I will be riding out to the Denver area for three days in mid July. My time will be very limited. It is a long day from here to there and a long day riding home. I am left with three days in the Denver area. I won't be able to ride all day, but should be able to ride for half the day each day.

The last time I was there, I was just passing through and didn't have time to ride at all, but I did get to see Red Rock park, Mt. Evans and the million dollar highway.

For those of you who know the area, if I was leaving north Denver at daylight and needed to get back to Denver by early afternoon, what are some ideas for the best mountain riding I could do for three or four mornings?

I want to make the most of it while I am there. Any help will be appreciated.


Dennis

 

Berthoud - Carter Lake - Masonville - Horsetooth Resevoir - Bellvue - Rist Canyon - Poudre Canyon - Budweiser (Fort Collins for the Clydes Dales)

We live North of Denver and do the ride several times a year. It is a spectacular ride this time of year. I-25N to Hwy 56, through Berthoud, across highway 287 the highway changes to West County Road 8, as this road curves North it changes to North Cty RD 23 and follow signs to Carter Lake. No need to stop at Larimer county park entry point and pay fee as long as you stay on County roads. When you come to the park exit at stop sign turn Right. Next stop sign Left. (S County Rd 29 going North). Right at Stop sign for Hwy 34. In a little less than a mile turn left on S County Road 27 (going North to Masonville (interesting store stops at Masonville stop sign). Turn right at stop sign on to E County Road 38E, this will take you around south side of Horsetooth Res. As you approach the east side of the dam, turn left (North) on S County road 23 (Centennial Dr). Note: Watch your speed, park rangers patrol frequently. At stop sign (Challenging stop, due to hill) turn left which continues Road 23 (Centennial). At T-intersection stop sign (Bellvue) left onto Rist Canyon road (several switchbacks and fantastic Rocky mountain Scenery) At stop sign (around 12-14 miles) right onto Stove Prairie Road. The next stop sign is Hwy 14 (Poudre Canyon Rd) turn right (east), you roll right into some amazing cliff faces and the follow the Poudre canyon back into Fort Collins (midway is "The Mishawake restaurant" for some lunch). Hwy 14 join hwy 287 at stop sign, turn right and go to T-intersection stop light. Left turn at light and look for Terry Lake road on left, should be a turn signal there. Left on Terry lake road for 1/4 mile then right on Country Club Road. At stop sign Right turn (South) on Turnberry road for 1/2 mile then left turn (East) on to Mountain Vista drive. As you approach I-25 you can see the Budweiser brewery to the left, if the Clydesdales are in town this is a neat stop...otherwise back to Denver by noon. Have fun!!! -Rich

 

Thank you. Sounds great. I might have to stay an extra day or two and venture farther from Denver.


Dennis

 

If you can, take a run up Mt. Evans You'll be on top of the world with 60% of the earths atmosphere BELOW you.....

 

If you do ride up Mount Evans, make sure you're healthy enough for the thin air. Don't stay at the summit long if you're not accustomed to it. I saw a couple get so weak up there they had to have someone ride there bike back down the mountain while they hitched a ride in a car. Both were a little dizzy. It's not like Mt. Everest, but if you're not acclimated or have heath problems it can be a challenge.

If none of the above apply, it is an absolute great view and a good ride.

 

The Peak-to-Peak Hwy is a doable ride. Start on the west side of Golden and ends up in Estes Park.