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    Boulder Canyon

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    47.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    891 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama on Boulder Canyon road biking route in Boulder, Colorado

    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.

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    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

    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

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    Boulder Canyon Reviews

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