Adventure Awaits! What this year’s route lacks in mileage it makes up for in scenery, climb, and experience. You’ll ride 308 total miles with an approximate 26,890′ in elevation gain.
Highlights include rides through Rocky Mountain National Park, a two-night stay in Estes Park.
Stage 1 – Fort Collins to Estes Park
Sunday, June 11, 2023
And it begins! The ride heads southwest into the mountains to Big Thompson Canyon (US-34). Big Thompson is an iconic and scenic ride with big canyon walls that follow the Big Thompson River. The route up Big Thompson has an average 2.6% grade. Riders will leave the canyon at Drake and follow CO 43 until the road crests at the overlook into Estes Park at the Glenhaven community. Seven miles downhill into the warm welcome that only Estes Park can provide.
Total Mileage: 48 miles
Approx Elevation Gain: 4,673′ Elevation Gain
Stage 2 – Estes Park to Allenspark to Estes Park (loop)
Monday, June 12, 2023
Day 2 is a fun out and back ride from Estes Park to Allenspark. Riders will see 3,000’ of climbing that hosts 2-4% grades. When riders arrive in Allenspark, Ride the Rockies will host a lunch along the route. Food & Drink then the 4 mile climb back to Estes with an optional 10 mile loop north of the venue.
Total Mileage: 32 mile loop
Approx Elevation Gain: 2,965′
Stage 3 – Estes Park to Grand Lake
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Probably the reason you joined us this year! You will ride over TRAIL RIDGE ROAD
Arguably the top of every Colorado cyclist must do list. Trail Ridge Road is a 6,600’ ride that peaks at 12,166’ elevation. The 22 mile climb to the summit averages just under 4% grade. The spectacular views will leave you breathless and speechless. Then it’s a long descent into beautiful Grand Lake that sits on the north shore of Grand and Shadow Mountain Lakes.
Total Mileage: 49 mile loop
Approx Elevation Gain: 5,294′
Stage 4 – Grand Lake to Winter Park
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Stage 4 riders roll out to Winter Park Colorado. The Mountain Biking Capitol of the USA. Don’t you wish your mountain bike was with you? The ride will take a detour off HWY 40 for lunch at at the base of the ski resort in Granby Ranch. This ride has some gradual climbs that should leave your legs fresh for taking advantage of the sights and restaurants in Winter Park. Or maybe rent a mountain bike and downhill on the Winter Park trails!
Total Mileage: 48 mile loop
Approx Elevation Gain: 4,673′
Stage 5 – Winter Park to Gilpin County (Black Hawk and Central City)
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Another big climb day with nearly 4,000’ in the 40 miles to Gilpin County! This ride will summit the famous Berthoud Pass (2,300’ climb) up from Winter Park that averages just under 4% grade for 11 miles. The scenic descent will take riders on the I-70 bike path to Idaho Springs then a short 3.5 mile “climb” (average 8+% grade!) up to Gilpin County. Gilpin County was a mining town before reinventing itself into a tourist destination that hosts some of the states casinos and mountain biking.
Total Mileage: 40 mile loop
Approx Elevation Gain: 4,000′
Stage 6 – Gilpin County (Black Hawk and Central City) to Fort Collins
Friday, June 16, 2023
Big mile day to wrap up the 2023 tour!
Although it seems daunting, this 91 mile ride back to the host venue in Ft. Collins has a good deal of climbing in the first 35 miles then it’s pretty much all downhill from there. Following Colorado’s oldest scenic byway. The Peak to Peak Highway was established in 1918 and is worth the ride! At roughly mile 35 of the route, cyclists will drop down the freshly paved St. Vrain canyon to the town of Lyons where riders can stop in and refill before making the last 35 miles into Ft. Collins where a finish line celebration will await you!
Total Mileage: 91 mile loop
Approx Elevation Gain: 5,285′
