Gravel Biking

Home to 600 miles of dirt and hard-packed gravel roads, Steamboat Springs and Routt County are ideal for world-class gravel riding. Gravel riding is arguably one of the sport's more accessible and fastest growing disciplines. Below is a little dirt on riding your gravel bike in and around Steamboat Springs.

Colorado Cycling Safety Rules and Regulations

When you hit the dirt, remember to obey all traffic laws and to respect the rural nature of Routt County. Colorado has specific laws concerning biking on public roads. For a summary of laws and statutes, please visit the link below.

Gravel Biking Routes

For a comprehensive list of rides in and around Steamboat Springs, visit the Bike Guide and The Dirty Roads (created and curated by Steamboat Springs locals).

Emerald Circuit 

Length: 27.9 miles | Difficulty: moderate/intermediate | Ride-able: April to October | Minimum tire size: 28mm

This challenging ride is mostly paved with a little bit of dirt road adventure that takes you through ranchlands with spectacular sights. More info here.

Strade Sporche 

Length: 111.5 miles | Difficulty: very difficult/expert | Ride-able: May to September | Minimum tire size: 35mm

This route takes the rider on an impressive loop west of town. The Cow Creek section of this ride may be impassable when wet, stay on CR 33 to bypass this section. More info here. 

Steamboat Unbridled

Length: 60.3 miles | Difficulty: difficult/advanced | Ride-able: June to October | Minimum tire size: 35mm

This long ride takes your through South Routt and finishes with a singletrack climb up the Hot Springs Trail (lower gearing may be necessary). More info here. 

Airport Plus Gravel Grinder Loop

Length: 21.86 miles | Difficulty: moderate/intermediate | Ride-able: May to October | Minimum tire size: 28mm

This route is equal parts road and gravel/dirt road and peacefully meanders through the countryside dotted with ranches before returning to town. More info here.

Sleeping Giant

Length: 41.3 miles | Difficulty: difficult/advanced | Ride-able: May to October | Minimum tire size: 34mm

This is a scenic ride around the legendary Sleep Giant (Elk Mountain). This route is impassable when wet. More info here.