Boulder Canyon
Table of contents
Boulder Canyon is the most scenic canyon in the area and an excellent bike ride. Cycling in Boulder Canyon is not for the fainthearted. Narrow shoulders, aggressive traffic, and broken concrete make this a ride for only the diehard thrill seekers that want to challenge themselves.
Route Description for Boulder Canyon
Boulder Canyon is an epic bike ride that is part of the Buffalo Bicycle Classic, where they actually shut down the canyon for the popular bike race. Beware that cycling in Boulder Canyon can be a stressful ride, with lots of traffic, narrow shoulders and broken concrete. This bike ride is best done early in the morning, before traffic picks up.
Boulder Canyon Drive follows alongside Boulder Creek as the road twists and climbs past sheer canyon walls of granite. The jaw-dropping canyon is a popular tourist destination for motorists and rock climbers.
The halfway mark of this bike ride is Boulder Falls, which is a 21 m high waterfall that is fed by spring runoff from Upper Dream Canyon. Boulder Falls is also a transition point, where Boulder Canyon becomes increasingly steep, with a max grade of 10%. After a lung busting climb, the canyon gradually becomes less steep, until the final push over the Barker Reservoir Dam. Ride into the town of Nederland which is the turnaround point.
Be careful riding back down the canyon! It is fast and fun, but also a white-knuckle experience!
Insider Hints for Boulder Canyon
- Join the Buff Classic and ride the canyon when the road is closed to traffic!
- Visit the Town of Nederland! Enjoy great food at Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse, go to Tin Shed Sports for bike demos and trail information and have a great beer at Very Nice Brewery.
Getting to the Boulder Canyon Trailhead
From Boulder, take Canyon Dr. west to the beginning of Boulder Canyon.
Route Information
Type of Ride:
Single-day
Re-supply points:
Salto / Tin Shed Sports Nederland, CO
When to do:
April - November
Toilets:
Eben G. Fine Park, Barker Reservoir Recreation Area
Level of Car Traffic:
High
Road Type:
Shared roads with cars
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Boulder Canyon Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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