5 Epic Bikepacking Routes in Colorado You Need to Ride

Colorado Bikepacking Routes: 5 Epic Adventures - Colorado truly stands as a bikepacking paradise. With its dramatic mountain passes, expansive open spaces, and an extensive network of dirt roads and trails, the Centennial State presents a diverse array of routes suitable for every skill level and ambition. Below, we delve into five epic bikepacking routes that magnificently showcase the very best of Colorado.

1. The Colorado Trail (485 miles)

Often regarded as the quintessential Colorado bikepacking route, the Colorado Trail spans an impressive 485 miles, guiding riders from Denver to Durango through some of North America's most breathtaking mountain scenery. Cyclists embarking on this journey should anticipate encountering numerous high-altitude passes, with several exceeding 12,000 feet, along with challenging technical singletrack and an immersive wilderness experience that is sure to be both awe-inspiring and physically demanding. While most riders typically allocate two to three weeks to complete the entire trail, highly experienced bikepackers have been known to finish it in under a week.

It is important to note that the trail traverses six designated wilderness areas where bicycles are strictly prohibited. Consequently, riders will need to plan carefully for detours onto forest roads, as these alternative paths can significantly increase the overall mileage. The optimal window for undertaking this adventure is generally from July through September, a period that follows the snowmelt and precedes the onset of early fall storms.

2. Kokopelli Trail (142 miles)

Connecting Loma, Colorado, to the iconic red rock landscapes of Moab, Utah, the Kokopelli Trail offers a classic point-to-point bikepacking experience through the desert. The terrain along this 142-mile route is varied, ranging from smooth dirt roads to more challenging rocky singletrack, and includes several substantial climbs and descents that test a rider's endurance. Most cyclists find that the trail can be completed comfortably within three to four days.

Given the arid desert environment, meticulous water planning is absolutely crucial. Riders should carry a minimum of three liters of water and thoroughly research the locations of reliable water sources along the route. Spring and fall are considered the most favorable seasons for this ride, as summer temperatures can frequently soar above 100°F, making the journey considerably more arduous.

3. The Monarch Crest (34 miles)

Although shorter in distance, the 34-mile Monarch Crest route delivers an incredibly rewarding experience, tracing the Continental Divide at elevations consistently above 11,000 feet. The panoramic views from this trail are nothing short of stunning, as riders traverse a narrow ridge offering expansive vistas of the majestic Sawatch Range and the sprawling San Luis Valley. While typically undertaken as a challenging day ride, the Monarch Crest can easily be extended into an overnight adventure by incorporating a camp in the picturesque Marshall Pass area.

4. Pearl Pass (40 miles)

This historic 40-mile route forges a connection between the charming towns of Crested Butte and Aspen, crossing the formidable Pearl Pass at an elevation of 12,705 feet. This particular path holds significant historical importance, as it played a pivotal role in igniting the mountain biking movement during the late 1970s. Today, it continues to be recognized as a challenging yet exceptionally beautiful ride. The ascent to the pass is known for being steep and technically demanding, but the subsequent descent into Aspen is widely considered one of the most gratifying riding experiences Colorado has to offer.

5. The San Juan Hut System (215 miles)

Offering a truly unique bikepacking adventure, the 215-mile San Juan Hut System route extends from Durango to Moab and features a series of strategically placed backcountry huts, each spaced approximately a day's ride apart. These well-equipped huts provide essential amenities such as bunks, cooking facilities, and access to water, thereby making this route an accessible and inviting introduction to multi-day bikepacking for those who prefer not to carry full camping gear. The journey itself is characterized by a remarkable transition in scenery, moving from lush alpine forests to the dramatic red rock desert, ensuring an incredible variety of landscapes throughout the ride.