Left Hand Canyon Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Left Hand Canyon
Left Hand Canyon is a world class Boulder bike ride. It begins in the flats of Boulder Valley and climbs to the historic mining town of Ward. Newly paved and nice wide shoulders make this an enjoyable bike ride. Left Hand Canyon gradually climbs out of Boulder Valley along a curvy canyon road that follows the path carved out by Left Hand Creek. You will be surrounded by tree covered mountains as you ride through sections of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest.
The road becomes steeper as you continue to climb towards Ward, until a section called “Turn of events” where the climb becomes strenuous up the final mile and a half. You will know you are getting close to town, when you start seeing abandoned classic cars and trucks along the road. Ward is not technically a ghost town, but there is a sense of a place time forgot.
Once you make your way into town, you will see the 3 or 4 buildings that make up the main street and downtown. One of the buildings is the Utica Street Market, which is a bike friendly destination for snacks and refreshments and is also the turning around point to head back down the canyon. The way down is fast and flowy! Put it in the big ring and blast downhill. Make sure to be careful and watch for sections of loose gravel or debris on the road as you fly back down.
Insider Hints for Left Hand Canyon
- Utica Street Market in the town of Ward is a bike friendly destination for snacks and refreshments.
- Continue to climb up to Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Getting to the Left Hand Canyon Trailhead
From Boulder, head north on US 36 towards Lyons. The entrance to Left Hand Canyon will be on the west side of US 36. Parking is along the road at the beginning of Left Hand Canyon Dr.Route Information for Left Hand Canyon
Type of Ride:
Single-day
Re-supply points:
Utica Street Market in Ward, CO
When to do:
April - November
Toilets:
Ward, CO
Level of Car Traffic:
Moderate
Road Type:
Shared roads with cars
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
One Way
Left Hand Canyon Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherWE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!