Rd are out the back door, so too is the very steep Sunshine Canyon hill climb. Enjoy rides up Lefthand Canyon and over Lee Hill Rd, or up Super James. The Peak to Peak loop ride from Boulder is a must ride. (Pedal Dancer - Cycling The Peak to Peak Highway)


RIDE WITH GPS

Pedal Dancer is a Ride with GPS Ambassador

Please view my profile and recommended rides in Summit County, Colorado: Ride with GPS - Pedal Dancer Rides Summit County

List of recommended bike rides in Summit County
Detailed Summit County Ride Recommendation from Pedal Dancer (coming soon!):

USA PRO CHALLENGE AND THE BIG MOUNTAIN PASSES IN COLORADO

Are any of these climbs included in the 2015 pro race USA Pro Challenge? You betcha:
  • Rabbit Ears Pass
  • Fremont Pass
  • Independence Pass
  • Hoosier Pass
  • Lookout Mountain 
  • There will be a finish at Arapaho Ski Basin (which is on the way to Loveland Pass)

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS
BIKE CLIMB RECOMMENDATIONS BY OTHERS
From the Smithsonian Magazine comes a short list of the steepest streets in the world:

1. Broderick Street, San Francisco, CA. 37 percent
2. Canton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. 37 percent
3. Baldwin Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. 35 percent
4. Eldred Street, Los Angeles, CA. 33 percent


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