The best road cycling routes in Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness

The Frisco Wetlands Bike Path is a scenic segment of the Summit County Recreational Pathway System, spanning the wetlands adjacent to Dillon Reservoir. This multi-use paved path begins at the Frisco Marina, continues around the reservoir, passes through campgrounds, crosses the Dillon Dam, and concludes at the town of Dillon.

The Frisco Historic Park & Museum features a collection of preserved buildings and artifacts, including 11 original structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These include the 1902 Schoolhouse Museum, a log chapel, a jail, a trapper's cabin, and several historic homes, as well as Native American items and mining-era relics. Admission to both the park and the museum is free.

This is a scenic spot to look out over the reservoir. The dam itself was built in the early 1960s and required relocating the original town of Dillon, which is now sitting beneath the water. Today, the reservoir holds Denver’s largest water supply and sends it through a tunnel under the Continental Divide. Surrounded by mountain towns, Dillon Reservoir is a popular locale for boating, fishing, and summer concerts at the lakeside amphitheater.

Loveland Pass from Keystone is a fantastic high-altitude road biking challenge on US Highway 6, taking you over the Continental Divide. Starting around 9,200 feet at Keystone, you'll ascend approximately 8.5 to 11.5 miles, gaining about 2,600 to 3,000 feet to reach the 11,990-foot summit, with a steady average gradient typically in the 5.4-5.9% range. As you climb, you'll pass the Arapahoe Basin ski area and gradually transition into beautiful alpine meadows and forests before the final switchbacks above treeline offer dramatic views down to I-70 and expansive mountain vistas from the top of the pass. Be prepared for the significant altitude and potentially rapid weather changes at this elevation.

From the Dillion Reservoir Recpath there are great views of the south end of the Dillion Reservoir. The edge of the water is only a few feet away, and with the occasional tree obstructing the view, it is overall a great way to see the reservoir.

The Blue River Trail offers an easy, convenient, and scenic paved path to explore the surrounding nature. This path serves as a great corridor for people who want to ride their bikes to go shopping or nearby attractions. There’s is a pedestrian bridge crossing the river, and another small section of path on the west side.

The Dillon Nature Preserve is a popular summer and winter destination for hikers, XC skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing! There are numerous small paths that lead through wildflowers and take you down to the lake. The gravel road is plowed in the winter and this area is considered family friendly (including dogs)!

Ute Pass is an incredible scenic road stretching through the Arapaho National Forest. Along the way you will pass many tempting trailheads, experience stunning mountain views, and in the fall there are plenty of yellow leaves to peek at.