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Crisman

The best cycling routes around Crisman

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 2, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Crisman, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many routes out there, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, so we've curated a shortlist of the absolute best to save you the guesswork.

Crisman is a place for cyclists who love a challenge, defined by its mountain roads, deep canyons, and significant hills. You'll find routes here that offer everything from moderate climbs to demanding ascents, all set against a backdrop of varied natural features. The terrain is consistently hilly, promising rewarding views after every climb. While the data doesn't specify seasonal closures, expect the higher mountain roads to be most enjoyable outside of winter.

If you only do one route, we'd point you to Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill. This difficult 37.6 miles (60.5 km) route is a community favorite for its substantial climbs through a truly scenic canyon. For a slightly shorter but equally rewarding challenge with panoramic views, the Flagstaff Mountain and Chapman Drive Loop, at 12.4 miles (20.0 km), is an excellent choice. Dive into our collection of over 100 touring cycling routes and find your next adventure.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill
  2. 2

    Flagstaff Mountain and Chapman Drive Loop
  3. 3

    Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill

60.5 km

1,260 m

Hard

Flagstaff Mountain and Chapman Drive Loop

20.0 km

470 m

Hard

Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive

30.8 km

730 m

Hard

Boulder Creek Trail – Boulder Creek Path loop from Dakota Boulevard Parking

36.8 km

700 m

Hard

Varsity Lake – Boulder Creek Trail loop from Boulder

54.5 km

1,180 m

Hard

Boulder Creek Trail – Spruce Confections loop from Seven Hills

20.7 km

330 m

Moderate

Boulder Creek Path loop from National Solar Observatory

12.5 km

50 m

Easy

Flagstaff Road – Boulder Chautauqua loop from Foothills Community Park

30.7 km

640 m

Hard

Fourmile Creek Path – Left Hand Trail loop from Wonderland Lake Trailhead

24.0 km

290 m

Moderate

Lefthand Trail – Boulder Valley Ranch Pond loop from Hotel Boulderado

42.0 km

510 m

Hard

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1.

Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill

60.5km

04:21

1,260m

1,260m

This challenging touring cycling route, Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill, offers a rewarding journey through Boulder's scenic backcountry. You'll climb through peaceful forested sections of Lefthand Canyon, often hearing the Left Hand Creek, before reaching the historic mountain town of Ward. From there, the route continues with the tougher Lee Hill climb, winding through dense forests and eventually revealing expansive views looking east over the plains.

Plan your ride for spring, summer, or fall to enjoy the best weather and clear roads. The route is a difficult 37.6-mile (60.5 km) loop with a substantial 4134 feet (1260 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 20 minutes. Be aware of moderate car traffic and potential loose gravel on descents, and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially deer.

This route is a favorite among Boulder cyclists for its sustained climbs and rewarding descents, considered one of the top bike climbs in Colorado. The Ward General Store provides a unique stop for refreshments, offering a step back in time before you tackle the final push up Lee Hill and enjoy the fast, enjoyable descent back down Lefthand Canyon.

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2.

Flagstaff Mountain and Chapman Drive Loop

20.0km

01:42

470m

480m

The Flagstaff Mountain and Chapman Drive Loop is a challenging touring cycling route that offers a fantastic mix of terrain and views right outside Boulder. You'll climb through shaded forests on the car-free Chapman Drive, passing historic 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps stone bridges, before hitting the paved Flagstaff Road with its sweeping panoramic vistas of the Rockies and the Boulder Valley. This difficult 12.4-mile (20.0 km) loop involves a significant 1544 feet (471 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hours and 42 minutes to complete.

To tackle this route, a gravel or mountain bike is your best bet, as the surfaces range from dirt and gravel fire road to paved mountain road and sections of the Boulder Creek Path. The loop is easily accessible from downtown Boulder, making it a popular choice for those seeking a substantial and rewarding climb. Be prepared for steep grades; Chapman Drive averages 7%, and Flagstaff Road has sections exceeding 15%, so good fitness is essential.

This loop is notable for its unique combination of a car-free dirt road ascent and a thrilling paved descent, all while being close to urban amenities. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife like coyotes, foxes, and mule deer, and if you visit in late spring, you'll be treated to abundant wildflowers. It's a prime example of challenging bike rides Flagstaff Mountain offers, providing both a physical test and stunning natural beauty.

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3.

Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive

30.8km

02:18

730m

730m

Tackle the Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive for a truly rewarding touring bicycle experience in Boulder. This difficult 19.2-mile (30.8 km) route packs in 2403 feet (732 metres) of elevation gain, winding through tree-covered mountains and offering expansive vistas over northeast Boulder. You'll navigate challenging climbs on both Olde Stage Road and the notorious Lee Hill Drive, but the journey through Lefthand Canyon, often alongside a fast-moving creek, makes every pedal stroke worth it. Expect a solid 2 hours and 17 minutes of riding, perfect for fit cyclists seeking a significant workout with stunning natural beauty.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the charming town of Jamestown serving as a key waypoint. The Jamestown Mercantile Café is a popular stop for cyclists, offering refreshments and a chance to refuel. Across the street, Jamestown Park provides convenient amenities like a bottle filling station and a bike repair stand. While the route is popular and traffic is generally accustomed to cyclists, always ride with caution, especially on the fast descents.

This classic Boulder cycling route is renowned for its diverse scenery, transitioning from open plains views to the immersive natural beauty of Roosevelt National Forest and Boulder Open Space. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer along Lefthand Creek, and if you ride in the fall, you'll be treated to spectacular changing colors. The combination of sustained climbs and scenic descents makes this a highly rewarding experience for those looking for an advanced cycling challenge.

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Tips from the Community

Draxula
May 24, 2025, Olde Stage Road Climb (Lee Hill Drive to Olde Stage Overlook)

Steep. Bring your gears. Wonderful views. Ride it early during the week

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A very unexpected tall brick/stone tower in the middle of the forest.

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The Assay Office Museum contains many tools and implements used in the assaying process, as well as furniture and artwork owned by the Bailey family. The museum is open the third Saturday of the month May through October. https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/education/museums/assay-office/

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Matthew
February 16, 2024, Varsity Lake

Varsity Lake is a pretty small reservoir in Boulder, Colorado. You can ride over the lake on the Varsity Bridge, or you can circle around the water on one of the other paved paths.

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Lisa
January 29, 2024, Maxwell Reservoir

This little reservoir is a nice waypoint on your travels to or from the neighborhoods of Washington Village and Pine Hill, or nearby Maxwell Park. There's a paved trail that makes cycling here easy.

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You can easily walk along the river from the city towards Red Rocks.

Translated by Google•

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The Boulder Adventure Lodge (also known as the A-Lodge) is the closest hostel/camping area to downtown Boulder. Located just up Fourmile Canyon, the A-lodge hosts an entrance to the Betasso Preserve, which is a collection of multi use trails in the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Trails area.

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Matthew
November 26, 2023, Varsity Lake

Varsity Lake is a pretty small reservoir in Boulder, Colorado. You can run over the lake on the Varsity Bridge, or you can circle around the water on one of the other paved footpaths.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available around Crisman?

There are over 95 touring cycling routes around Crisman, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.

What are the general characteristics of touring cycling routes in Crisman?

Touring cycling routes around Crisman are known for significant elevation changes, often leading through canyons and up mountain roads. The terrain includes challenging climbs and descents, providing varied experiences across hilly landscapes with scenic views.

Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Crisman?

Yes, Crisman offers 27 easy touring cycling routes. These routes are generally less demanding in terms of elevation and distance, making them suitable for those new to touring cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride.

What are some challenging touring cycling routes in Crisman?

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Crisman has 33 difficult routes. One such route is Boulder Creek Trail – Boulder Creek Path loop from Dakota Boulevard Parking, which covers 36.8 km with significant elevation changes. Another option is Flagstaff Road – Wonderland Lake loop from Foothills Community Park, a 27.8 km route with substantial climbs.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Crisman?

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Crisman are designed as loops. For example, the Flagstaff Mountain and Chapman Drive Loop is a difficult 20.0 km circular path offering panoramic views. Another popular loop is the Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive, a 30.8 km route through hilly terrain.

What kind of scenic viewpoints can I expect along the touring cycling routes?

The routes often traverse hilly landscapes, providing views of the surrounding natural features. You can find specific viewpoints like Anemone Point Viewpoint, which offers scenic vistas. Many routes also pass by mountain peaks such as Green Mountain Peak and Mount Sanitas.

What are some natural attractions or landmarks near the cycling routes?

Near the cycling routes, you can explore several natural attractions. There are various mountain peaks, including Nebel Horn Peak and Sugarloaf Mountain Summit. Additionally, you'll find lakes such as Gross Reservoir and Maxwell Reservoir.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about Crisman?

The touring cycling experience in Crisman is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.76 stars from over 45 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the diverse terrain, and the scenic beauty of the canyons and mountain roads.

Are there any lakes accessible from the touring cycling routes?

Yes, several lakes are located near the touring cycling routes. You can find Gross Reservoir, Maxwell Reservoir, and Varsity Lake, among others. Some routes may offer views or access to these bodies of water.

What is the average duration for touring cycling routes in Crisman?

The duration of touring cycling routes in Crisman varies significantly depending on the route's distance and difficulty. For instance, the Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill route takes approximately 4 hours 20 minutes, while the Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive can be completed in about 2 hours 18 minutes.

What kind of elevation changes can I expect on Crisman's touring cycling routes?

Crisman's touring cycling routes are characterized by significant elevation changes. Many routes involve substantial climbs and descents, as they traverse mountain roads and canyons. For example, the Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill route features over 1250 meters of ascent.

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