The best traffic-free bike rides in Montezuma County

There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Montezuma County featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of challenges, with 1 easy, 3 moderate, and 4 difficult options to explore.

Montezuma County offers diverse terrain, from high desert to pinyon-juniper woodlands and mountain environments. Routes like the Black Hawk Pass via Colorado Trail & Hermosa Peak Road loop gravel often feature gravel sections, while others might be paved or a mix, providing varied surfaces for touring cyclists.

Yes, for families seeking an easier ride, the School Section Reservoir loop from School Section Reservoir is an excellent choice. It's an easy 9.5 km (5.9 miles) route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Montezuma County is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along various routes, you might encounter stunning vistas like Point Lookout or Park Point and Historic Fire Lookout. The region is also home to significant archaeological sites, including the renowned Mesa Verde National Park, which features ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Montezuma County boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for cycling year-round. However, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for touring, avoiding the peak heat of summer and potential snow in winter, especially at higher elevations.

Absolutely. Experienced cyclists can tackle routes like La Plata Canyon Road, which features significant elevation gain over its 34.4 km (21.4 miles). Another demanding option is the Hermosa Park Road, Elbert Creek Trail, & Hermosa Creek Trail loop, offering a substantial climb over 34.4 km (21.4 miles).

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the School Section Reservoir – Old Stock Reservoir loop from School Section Reservoir is a 13.4 km (8.3 miles) loop that provides a scenic ride without retracing your path.

You'll encounter a diverse range of natural features, from the rugged canyons and mesas of Mesa Verde National Park to the dense Ponderosa pines of the Boggy Draw Area. The region also features the Dolores River and McPhee Reservoir, offering water views and riparian environments, and portions of the vast San Juan National Forest with its varied terrain.

While specific multi-day routes aren't detailed here, the presence of challenging, longer routes and the proximity to the San Juan National Forest suggest potential for linking routes or exploring extended bikepacking trips. The diverse landscapes and public lands offer a great foundation for planning longer adventures.

Montezuma County is ideal for no-traffic touring due to its unique blend of striking landscapes, rich natural features, and numerous opportunities for scenic routes away from busy roads. The region's diverse terrain, from high desert to mountains, combined with over 300 days of sunshine annually, provides a varied and enjoyable cycling experience.