The best cycling routes around Four Corners

There are 11 touring cycling routes available in the Four Corners region, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists.

The Four Corners region offers incredibly diverse terrain for touring cyclists. You can expect everything from desert roads and high-altitude routes with significant elevation changes to pathways winding through canyons and along rivers. The landscape is characterized by rugged beauty, including sandstone buttes, mesas, and ancient volcanic mountains, providing varied elevations from desert floors to higher plateaus.

Yes, the Four Corners region offers several routes suitable for beginners. Out of the 11 available routes, 9 are classified as easy. For example, the Lake Louisa State Park loop is an easy 8.9-mile (14.4 km) trail with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed ride.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, there are moderate routes available. The Downtown Winter Garden – Epic Cycles loop from Heritage Hills is a moderate 41.2-mile (66.3 km) path with a notable elevation gain of 1119 feet (341 m), offering a more demanding ride.

The Four Corners region is rich in natural beauty and iconic geological formations. While cycling, you might encounter stunning sandstone buttes and mesas, dramatic canyons like the Dolores River Canyon, and impressive vistas. The region is part of the Colorado Plateau, known for its unique rock formations and varied elevations.

The touring cycling routes in Four Corners are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, varied elevations, and scenic roads that cater to different ability levels, making for a truly unique outdoor adventure.

Many of the easy routes in Four Corners are suitable for families looking for a relaxed cycling experience. The Lake Evalyn – Celebration Pond loop from Advent Health Celebration, for instance, is an easy 12.6-mile (20.2 km) route with minimal elevation, making it a good choice for a family outing.

The Four Corners region experiences varied weather due to its diverse elevations. Generally, spring and fall offer the most pleasant cycling conditions, with milder temperatures. Summer can be very hot, especially in lower desert areas, while higher elevations may experience snow and colder temperatures in winter. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts and conditions for your specific route before heading out.

Yes, all the touring cycling routes listed for the Four Corners region are circular loops. This includes routes like the Dixie Lake – Lake Louisa State Park Trails loop from Lake Louisa State Park, which allows you to start and end at the same point.

Near the touring cycling routes, you can find several interesting attractions. For example, you can visit various lakes such as Celebration Pond, Lake Rianhard at Celebration, Lake Evalyn, and Dixie Lake. Additionally, cultural points of interest like Celebration Town Center and Main Street offer places to explore off the bike.

The Four Corners region includes numerous national parks and monuments, such as Mesa Verde National Park and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. While specific routes may not require permits, accessing certain areas within these parks often does. It's always recommended to check the official websites of any national parks or tribal lands you plan to cycle through for current regulations, entrance fees, and permit requirements.