The best cycling routes around Mountain Village

There are 7 touring cycling routes around Mountain Village, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes showcase the stunning landscapes of the San Juan Mountains.

The Mountain Village area offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find routes on unpaved roads, low-traffic paved roads, and scenic paths winding through aspen groves and along old rail lines. Approximately 70% of routes in the broader region are on unpaved surfaces, providing a true mixed-surface adventure.

The best time for touring cycling in Mountain Village is generally from late spring through early autumn, when the weather is mild, and trails are free of snow. During this period, you can enjoy wildflower-covered peaks and lush forests. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially in higher elevations.

Yes, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. For a gentle ride with scenic views of the surrounding box canyon, consider the End of the Box Canyon route, which is 12.2 miles (19.6 km) long.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 4 difficult routes available. One such route is Mountain Village to Lizard Head Pass, a 28.5-mile (45.8 km) trail that leads through alpine environments with significant elevation changes.

Yes, you can find circular touring cycling routes in the area. A popular moderate option is the Telluride/Mountain Village loop, which is 16.0 miles (25.7 km) long and connects the two towns, offering varied terrain and scenic vistas.

The touring cycling routes around Mountain Village offer breathtaking natural features. You can encounter high-altitude glacial lakes like Columbine Lake, dramatic waterfalls such as Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, and stunning viewpoints like the San Juan Mountains Viewpoint. The region is characterized by rugged peaks and lush forests.

A unique and convenient feature of the area is the free scenic gondola that connects Mountain Village to Telluride. This gondola allows you to transport your bike between the two towns, providing easy access to a wider array of trails and offering panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

Many routes in the Mountain Village area are ideal for touring cyclists seeking mixed-surface adventures. The region features a blend of unpaved roads, low-traffic paved roads, and bike paths, allowing for diverse cycling experiences through aspen groves and along historic rail lines.

Touring cyclists frequently praise the stunning high-altitude landscapes, including rugged peaks and extensive aspen groves. The diverse network of routes, catering to various ability levels, from easy paths to challenging climbs, is also highly appreciated. The opportunity to experience significant elevation changes and views of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks is a major draw.

For incredibly scenic views, consider routes like Last Dollar Road, which is known for its breathtaking vistas. The Telluride/Mountain Village loop also provides varied terrain and scenic vistas as it connects the two towns.

Yes, the region is home to several high-altitude glacial lakes. While not directly on a touring cycling route listed, you can access areas near lakes such as Columbine Lake (at 12,693 feet) and the Alta Lakes (at 11,300 feet), which are surrounded by rugged peaks and alpine meadows, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.