Bicycling in Colorado

We enjoy spending time in the summer in Summit County, Colorado. In fact, we enjoy the weather and cycling so much that we try to go almost every year. This part of Colorado caters to bicyclists of all skill levels with miles of paved bike/hike trails between Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail, and more. Between Summit County and Vail Valley, there are over 400 miles of trails and back country roads. Some of our favorite rides include riding up Vail Pass, Loveland Pass, Montezuma, Glenwood Canyon, and Swan Mountain Road around Lake Dillon.

One of our most challenging rides is always from Frisco up to Vail Pass and down into Vail Village. Of course, then you have the return trip, too. From Vail Village back up to Vail Pass is 15 miles with 2,500 ft of climbing. About half of this part of the return is on an old abandoned road the remainder is bike trail. Once back at the summit, we are rewarded with almost 15 miles of downhill to Frisco. If you only want the downhill portion of the ride, the local bike shops will take you to the top of Vail Pass and let you ride down.

One of the easiest rides is around Lake Dillon and on up to Keystone Resort. In the past, we have had to climb Swan Mountain Road (with the vehicular traffic) on the return. But it is well worth it for the views. Since our last visit, they have completed the bike path over about half of this section. If you don't want the climb, however, just turn around and follow the same route back. Be sure to make a stop at the Osprey viewing. We've seen baby osprey's in the nest in previous years.


A little west of Vail is Glenwood Springs. You can pick up the Glenwood Canyon trail near the hot springs and ride for about 17 miles at a 1-2% grade along the river, then turn around and have a slight downhill for the return. Do this ride early in the day, though, because the wind can pick up in the afternoon and the downhill won't seem downhill at all.

You can choose to take an easy ride along Lake Dillon or challenge yourself with a trip up to Vail Pass and beyond. For the true hill climbers, there are several passes you could enjoy riding.... Tennessee Pass, Fremont Pass, Loveland Pass, Independence Pass, and more. You are sure to find a 14,000 ft climb if that's what you are looking for.

We didn't cycle every day. There are many, many great hiking trails. Although, at times, we like to cycle in the morning and do a short hike in the afternoons. And, yes, we do take a day off every now and again but the area is so beautiful that we want to be outdoors enjoying it. One of our favorite hikes is Shrine Ridge Trail along a mountain ridge with lots of wildflowers. We also like the hike up Mount Royal which is along the bike trail in Frisco. But, fare warning, if you are not used to steep hikes, your legs may not be in shape for cycling the next day.

There are several day trips we have enjoyed. Rocky Mountain National Park is about 2 1/2 hours from Frisco. Mount Evans is about 1 hour away and the Coors Brewery is about 1 hour away. We love the drive over Independence Pass which brings us to Aspen. And we may just hang out in Summit County or drive over to Vail Valley. There is always something going on in this part of Colorado.

All in all, this is still one of our favorite spots and we highly recommend Frisco and Summit County as a very affordable and bicycle friendly location for vacationing.