Biking from Fraser Co. to Denver?

Question

I would like to take my bike via Amtrak to Fraser from Chicago. I would like to take a couple days biking from Fraser to Denver. Any suggested routes, resources, etc? Is there a pass over the divide at Rolllins?

Answer 1

People regularly mountain bike from Fraser/Winter Park to Denver/Boulder via Rollins/Corona Pass. Here's the starting route:

Fraser to Winter Park via bike path to the Corona Pass sign just prior to the ski area. Climb the pass on FR 149. At the top of the pass, follow the abandoned railroad grade down to Jenny and Yankee Doodle Lakes. At Yankee Doodle, you'll have to decide between continuing to follow the R/R grade down to Rollinsville or follow the Jenny Creek Trail to the Eldora Ski Area. The former can be the start of a route to Denver. The latter is a good start to Boulder.

Somebody in good physical condition and accustom to the altitude can make the trip to Boulder or west Denver in a long day (weather permitting).

Any good USGS map will show these routes.

*** REMINDERS ***
Start very early in the day.
Bring rain gear.

Answer 2

No, there is no pass over the divide at Rollins (there used to be, but the road has been closed for many years) You would have to ride up Berthoud Pass on Hwy 40 to Hwy 6 into Golden/Denver. It would not be an easy ride, with numerous altitude gains/descents to contend with. Are you used to altitude biking as well? If not, allow a couple of days to acclimate yourself in Fraser before setting out. Water would be the most important part of your gear in this very dry mountain atmosphere. A good resource might be to contact bike shops in Fraser/Winter Park to find out from locals what the conditions are and how to best accomplish this goal. Good luck!

Answer 3

I just want to add that you're talking about a ride that would include some REALLY long climbs. Like from 5000 feet to 11,000 feet. Are you aware of that? The weather in the mountains often includes some thunderstorms in the afternoons with dangerous lightning (in the summer.) ...or potential freezing temps and snowstorms beginning as early as late September. Just to make sure you know! :)