The best road cycling routes in San Miguel County

San Miguel County offers a selection of 8 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars.

Road cycling in San Miguel County features dramatic mountain landscapes within the San Juan Mountains, with rugged peaks and high-altitude passes. You'll also encounter river valleys, such as the San Miguel River, and forested sections of the Uncompahgre National Forest. The region offers expansive views of mesas and canyons across the San Miguel Plateau, providing a diverse and visually stunning experience.

The best time for road cycling in San Miguel County is typically from late spring through early autumn. Due to the high-altitude passes and mountainous terrain, some roads can be snow-covered into late June or even July in heavy snow years. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions for enjoying the scenic routes.

Yes, San Miguel County is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter stunning features like Bridal Veil Falls, one of Colorado's tallest waterfalls, near Telluride. Trout Lake, southwest of Ophir, offers breathtaking mountain backdrops. The San Miguel Canyon Preserve showcases dramatic red-rock sandstone walls. Many routes also offer panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, such as the San Juan Mountains Viewpoint.

While many routes in San Miguel County are moderate to difficult, the 1.24-mile Idarado Legacy Trail between Telluride and the Idarado Mine is an improved trail suitable for biking and offers a less strenuous option. For a moderate challenge, the Telluride to Mountain Village route is a good choice, covering 24.2 miles with manageable elevation.

For a significant challenge, consider the Telluride to Lizard Head Pass route, which is 31.1 miles with substantial elevation gain and panoramic mountain vistas. Another difficult option is the Telluride to Dallas Divide, a 57.8-mile path traversing varied terrain with expansive views of the San Juan Mountains.

Yes, San Miguel County offers loop routes for road cyclists. The Lizard Head Pass – Trout Lake loop from Ophir is a moderate 41.2 km route. Another option is the Telluride – Telluride loop from Telluride, a moderate 26.3 km ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic mountain landscapes, the challenging yet rewarding climbs to high-altitude passes, and the stunning views of the San Juan Mountains and river valleys. The diverse terrain and well-maintained roads contribute to a memorable cycling experience.

Yes, San Miguel County has a supportive environment for cyclists. Recreational easements have been secured for non-motorized cycling on private roads within subdivisions like Aldasoro Ranch and Sunnyside Ranch. Additionally, the Idarado Legacy Trail and the lower section of the Whiskey Charlie 62 Trail (following the historic Rio Grande Southern railroad grade along Highway 62) are accessible to bikers.

For more general information about parks and trails throughout the county, you can visit the official San Miguel County government website: sanmiguelcountyco.gov/Parks-and-Trails.

Road cycling in San Miguel County involves significant elevation changes, as routes often traverse high mountain passes within the San Juan Mountains. For example, the Telluride to Lizard Head Pass route features an elevation gain of over 940 meters. Even moderate routes like Telluride to San Juan Mountains Viewpoint include over 640 meters of ascent, offering a challenging and rewarding experience.