Communities

Ride The Rockies has been fortunate enough to experience the hospitality of the following host communities throughout its years: Alamosa, Aspen, Avon, Boulder, Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Cañon City, Carbondale, Castle Rock, Chama, N.M., Colorado Springs, Copper Mountain, Cortez, Craig, Crested Butte, Delta, Denver, Durango, Edwards, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Frisco, Georgetown, Glenwood Springs, Golden, Granby, Grand Lake, Grand Junction, Greeley, Gunnison, Hotchkiss, Idaho Springs, Leadville, Manitou Springs, Montrose, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Ridgway, Rifle, Salida, Silverton, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Trinidad, Vail, Walsenburg, Westcliffe and Winter Park.

In 2023 we look forward to revisiting these towns:
Fort Collins – Estes Park – AllensPark – Grand Lake – Gilpin County

Fort Collins

Just an hour north of Denver perched just before the Rocky Mountains is where this years Ride The Rockies will start and finish. This vibrant Colorado town is a bicyclist and beer connoisseurs heaven and an incredible place to begin and wrap up our ride. It’s home to Colorado State University, world famous breweries like New Belgium and Odell’s, endless outdoor activities and recreational trails. The downtown area hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year and offers some of Colorado’s best restaurants!

Our prologue ride and experience will be hosted in this wonderful town and will include a cocktail party at New Belgium, a dinner at The Lincoln Center and a gnarly ride up to the beautiful Horsetooth Reservoir. It will be an experience you will not want to miss out on! Fort Collins is a haven for cyclists, its extensive bike-friendly infrastructure boasts over 280 miles of bike lanes and trails. From the Cache la Poudre River, Horsetooth reservoir, and the overall cycling culture of the Town, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have our rider enjoy this town not once but twice during this years Ride The Rockies.

Find great attractions, food, breweries and more using the links below!

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Estes Park

This charming and popular mountain town sits right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with breathtaking views. You’ll first see these incredible views from Overlook Ranch at the end of the Day 1 route before heading into Macgregor Ranch. Estes Park offers everything for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking trails, fishing and boating on Lake Estes, to plenty of open roads for cycling the opportunities are endless. The Park is also known for its wildlife, with opportunities to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and other animals during the summertime months.

You can’t mention Estes Park without shouting out the one and only Stanley Hotel which inspired Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”. We have a limited number of rooms blocked for riders looking to stay at this legendary hotel and there are plenty of other options to experience the hotel if you are staying elsewhere. The Stanley Hotel offers guided tours, ghost tours, a whiskey tasting experience and much more.

There is so much to do in this picturesque town that’s why we are thrilled to have Ride The Rockies here for two nights! With our ride headquarters and camping accommodations hosted at the wonderful Macgregor Ranch riders will be able to enjoy the peacefulness of the park and the spirited amenities of the town all at once. There are plenty of restaurants and places for you, your friends or team to relax and take in what Estes Park is all about!

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Macgregor Ranch – Ride Headquarters!

Allenspark

Though not an overnight community we are thrilled our ride is heading to Allenspark, gear up for a tough day of climbing up to the beautiful park! Allenspark named after Alonzo Nelson Allen, is located near Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peak Wilderness. With rivers, trails, open bike roads, and stunning views you will see the beauty of it all while covering 3000 feet of elevation. Another great aspect of Allenspark is that it’s home to several conservation organizations that preserve the local environment and sustainable living!  The ride will also have an extra ten-mile loop for those looking to extend this day of riding after the hosted lunch with scenic views. This day will be packed with breathtaking views, lots of climbing, and a full experience of Allenspark!

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Grand Lake

Along the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park just after Trail Ridge Road sits the town of Grand Lake. Ride headquarters will sit right on the lake with serene views of the mountains and rays of sunshine coming off the lake. Here riders can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, like hiking the nearby trails, rent paddle boards and even hop on the boat shuttle that will be provided.

The historic and charming downtown district of Grand Lake is a short few blocks from the finish. Main street is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in colorful Victorian buildings. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Kauffam House Museum a 19th century hotel that showcases the town’s rich history and culture. We will also be showing the legendary movie “Breaking Away” at the movie theater in town for all riders to join. There will be food trucks, a beer garden, and lawn games too so relax and enjoy what this incredible town has to offer after your tough climb up Trail Ridge Road!

And don’t worry there will be shuttles running from Winter Park to Grand Lake both days of the ride to make your logistic concerns a piece of cake.

Find great information on food, shopping, all kinds of outdoor recreation activities, hiking trails and more linked below.

Entertainment:

  • Live music, beer garden, lawn games and more at ride headquarters located at Grover Park on the lake front.
  • Bands playing (Blood Sugar, Steve Stimmer, Drums in Space).
  • Two movie showings of “Breaking Away” at Community House.
  • Alternative Health Fair, massages, sound bathing, CBD specialist and more.
  • Scavenger hunt for prizes and more special surprises for all riders!
  • Use the water taxi!

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Winter Park

This popular ski town in the Rocky Mountains has over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain but is also filled with summer activities and a vibrant busy town. The summer months in Winter Park are jam packed with activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and rafting. There are also plenty of lodging options for Ride The Rockies in Winter Park so make sure to check out our accommodations page!

Winter Park is obviously known for its stunning views and natural landscapes but it also has a very rich cultural scene. The town has several art galleries, the Grand County Historical Association, and Fraser Valley Library. There are also lots of concerts, art shows and theatre productions throughout the year.

Ride headquarter will be hosted at the beautiful Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park. We will have live music, lawn games, a beer garden, and food trucks. This will be a great time to enjoy the festivities of Ride The Rockies and even pop into town for a bite to eat or shop!

For more information visit:

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Gilpin County

Once you finish a tough day of climbing up the legendary Berthoud Pass and down into Idaho Springs a total of 5000′ feet of elevation gain you will enter Central City and Blackhawk! This historical mining town is rich with history dating back to 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and surrounded by more beautiful mountains. In the late 19th century Central City became a hub in Colorado for entertainment, with several theaters, opera houses and other cultural institutions. The Victorian style architecture and feel of this town will feel as if you traveled back in time. The town’s main street has even inspired the main streets at Disney Resorts.

Gilpin County is incredible for outdoor enthusiasts, has plenty of great restaurants, shops and sightseeing for people that travel through. It’s home to several casino resorts in Central City and Blackhawk that host a variety of entertainment options.  There are endless ways to explore this town and enjoy the food trucks, music, and a beer garden that will be provided at ride headquarters! Then it’s time to gear up for the ride’s longest day back to Fort Collins.

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