The best cycling routes around St. Ann Highlands

There are 15 touring cycling routes available around St. Ann Highlands. These routes offer diverse terrain, primarily catering to experienced cyclists seeking challenging ascents and descents amidst scenic views.

The terrain around St. Ann Highlands is characterized by foothills and canyons, including Lefthand, Sunshine, and Fourmile. You can expect a mix of paved roads and well-graded gravel sections, with varied ascents and descents. Many routes offer increasingly good views of the often-snowcapped Indian Peaks.

The touring cycling routes in St. Ann Highlands are primarily designed for experienced cyclists. Out of the 15 available routes, 12 are rated as difficult and 3 as moderate. There are currently no routes classified as easy, so beginners should be prepared for challenging climbs and descents.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in St. Ann Highlands are circular. For example, you can explore the challenging Rollinsville & Barker Reservoir loop from Nederland, which covers 30.2 miles, or the demanding Jumbo Mountain loop from West Magnolia Trail Head at 24.9 miles. Another option is the longer Nederland – Gold Hill General Store loop from Nederland, spanning 56.7 miles.

While cycling, you'll experience the natural beauty of the Indian Peaks and various canyons. For specific points of interest, consider routes that pass by the Ward General Store, known to be cyclist-friendly, or the Gold Hill General Store. You might also encounter scenic areas like Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) or Fourmile Canyon (Boulder Canyon to Poorman).

Yes, some routes provide views of local water bodies. The Rollinsville & Barker Reservoir loop from Nederland, for instance, offers scenic views of Barker Reservoir. Other nearby lakes include Gross Reservoir and Mud Lake, which you might see from various vantage points.

The best time for touring cycling in St. Ann Highlands is generally during the warmer months when roads are clear of snow. Routes like Lefthand Canyon offer increasingly good views of the often-snowcapped Indian Peaks as you ascend, suggesting that late spring through early autumn would provide the most favorable conditions. Winter cycling would be challenging due to snow and ice, especially at higher elevations.

Yes, there are a couple of notable cyclist-friendly stops. The Ward General Store, located in the mountain town of Ward, is highlighted as a convenient stop offering amenities like cinnamon rolls. The Gold Hill General Store is another option, which can be part of routes like the Nederland – Gold Hill General Store loop from Nederland.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in St. Ann Highlands, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. Cyclists often praise the challenging mountainous terrain, the diverse mix of paved and gravel roads, and the stunning views of the Indian Peaks and surrounding canyons. The rewarding ascents and fun descents are frequently mentioned highlights.

Many routes in St. Ann Highlands are known for their scenic beauty. The ascent of Lefthand Canyon (from Lee Hill Drive to Ward), for example, offers increasingly good views of the Indian Peaks. The area's position on a ridge between North Boulder Creek and Middle Boulder Creek valleys naturally provides elevated perspectives throughout many of the tours.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. For instance, the Rollinsville & Barker Reservoir loop from Nederland typically takes around 4 hours and 6 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Nederland – Gold Hill General Store loop from Nederland, can take approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes to complete.