Road Biking In Boulder Colorado - Insider Guide
Boulder is one of the top road biking destinations in the U.S. with smooth roads, scenic climbs, and a strong cycling culture, especially along the Boulder Creek Corridor.
Whether you’re riding for fitness, racing, or just exploring the area, this guide covers the best routes, shops, local tips, and events to get the most out of road biking in and around Boulder.
Best Road Rides Around Boulder
Flagstaff Road
Short, steep, and iconic. This climb starts just outside downtown and offers tight switchbacks with some of the most stunning views boulder has to offer at the summit. An absolute Boulder classic.
Lefthand Canyon to Ward
A longer climb with a steady grade. It’s shaded, scenic, and ends at the small mountain town of Ward where I find is a good place to stop for snacks and water.
Jamestown
A solid mid-length ride with a manageable climb. Ends in a quiet town with a general store that’s perfect for a quick break.
NCAR Hill
A shorter, local hill climb with great views at the top. Often used for interval work or lunch break spins.
Peak to Peak Highway (via Nederland)
If you’re up for a longer day, ride through Boulder Canyon to Nederland, then up to the Peak to Peak Highway. Big climbs and alpine views make this a bucket-list route.
Best Times for Cycling in Boulder
- Spring (April–May): Lower elevation roads are rideable, but higher routes may still have snow or debris. Mornings can be pretty chilly so pack your thermals.
Summer (June–August): Ideal conditions for a good ride. Early morning starts help for avoiding traffic and heat.
Fall (September–October): Crisp air and golden leaves make for stunning rides. One of my personal favorite times to ride in Boulder.
Winter (November–March): Depends on the weather. Some low roads stay clear, but watch for ice and fast-changing conditions. Many locals make the switch to fat biking during the winter, Boulder keeps some lower trails open which keeps winter biking accessible.
Keep an eye on weather and traffic conditions on Boulder traffic cameras here, to stay prepared when out riding.
Top 3 apps for cyclists in Boulder
1. Strava
Boulder has a massive Strava community. I Use it to track rides, find popular routes, chase segments, and meet other riders if you’re new in town.
2. Ride with GPS
Great for planning road routes with elevation profiles, turn-by-turn navigation, and offline maps, especially for longer rides out of town.
3. Komoot
Easy to use for custom routes and scenic road loops. Helpful when exploring new roads, finding local spots, or planning rides into the foothills.
Best Bike Shops for Road Cyclists in Boulder
Vecchio’s Bicicletteria
A high-end, boutique shop focused on road and gravel bikes. Known for precision tuning, custom builds, and serious mechanical expertise.
University Bicycles
A Boulder staple with a wide selection of road bikes, gear, and fast service. Great for rentals or emergency repairs.
Mike’s Bikes (Full Cycle)
Road-friendly shop with a café attached. Hosts group rides and carries solid road gear and nutrition. Great place to come for bike repairs and a mean espresso.
Annual Cycling Events in Boulder
Boulder Roubaix
Typically April
A mixed-surface road race with pavement and dirt sections. One of Boulder’s most iconic spring races.
B Strong Ride
Early August
Charity ride with multiple route options (38–68 miles). Family-friendly, fully supported, and raises funds for cancer-related causes.
Buffalo Bicycle Classic (BBC)
Mid-September
Starts at CU Boulder with route options from family-friendly to full century. Includes a rare car-free ride through Boulder Canyon.
Bike to Work Day
Late June
Part of Boulder’s Walk & Bike Month. Local cyclists stop at breakfast stations and join group commuter rides around town.
Venus de Miles
Late August
All-women’s ride near Boulder with 30–100 mile routes. Includes a post-ride celebration and benefits education nonprofits.
For more info, or specific dates, check out Bicycle Colorado’s Event Calendar
For more information about other types of riding, check out our post about Mountain Biking in Boulder – Insider Guide
FAQs
What are the best road biking routes in Boulder, Colorado?
Boulder offers a range of scenic rides for all levels. Popular routes include Flagstaff Road, Lefthand Canyon to Ward, Jamestown, NCAR Hill, and the Peak to Peak Highway via Nederland. Each route offers unique climbs, views, and local stops for cyclists.
When is the best time of year for road biking in Boulder?
Spring and fall provide crisp air and beautiful scenery, while summer offers ideal riding conditions with early morning starts recommended. Winter rides are possible on lower roads, though many locals switch to fat biking for snowy trails.
What apps should I use for cycling in Boulder, Colorado?
Top apps include Strava for tracking rides and connecting with local cyclists, Ride with GPS for route planning and navigation, and Komoot for creating custom scenic loops and discovering new rides around Boulder.
Where can I find quality bike shops for road cycling in Boulder?
Notable shops include Vecchio’s Bicicletteria for high-end road bikes, University Bicycles for rentals and gear, and Mike’s Bikes (Full Cycle) for repairs, group rides, and cycling accessories. Each shop caters to different cyclist needs.
Are there any road biking events in Boulder I should know about?
Yes! Boulder hosts events like Boulder Roubaix, B Strong Ride, Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Bike to Work Day, and Venus de Miles. These events are great for all skill levels and include scenic routes, charity rides, and community gatherings.
CONTACT THE PHILLIPS TEAM TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR NEXT BOULDER AREA HOME
Shad & Claudine Phillips – Certified Mountain Area Specialist 303-218-6926
Have Questions? – Text @ 214-682-2113 – No Really, I Don’t Mind!
