Motorcycle Routes in Colorado

Due to the vast, open vistas and winding mountain roads, Colorado’s motorcycle routes are a motorcyclist’s heaven. From the towering heights of the Rockies to the endlessly stretching high deserts, there are amazing riding experiences everywhere in the Centennial State.

Despite this, motorcycling also poses a potential danger. Be aware of Colorado’s motorcycle laws and your rights while riding through all the scenic routes throughout the state. If you get into an accident or a legal issue, consult a Boulder motorcycle attorney. A seasoned motorcycle attorney will guide you with insurance claims, explaining your rights and guaranteeing you are correctly compensated.

Best Motorcycle Routes in Colorado

Million Dollar Highway US-550

From Ouray to Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway is often considered one of the most beautiful North American motorcycle routes. Stretching 25 miles, US-550 traverses some of San Juan’s most breathtaking scenery with hairpin turns and cliffs. The name is said to be derived from either million-dollar views or because that was the cost of constructing it in the early 1920s. On these curves, you’ll wind through breathtaking mountain scenery, experience challenging switchbacks, and catch glimpses of historic mining towns that dot the landscape.

Peak to Peak Highway CO-7, CO-72, CO-119

The Peak to Peak Highway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway and runs from Estes Park to Black Hawk. This 55-mile drive takes you through panoramic views of the Continental Divide and picturesque mountain towns such as Nederland and Ward. The highway provides ample vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park and gives you a taste of the state’s rich gold rush history. In the fall, the road morphs into a kaleidoscope of color as the aspen trees turn golden, creating a truly breathtaking backdrop to your ride.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Motorcycle routes that provide a high-altitude adventure, Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the ultimate ride—literally. The 28-mile road climbs more than 7,000 feet to its terminus in the summit parking lot, which sits at 14,130 feet. You’ll see exquisite views of the Front Range; you can’t help but spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep on your way up. Access to many hiking trails and alpine lakes opens up higher up the road. The thin air, steep drop-offs, and route require focused riding and experience from the cyclist, making for a most exciting challenge to experienced riders.

Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park

People often call Trail Ridge Road the “highway to the sky.” The 48-mile-long road joins Estes Park and Grand Lake, crossing over the Continental Divide and revealing unparalleled Rocky Mountain National Park views. As the highest continuously paved road in the United States, it provides high mountain riders a truly unforgettable ride across diverse ecosystems. It has eleven miles of roadway above the tree line, with broad views of surrounding peaks and valleys.

San Juan Skyway Motorcyclist Routes

The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop through southwestern Colorado. This loop takes riders through some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes, along the Million Dollar Highway, and through historic mining towns like Telluride and Durango. The San Juan Skyway gives people views of mountains, mesas, and canyons but also peeps into well-preserved Native American Indian and Old West heritage. There are many hot springs along the route where you can relax after a long day of riding.

Safety Tips for Colorado Motorcyclists

Colorado’s geography and climate are specific and create particular problems for motorcyclists. Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind:

• Know the weather: Mountain weather can be quite unpredictable. Always check forecasts and pack accordingly for cold and wet conditions.
• Altitude awareness: Higher elevations will affect both the rider and the motorcycle. Stay hydrated, and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Wildlife alertness: Watch for deer, elk, or other wildlife traveling through the area, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Be aware of road conditions: Spring thaws can cause upheavals, potholes, and loose gravel. Be careful, and pay particular attention in mountainous areas.
• Proper maintenance: Have your motorcycle properly serviced before you take it to mountain roads. Pay particular attention to the brakes and tires.

Legal Considerations for Colorado Motorcyclists

The best place to start researching Colorado’s motorcycle laws and safety is the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Motorcycle Safety page. There, you can find the exact status of helmet laws, licensing, and safety courses in Colorado.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also offers excellent motorcycle safety information. This federal resource includes national statistics, safety tips, proper gear, and riding techniques.

Preparing for Your Colorado Motorcycle Routes Adventure

Before embarking on your motorcycling adventure across Colorado, take a little time to prepare. Ensure that your bike is in great shape. Be sure not to overlook tires, brakes, and fluid levels. Signs will show steep grades and turns along the way), but high altitudes impose additional stresses on your motorcycle.

• Pack appropriate gear for changeable weather. Mountain weather is mercurial, so layers are essential. Add on rain gear and warm, high-visibility clothes. Don’t forget sun protection; higher altitudes translate into increased UV exposure.
• Know your route in advance of any ride. While GPS is invaluable in getting from one place to another, you never know when you’ll need a physical map as a backup. This is especially important when traveling through extremely rural parts of Colorado, where cell service may be nonexistent. Plan fuel stops well in advance; some reaches of roads in rural Colorado are extraordinarily long between gas stations.
• If you’re not used to riding in mountainous terrain, consider enrolling in a motorcycle safety course before your trip. These courses can provide invaluable skills to prepare you for most of Colorado’s circumstances.

Embrace the Motorcycle Culture of Colorado

Colorado has a large motorcycle community, with many rallies, events, and group rides during the riding season. Attending the Colorado Motorcycle Expo in Denver each year will allow you to network with other riders and view the newest bikes and equipment.

Sponsored Content