The best gravel rides in Douglas County

Douglas County offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 45 trails available. These range from moderate to difficult, providing options for various skill levels.

You can expect diverse landscapes, including open prairies, scenic buttes, and striking red rock formations. The trails feature a mix of smooth dirt and crushed gravel surfaces, with varied elevation gains and challenging punchy hills that can reach inclines of up to 13%.

While many routes are moderate to difficult, there are a few easier options. For instance, the Highlands Point Trail System – Highlands Point Viewpoint loop from ThunderRidge High School is a moderate 16.7-mile route that offers a good introduction to the area's gravel biking.

Many routes offer expansive views of the Colorado Front Range mountains and iconic peaks like Pikes Peak and Longs Peak. You might also encounter natural features such as red rock formations, sloping meadows, and riparian habitats. Notable points of interest include Chatfield Reservoir and Rock Park.

Yes, routes like the Hidden Mesa Open Space – The Homestead loop from Hidden Mesa Trailhead explore varied terrain, including meadows and mesas, often providing stunning vistas. The region itself is known for its prairies, buttes, and red rock formations.

Douglas County, Colorado, generally offers excellent gravel biking conditions from spring through fall. Summers are popular, but be prepared for potential afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for longer rides.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, challenging elevation changes, and the mix of smooth dirt and crushed gravel surfaces that make for engaging rides.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Highlands Point Viewpoint – East/West Regional Trail loop from Spring Gulch Dam is a difficult 34.2-mile route with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Cherry Creek Trail – Bridge over South Platte River loop from Spring Gulch Dam, which spans nearly 60 miles.

Yes, sections of the popular East/West Regional Trail are incorporated into several gravel routes, such as the East/West Regional Trail loop from Rock Canyon High School. This trail system offers a non-technical ride mostly on packed dirt or fine crushed gravel.

Many of the gravel routes in Douglas County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bluffs Regional Park – Highlands Point Viewpoint loop from Sky Ridge and the Bluffs Regional Park – East/West Regional Trail loop from Lincoln.

While primarily focused on natural landscapes, some routes might pass near historical points of interest. For example, the area includes The Homestead, which is a recognized historical site in Douglas County.