Hi Readers, good to have you back on the Top 15 electric bike routes in Colorado blog. Today, we'll be discussing the top electric bike routes in the state. We'll also touch on how electric bikes can help you on these routes, as well as what to expect in terms of gradients and distance. So without further ado, let's get started!
Route 1: Pikes Peak Highway
Known as "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak Highway is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado. The route starts at the Manitou Springs Visitor Center and ascends more than 7,800 feet to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. The electric bike can be a great asset on this route, helping you to power up the steeper sections. Expect to find a mix of paved and dirt roads, with some sections of loose gravel. The total distance is around 26 miles, round-trip.
Route 2: Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
This byway takes you through some of Colorado's most stunning mountain scenery, including the Continental Divide. The route starts in Minturn and heads north to Leadville before looping back down through Twin Lakes. Along the way, you'll pass by several 14,000-foot peaks, including Mount Elbert, Colorado's tallest mountain. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 85 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 3: Cottonwood Pass
Cottonwood Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Colorado, topping out at 12,126 feet. The route starts in Buena Vista and heads up into the Sawatch Range, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 4: Independence Pass
Independence Pass is another high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 12,095 feet. The route starts in Aspen and heads up into the Elk Mountains, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 5: San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of southwestern Colorado. The route starts in Durango and takes you up into the San Juans, passing by several historic mining towns along the way. You'll also get to see some stunning mountain scenery, including the 14,000-foot peaks of the Needles range. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is mostly paved, but there are some sections of dirt road.
Route 6: West Elks Loop
The West Elks Loop is a scenic drive that takes you through the West Elk Mountains, passing by several alpine lakes and wildlife areas. The route starts in Gunnison and heads up into the West Elk Mountains, looping back around to Crested Butte. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 150 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 7: Slumgullion Pass
Slumgullion Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 11,530 feet. The route starts in Lake City and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 8: Red Mountain Pass
Red Mountain Pass is another high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 12,950 feet. The route starts in Ouray and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 9: Engineer Pass
Engineer Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 12,860 feet. The route starts in Lake City and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 10: Ophir Pass
Ophir Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 12,915 feet. The route starts in Silverton and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 11: Coal Bank Pass
Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 10,640 feet. The route starts in Silverton and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 12: Molas Pass
Molas Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 10,910 feet. The route starts in Silverton and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 13: Cinnamon Pass
Cinnamon Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 12,640 feet. The route starts in Lake City and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 14: Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 13,114 feet. The route starts in Telluride and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
Route 15: Black Bear Pass
Black Bear Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado, topping out at 12,840 feet. The route starts in Telluride and heads up into the San Juans, passing by several alpine lakes along the way. The electric bike can be helpful on the steeper sections of this route. The byway is around 30 miles long and takes you through a mix of paved and dirt roads.
These are just a few of the many great electric bike routes in Colorado. Whether you're looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely ride, there's sure to be a route that's perfect for you. So get out there and explore all that Colorado has to offer on two wheels!