The best road cycling routes around Upper Bear Creek

There are over 25 road cycling routes around Upper Bear Creek, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from 8 reviews.

Upper Bear Creek offers a mix of moderate and difficult road cycling routes. You'll find 15 moderate routes and 12 difficult routes, many featuring substantial elevation gain through the scenic Rocky Mountains. There are no easy routes listed, indicating a focus on more challenging rides.

Yes, Upper Bear Creek features several long-distance road cycling routes. For example, the Mestaa'Ėhehe Pass Summit – Summit Lake loop from Evergreen is a challenging 93.6 km (58.1 miles) route with over 2,200 meters of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 28 minutes to complete.

Road cycling in Upper Bear Creek takes you through diverse and stunning Colorado landscapes. You'll experience dense Ponderosa Pine forests, expansive meadows, and prominent granite formations. Many routes offer beautiful mountain vistas, including views of Mount Evans, and often follow the course of Bear Creek itself.

Cyclists can enjoy several notable landmarks and viewpoints. Consider visiting the Chief Mountain Trailhead, exploring the historic Alderfer Ranch, or taking in the panoramic views from the View from Evergreen Mountain Summit or Brothers Lookout. These spots offer great opportunities to pause and appreciate the region's beauty.

The best time for road cycling in Upper Bear Creek is generally during the warm, relatively short summers and into the fall (May to October). Winters bring snowy conditions, especially at higher elevations, making road cycling more challenging or impossible. Starting early in the day is often recommended, particularly for uphill climbs, due to blind corners and speed differences with vehicles.

Yes, many of the routes in Upper Bear Creek are designed as loops. For instance, the Witter Gulch Road – Mestaa'Ėhehe Pass Summit loop from Elk Meadow Park is a moderate 35.0 km (21.7 miles) circular path. Another option is the Picnic Area at Evergreen Lake – Evergreen Lake loop from Evergreen, a 54.0 km (33.6 miles) loop around Evergreen Lake.

While Upper Bear Creek is part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area, specific public transport options directly to trailheads for road cycling are limited. It's advisable to check local transit services for routes that might get you close, but personal vehicle transport is generally more convenient for accessing the starting points of these routes.

Many popular starting points for road cycling routes, such as those around Evergreen Lake or near Elk Meadow Park, typically offer parking facilities. For example, there is a designated Parking lot highlight that can be useful. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information at the trailhead.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Upper Bear Creek, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging ascents, the stunning mountain views including vistas of Mount Evans, and the scenic paths winding through Ponderosa Pine forests and along Bear Creek. The variety of routes, from moderate to difficult, is also a frequently appreciated aspect.

While many routes in Upper Bear Creek feature significant elevation gain and are rated moderate to difficult, some segments or shorter loops around areas like Evergreen Lake might be more suitable for families with older children or those seeking a less strenuous ride. Always check the route's distance, elevation, and difficulty before heading out with family.

The Upper Bear Creek area, being within reach of urban conveniences, offers various amenities in nearby communities like Evergreen. While specific cafes directly on remote cycling routes might be scarce, you can find options for refreshments and accommodation in the towns surrounding the cycling areas. Planning your route to pass through or start near these towns is recommended for breaks.