The best gravel rides around Fairplay

Our guide features 7 gravel bike trails around Fairplay. These routes range from moderate to difficult, offering diverse experiences for different skill levels.

While no trails are specifically rated 'easy,' there are 5 moderate routes that can be suitable for beginners looking for a balanced ride. For instance, the Dam 4 C&O – Shepherdstown loop from Scrabble is a moderate 25.7-mile path with balanced climbs and scenic views.

Fairplay, situated at nearly 10,000 feet, experiences significant snow. While specific trail conditions vary, routes like Weston Pass Road are generally not rideable until June. The summer and early fall months typically offer the best conditions for gravel biking, with clear roads and pleasant temperatures before winter snows return.

Yes, Fairplay offers challenging long-distance routes. The Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Sharpsburg is a difficult 71.6-mile trail with significant elevation gain, taking over 10 hours to complete. Another difficult option is the Dam Number 5 – C & O Bicycle, Hancock loop from Williamsport, which is 53.1 miles long.

Fairplay's gravel trails offer breathtaking high-altitude scenery. You'll ride through vast sagebrush plains, aspen groves, and deep pine forests, with expansive views of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks like Quandary Peak, Mount Lincoln, Mount Massive, and Mount Elbert. The region is also home to the Middle Fork of the South Platte River and numerous reservoirs, adding water features to the landscape.

Yes, several routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Ferry Hill – Horseshoe Bend campsite loop from Mercersville is a moderate 23.4-mile option, and the Conococheague Aqueduct – Dam Number 5 loop from Williamsport offers a 37.9-mile moderate ride.

Fairplay is surrounded by the Pike National Forest and San Isabel National Forest, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot various high-altitude wildlife in the sagebrush, aspen, and pine forest ecosystems. The region is also known for its unique High Creek Fen, a rare wetland supporting 14 unique plant species, though access might be restricted to protect its delicate environment.

The gravel biking routes in Fairplay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 7 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging high-altitude terrain, the extensive forest roads, and the stunning mountain views that define the region's unique cycling experience.

While on your gravel biking adventure, you can explore Fairplay's rich history. The South Park City Museum is a restored 19th-century mining camp with over 40 historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the Gold Rush era. Fairplay's historic Front Street also provides dining options and art galleries.

Fairplay is situated at a high elevation of 9,953 feet, with surrounding peaks reaching 13,000 to 14,000 feet. Riders should be prepared for the effects of altitude, including thinner air and potentially more strenuous climbs. It's advisable to acclimatize if coming from lower elevations and to carry plenty of water.

Absolutely! Fairplay is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Beyond biking, you can enjoy hiking on trails like Rich Creek or Beaver Creek, fishing in the Gold Medal trout streams of the South Platte River, or camping in areas like Middlefork RV park or Fourmile Campground. Scenic drives, such as Weston Pass, also offer stunning views.