Foothills Views – Jamestown Mercantile Café loop from Gunbarrel
Foothills Views – Jamestown Mercantile Café loop from Gunbarrel
5.0
(5696)
12,266
riders
Foothills Views – Jamestown Mercantile Café loop from Gunbarrel
03:57
77.2km
1,140m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 15.6 km for 2.38 km
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
3.88 km
Foothills Views
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
12.5 km
Maxwell Lake Park
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
15.6 km
Pine Brook Road (Gravel)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
28.7 km
James Canyon Drive (Lefthand Canyon to Jamestown)
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
33.5 km
Jamestown Mercantile Café
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
42.7 km
Lefthand Canyon (36 to Olde Stage)
Highlight (Segment) • Canyon
Tip by
48.1 km
Nelson Road (63rd Street to Highway 36)
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
77.2 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
38.4 km
25.6 km
12.0 km
1.09 km
137 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
66.9 km
8.03 km
2.32 km
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (2,130 m)
Lowest point (1,530 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 10 July
32°C
12°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding day on two wheels, the Foothills Views – Jamestown Mercantile Café loop from Gunbarrel is a classic road cycling route that delivers. This difficult 48.0-mile (77.2 km) loop packs in 3729 feet (1137 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 3 hours and 57 minutes to complete. It's a favorite among local road cyclists and a true escape into nature for those with good to very good fitness looking for one of the best road cycling loops in the Boulder area.
What to expect on Foothills Views – Jamestown Mercantile Café loop from Gunbarrel
This route is a journey through diverse Colorado landscapes. Starting in the generally flat and rolling terrain of Gunbarrel, you'll quickly transition into more demanding climbs as you head towards Jamestown. Expect serene, tree-covered mountains flanking Lefthand Canyon, with the ascent along Left Hand Canyon and James Canyon Drive becoming steeper as you approach the charming town. Olde Stage Road offers expansive vistas over northeast Boulder but is a particularly tough section with progressively steeper grades. You'll pass through sections of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, following Lefthand Creek, with views of the Flatirons and Indian Peaks, making the effort well worth it for experienced cyclists.
Planning your visit
The Jamestown Mercantile Café is a key highlight and a traditional, welcoming rest stop for cyclists, offering refreshments, water refills, and facilities. While the route is generally well-trafficked by cyclists, the enhanced shoulder on James Canyon following the 2013 floods benefits both riders and drivers. For the best season for Foothills Views cycling, consider the fall when changing tree colors complement the soaring canyon walls. Parking for the Foothills Views Jamestown Mercantile Cafe loop is typically available near the Gunbarrel start point.
Trail details
- Distance: 48.0 miles (77.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 3729 feet (1137 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 57 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free