Cyclist in Colorado
A cyclist climbs Logan Mill Road above Boulder, Colorado.

boulder BACKROADS BIKE TOUR

Ride Colorado’s finest cycling routes—paved, gravel, and everything in between.

The small endurance-sports epicenter of Boulder, on Colorado’s Front Range, is a cycling paradise. There are grand vistas, dense forests, canyons, solitude, space—the ingredients of the finest rides.

With the snow-capped Rockies as our backdrop, we’ll explore a spider’s web of backroads—paved and gravel, iconic climbs and old mining tracks. They aren’t well trodden—quiet roads are the best roads. And they aren’t straight, which will help you develop a new appreciation for the contours of the land.

We’ll cover the best that Boulder has to offer, right out our backdoor. Welcome to Colorado.

apply NOW Backroads with Ben Delaney

Five Days of Boulder BACKROADS

Our founder, Chris Case, has been exploring Colorado’s backroads for over 20 years. He has pieced together all variety of routes throughout Boulder, Golden, and the neighboring foothills.

Below is the tentative schedule for the trip. A final itinerary will be created and distributed the week before the trip, with consideration for the weather and composition of the group. All routes are subject to change.

Day 1

  • We’ll start by exploring some of Boulder’s most famous climbs, including Sunshine Canyon, and gravel favorites, including Logan Mill and Four Mile Canyon.
  • 35 miles, 5,000 feet of elevation gain, 70% dirt (with opportunities to shorten or lengthen the ride)
  • GPX route map

Day 2

  • Ready to climb high? We’ll climb to Brainard Lake (at 10,000 feet) at the edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the most picturesque portion of the Front Range.
  • 50 miles, 6,775 feet of elevation gain, 25% dirt (can be made shorter or longer)
  • GPX route map

Day 3

  • Need a little respite from the climbing? Boulder has flat roads too. It’s a great day to spin along the classic Boulder-Roubaix course and gaze at the mountains you’ve been exploring thus far.
  • 42 miles, 1,700 feet of elevation gain, 45% dirt (can be made shorter or longer)
  • GPX route map

Day 4

  • Today is the big one: The Mosaic Monster is a route Chris created for his friends at Mosaic Bicycles. The hardest mile-for-mile ride in Boulder? You decide.
  • 60 miles, 10,500 feet of elevation gain, 55% dirt (can be made shorter or longer)
  • GPX route map

Day 5

  • For our final ride, we’ll cool our jets and take an easy spin, as time allows. Pastries anyone?

What’s Included, Pricing, & Dates

  • 5 days of expertly guided rides over everything from silky smooth roads to chunky gravel. NOTE: You can customize your trip to include 3-7 days of riding (note your preferences in the application)
  • Dinner on night 1 (usually at Salt), and all snacks and drinks during our rides
  • Optional: Accommodations in Boulder (please note in your application if you’d like us to book your lodging—there are many options to choose from)

Pricing

$1,750 per person (for a five-day tour without accommodations)

Because Alter’s tours are always customized, final pricing can take a conversation. Once you’ve submitted an application, Alter will be in touch to discuss ideas and options that fit you (and/or your group), before preparing a formal proposal with final pricing and itinerary.

2023 & 2024 Dates*

  • SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2023: The Boulder Backroads with Ben Delaney tour boasts five days of riding on Boulder’s best roads—most of them trending upward—including classic road climbs and a collection of the best dirt and gravel. Cycling journalist and YouTube personality Ben Delaney will join us for all five rides.
  • OCTOBER 4-8, 2023: Our autumn date links together the best dirt and paved climbs to maximize golden Aspen viewing. It’s five days of big, beautiful rides.
  • APRIL 10-14, 2024
  • MAY 1-5, 2024
  • MAY 8-12, 2024
  • If you are interested in other dates, or would like to shorten or extend any of the listed dates, please contact Alter.
A cyclist in Colorado.

What’s Not Included

  • Flights to and from the destination
  • Transfers between airport and lodging (there is a convenient bus between the airport and Boulder)
  • Breakfasts
  • Our local knowledge means you’ll always have a partner to help you find the perfect café stop, bike shop for gear or repairs, and restaurants throughout your stay.

Start daydreaming

Copious amounts of climbing, Rocky Mountain vistas, and peaceful solitude.

Chris Case and Ben Delaney in front of the Flatirons of Boulder
A cyclist climbs Sunshine Canyon above Boulder, Colorado.
Cyclists in Colorado
A cyclist in Colorado.
A cyclist in Colorado.
A cyclist in Colorado.
A cyclist in Colorado.
A cyclist in Colorado.
Cyclists in Colorado

Important Things to Note

  • This trip can be tailored to your desires—road, gravel, or both. Obviously this influences the bike you bring. A gravel/all-road bike or road bike fitted with 28mm tires would be a great choice if you wanted to do a bit of everything. Depending on the final itinerary, you may want up to 38mm fast-rolling gravel tires.
  • Bring a bike equipped with a large range of gears. Climbs in Boulder can get steep—above 12% at altitude.
  • This tour is limited to 8 guests unless special arrangements have been made.
  • Read our FAQs for more information on Alter trips.
  • Read our Terms & Conditions for more information on our payment and cancellation policies.

Let the Transformation begin

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A cyclist in Colorado.