The best gravel rides in Jefferson County

Jefferson County offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 50 tours available on komoot. These routes traverse the diverse landscapes of the region, from shortgrass prairies to subalpine forests.

You'll encounter a varied mix of surfaces, including crushed gravel, smooth packed dirt, asphalt, and concrete paths. Some areas, like Green Mountain, also feature more challenging wide single-track sections. This diversity allows for rides suitable for all fitness levels and skill sets.

Yes, Jefferson County has several easy gravel routes. A great option is the Fairmont Canal Trail – View of the Arvada Blunn Reservoir loop from Arvada West Dog Park, which is an easy 9.5-mile path offering pleasant riding alongside the Fairmont Canal and views of the Arvada Blunn Reservoir. Bear Creek Lake Park also provides easy gravel riding options.

For those seeking a challenge, routes like the Wetlands View – Start of the Colorado Trail loop from Chatfield Reservoir, a difficult 41.1-mile ride, offer significant elevation gain. Green Mountain (William Frederick Hayden Park) is also known for its wide single-track trails that are more technical than typical gravel roads.

Many of Jefferson County's open space parks are dog-friendly, but specific regulations vary by park and trail. It's always best to check the rules for the particular park you plan to visit, as some trails may have leash requirements or seasonal closures for wildlife protection, such as the Elk Range Trail.

Absolutely! Many routes offer scenic vistas, especially around North Table Mountain and South Table Mountain. Waterton Canyon is particularly known for wildlife viewing, including Bighorn Sheep. You can also explore natural monuments like Green Mountain Peak and Lichen Peak, or enjoy the beauty of Bear Creek Lake and Big Soda Lake.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the extensive network of open space parks, the diverse terrain that caters to all skill levels, and the scenic views at the convergence of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Jefferson County are designed as loops, allowing for a continuous ride without retracing your path. Examples include the popular Mount Carbon Loop – Big Soda Lake loop from Morrison and the Start of the Colorado Trail – View from Chatfield Dam loop from Kassler trailhead.

The diverse climate allows for riding through much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so early morning rides are often preferred. While winter riding is possible, some trails may be affected by snow or ice, and certain areas like the Elk Range Trail have seasonal closures for wildlife.

Jefferson County boasts numerous parks with excellent gravel biking. Notable mentions include South Valley Park, Chatfield State Park, Bear Creek Lake Park, Green Mountain, South Table Mountain, and North Table Mountain. Waterton Canyon also offers a scenic dirt road ride along the South Platte River.

Most major open space parks and trailheads in Jefferson County provide designated parking areas. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen tour on komoot, as parking details are often included there.

Yes, the Highline Canal Trail offers a significant long-distance gravel riding experience, stretching for 72 miles and connecting to areas like Chatfield State Park. Additionally, routes like the Sterns Lake – Aquarius Open Space loop from Arvada cover over 40 miles, providing a substantial ride.