The best road cycling routes around Aurora

Aurora offers a diverse road cycling experience, characterized by extensive open spaces, natural prairie land, and numerous reservoirs. You'll find routes that traverse wooded areas, provide scenic views of the Front Range, and connect to larger trail systems, offering varied terrain from flat stretches to routes with significant elevation changes.

Yes, Aurora has options suitable for beginners. For example, the Graham Oaks Nature Park loop from Wilsonville is an easy 17.3-mile route with a moderate elevation gain, making it a great choice for those new to road cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.

For a more challenging ride, consider routes that include the region's hills. The Magness Memorial Tree Farm – Parrett Mountain loop from Wilsonville is a moderate 19.9-mile path with a significant elevation gain of 1889 feet. Another option is the Parrett Mountain – Parrett Mountain loop from Wilsonville, which covers 43.1 miles with over 790 feet of elevation gain.

Aurora's routes often feature scenic natural elements. The Aurora Reservoir offers an 8.5-mile paved trail with views of the reservoir and the Front Range. Cherry Creek State Park provides views of its 850-acre reservoir and the Rocky Mountains. The Sand Creek Greenway Trail offers open spaces, prairie grass, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can also explore highlights like Magness Memorial Tree Farm or a Forest Path in Wilsonville Memorial Park.

Yes, for longer rides, the Parrett Mountain – Symposium loop from Wilsonville is a substantial option, covering 67.1 miles with over 720 feet of elevation gain. This route provides an extended experience through the region's varied landscapes.

Aurora enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making many seasons suitable for road cycling. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures. While winter cycling is possible, it's advisable to check current conditions as some trails might be affected by snow or ice. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred.

Many of Aurora's paved multi-use trails are suitable for families. The 8.5-mile paved trail around Aurora Reservoir is a great option, as is the Cherry Creek State Park with its 15 miles of paved paths. These trails offer relatively flat and safe environments for cyclists of all ages.

Many of Aurora's major parks and trailheads, such as Aurora Reservoir and Cherry Creek State Park, offer designated parking areas for visitors. It's recommended to check specific park websites or trail information for detailed parking instructions and any potential fees before your visit.

Aurora has a public transportation system (RTD) that serves various parts of the city. While some trails might be accessible via bus routes, direct access to all trailheads by public transport can vary. Planning your route in advance using RTD's trip planner is recommended to see the best options for reaching your desired cycling starting point.

The road cycling routes in Aurora are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's extensive network of well-maintained trails, the diverse landscapes ranging from open prairies to reservoir views, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting. Over 59 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Aurora's varied terrain.

Generally, permits are not required for cycling on most public multi-use trails in Aurora. However, specific parks or reservoirs, such as Cherry Creek State Park or Aurora Reservoir, may have entrance fees or require a state park pass for vehicle entry. It's always best to check the regulations for the specific area you plan to visit. You can find more information about activities and permits on the Visit Aurora website.

Yes, many of Aurora's popular road cycling routes are loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the 8.5-mile loop around Aurora Reservoir and the Champoeg Bike Path – Champoeg Bike Path loop from Butteville, a 24.7-mile route.