Gravel Biking

Ski Town, U.S.A.®, Bike Town USA, and now maybe Gravel Town USA? Yep, we’re talking about Steamboat Springs. Home to 600 miles of dirt and hard-packed gravel roads and easy access from town, Steamboat is nirvana for world-class gravel riding and racing - arguably one of the sport's more accessible and fastest growing disciplines. Below is a little dirt on Steamboat gravel.

Gravel Biking Routes

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

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Strade Sporco 

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. 

SBT GRVL Black Course

Length: 144 miles | Difficulty: very difficult/expert | Ride-able: June to October | Ideal tire size: 33 – 38mm

This is a grueling ride with 9K foot elevation gain and 100 miles of gravel. More info here. 

Steamboat’s Unofficial “Ranch & Brew” Gravel Ride

Length: 16 miles from west Steamboat (free parking at the West Side Transit Center or the Bear River Bike Park).

This gravel route was created with the opening of two craft breweries that form a two-stop celebration at the end of the ride. It incorporates county roads (CR 42 and CR 44) and a bit of paved access (via Hwy 40 and CO 129), as well as Butcherknife Brewery (first celebratory stop) and Storm Peak Brewing (second celebratory stop). Butcherknife features Butcherknife pints and growler fills, as well as 5 oz. taster pours. You may also receive a discount for biking in so be sure to mention your ride. Storm Peak also offers 5 oz. taster pours, in addition to pints, growler fills and 32 oz. crowlers (can growler). Grab a to-go order from Moe’s BBQ next door and you’ve got a complete meal you can devour at the brewery. Ready for more? Bike into downtown Steamboat Springs and opt for tasters at Mountain Tap to round out your gravel-brew experience.

Colorado Cycling Safety Rules and Regulations

Colorado has specific laws concerning biking on public roads. For a summary of laws and statutes, please visit the link below.