Gearhead® Guide To Bikepacking Colorado 

One ultimate ride from Gunnison to Crested Butte, plus more tips for pedaling the Centennial State

Craving a trip that’s equal parts pedal-powered grit, alpine grandeur, and spontaneous discovery? Point your compass toward Colorado. This state doesn’t just hand you adventure, it makes you earn every mile of it. One minute you’re shouldering the bike through wildflowers at 11,500ft, the next you’re swapping ride stories around a camp stove, plotting where the next trail might lead. Two of our Gearheads just earned their adventure in the Centennial State, biking from Gunnison to Crested Butte, and they learned plenty. So, let’s dig in—this is your gear-tested, ride-approved insider’s guide to Colorado’s best bikepacking routes, must-bring kit, local eats, and wild places. Saddle up, here we go! 

Watch The Action In Our Gearhead® Adventure Video! 

Colorado sits smack in the middle of the Rockies, stitched together by high-alpine highways, iconic byways, and enough small-town charm to fuel a lifetime of road trips. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the state’s major hub—serviced by direct flights from across the US—and a gateway to the rest of the state’s rugged, rolling landscape. Once you’re here, everything else is closer than it looks: pedal-powered paradise is always just a drive, shuttle, or train away. 

Driving To The Trailheads

Loaded up the rigs in Salt Lake? It’s about 430 miles to Denver—mostly along I-80 and I-76—a mountain-bound haul with plenty of detour-worthy stops. Coming from Albuquerque? That’s a 450-mile drive north through high desert and mesas, the perfect intro to the state’s big-sky drama. Prefer to fly? Rent a car at the airport, then punch “Salida,” “Steamboat,” or “Durango” into your GPS and point the wheels toward wide open.

Flying To Colorado 

DEN is as user-friendly as it gets—modern, loaded with spots to grab a last-minute mountain burrito, and just 25 miles east of downtown Denver. Smaller airports in Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Durango make it easy to zero in on your route of choice, saving precious out-of-office days for the ride. 

Colorado’s bikepacking corridor is littered with campgrounds, quiet forest sites, and Gearhead-loved cabins perfect for stashing bikes and resting tired legs. Want comfort? Book a lodge in Salida or Crested Butte with post-ride hot tubs and main-street vibes. On a mission? Pitch a tent just outside Leadville and watch the stars spin behind your handlebars. Why we love Colorado stays: 

Unmatched Variety: From tiny-house cabins near Durango to luxe condos in Steamboat, there’s something for every trip and crew. 

Home-Base Comforts: Prep pancakes at sunrise, wrench on bikes post-ride, stargaze on the porch or gather everyone for some high-altitude card games. 

Flexible Amenities: Filter for fire pits, bike storage, pet-friendly pads, or even on-site gear rentals. 

Great For Groups: Bunk with the crew and save some cash for more on-trail snacks. 

Extended Stays: Plenty of rentals encourage longer bookings—make a weeklong basecamp and explore every single valley. 

Bonus: Many have extras like bike wash stations, maps, and local coffee. And if you’re looking for a little more social time, state park campgrounds are cheap, friendly, and always buzzing with like-minded riders. 

Before the first crank turns, gear up smart—Colorado dishes out real weather, fast-changing elevation, and conditions that can shift before your latte cools. Here’s our essentials checklist: 

The Right Bike: Hardtail MTB or beefy gravel rig with 2.1–2.4” rubber. Dropper post and tubeless tires recommended—those rocks don’t mess around. 

Sleep System: 30°F sleeping bag and a lightweight tent or bivy. Nights get chilly, even in summer. 

Bike Bags: Waterproof frame, seat, and handlebar bags. Dry socks are the real MVP. 

Layer Game: Puffy, rain jacket, sun hoodie, and gloves. Better to have it and not need it. 

Cook Kit: Pocket stove, titanium pot, real coffee, backup ramen. 

Trail Toolkit: Spare tubes, quick link, multi-tool, tubeless plug kit. 

Water Filtration: Reliable filter—we like a gravity system or microfilter bottle best. 

Lighting: Front and rear lights for night riding and a headlamp for in-camp hangs. 

Food: Think compact, calorie-dense snacks that are easy to eat on the saddle, and don’t forget dehydrated meals if you’re not doing dinner in town. 

Connecting a tried-and-true route around Gunnison with a high-alpine dream ride around Crested Butte, this new classic combines stunning views, steep climbs, and huge vert for one mega-satisfying ride. Clocking in at 215 miles and nearly 22,000’ of vertical gain, it’s a test piece for the quads with a guaranteed endorphin payoff. Our Gearheads broke the trip into four days of stoke, pausing the pedal grind for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation in a few of Colorado’s most stunning scenic stops.

Day 1: Gunnison To Cathedral 

50 miles, 5,300’  

Leaving Gunnison, the route immediately reminds you what “high desert” means in Colorado. The climb out of town is steady, legs finding their rhythm as open sagebrush country gives way to rolling ranchland. It’s big-sky terrain—horizons so wide you half expect them to tip over. 

By the time you’re halfway through, the landscape begins changing. The dirt roads tilt upward, weaving into pockets of piñon and juniper before cresting into wide-open plateaus. Wildflowers, if you catch them in early summer, flicker like sparks against the muted greens of the mesa. Cathedral is less a town than a scattering of cabins, but it sits quietly in a valley that feels removed from time itself. 

Pitstops to savor: Grab an early coffee in Gunnison before you roll out (Tributary Coffee is a local favorite), and refill bottles at the few stock tanks or creeks that run near the ranch cuts before Cathedral. Nightfall here is worth staying awake for—stars anchored in an unbelievable darkness. 

Day 2: Cathedral To Pitkin 

64 miles, 5,900’ ft 

This is the bruiser day—the long haul where you’ll earn your dinner. The road snakes upward through forests of aspen and fir, climbing into higher ridgelines. Expect grinding doubletrack climbs that crest into panoramas of jagged granite peaks. There are stretches here where you won’t see another soul, just the rhythmic sound of tires crunching over rock. 

And the descents? Absolute bliss. Long, winding drops that flow past hidden alpine lakes and beaver ponds. Roll into Pitkin dusty and spent, but with a grin you can’t shake. 

Pitstops to savor: The Pitkin General Store (seasonal) is a lifeline—burgers, milkshakes, and some basic resupplies. Don’t underestimate the morale boost of greasy food after two days of big vert. 

Day 3: Pitkin To Mosca Campground 

46 miles, ~4,900’ ft 

This stretch rides like a sampler platter of Colorado terrain. The first miles slip by on shaded gravel roads, quiet and contemplative, before climbing again into wilder, less-tamed country. High ridges cut against the horizon, and scattered mining relics along the roadside remind you of how these routes were carved long before cyclists came pedaling through. 

Rolling into Mosca Campground feels like finding sanctuary. Nestled among pines with the soundtrack of a creek nearby, it’s the kind of place that lulls you into sitting by a fire longer than you should. 

Pitstops to savor: Take a mid-day pause wherever the streams cross the road—water filtering breaks double as excuses to lie in the grass. 

Day 4: Mosca Campground To Crested Butte Loop 

55 miles, ~5,200’ ft 

Now comes the pièce de résistance. From Mosca, rejoin stretches of the Sage & Saddles Loop until you roll south toward Taylor River Road. The river thunders beside you, a reminder of just how much snowmelt still sculpts this land. Then comes the Jacks Cabin Cutoff, a shortcut—but not exactly a freebie—that funnels you back toward big alpine country. 

Once you hit Highway 135, you’ll trade gravel solitude for pavement speed. Spin north into Crested Butte, a laidback little mountain town as colorful as the surrounding wildflowers. But don’t stop yet. Instead, press on to Slate River Road and begin the climb toward Yule Pass. This is Colorado bikepacking at its purest: long switchbacks, your breath thinning, views expanding until the Elk Mountains roar into sight. 

From Yule, Paradise Basin Road feels a little surreal—lush alpine meadows, jagged peaks tucked close. Turning right onto Schofield Pass Road, things get a little wild. The descent toward Gothic follows ribboning dirt road that seems to drop endlessly into the lush valley of Gothic Mountain. And then, suddenly, you’re back in Crested Butte, closing the loop where people sip beer on porches and you roll in coated with dust, sweat, and a strange sheen of satisfaction. 

Nothing tastes better than pre-ride bean water or post-ride refuels. Colorado’s got you. 

Gunnison’s Top-Notch Spots:

• We’re always stoked to start the ride, but Gunnison’s loaded lineup of excellent eats makes spending a day in town to acclimate to altitude well worth it.

• Back Country Cafe: A modern diner with all the usual fare. We recommend any of the eggs Bennies and the chicken & waffles.

• Tributary: Don’t miss their locally roasted coffee, baked-in-house pastries, and adorable patio for soaking up some morning sunshine.

• Crested Bucha: Gunnison’s go-to fermentation lounge, pouring 20 taps of craft kombucha plus an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list.

• The Dive Pub: Not actually a dive, this gastropub serves up local brews, lush salads, loaded poutine, and plenty of specials.

• Pitcharee’s Kitchen: Thai takeout portioned for two. Come extra hungry or split with a friend.

• 1880: Classic Spanish tapas made with local Gunnison ingredients and paired with a fine spirits menu.

• Tacos La Esquina: A local favorite for authentic Mexican fare. Located on the corner of S 12th St. and Tomichi Ave.

• Blackstock Bistro: Experience a culinary journey through the essence of American cuisine.
  

Pitkin Pitstops:

• Reward yourself for your biggest day in the saddle with a mega meal—and perhaps a room for the night.

• Pitkin Hotel & Bon Ton Bistro: Comfort food in a quaint historic setting. The blackberry cobbler is not to be missed.

• Stumbling Moose: A laid-back lodge with award-winning burgers, thirst quenching bevvies, and live music every Friday in summer.
  

Crested Butte Restaurants:

• Try these spots in Crested Butte for a.m. eats or an evening refuel after wrapping up the day’s full mileage.

• 13th Street Bakery: The best cinnamon rolls in town can be found from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday through Sunday at this new pop-up within the Breadery.

• The Hideout Bar + Kitchen: Asian Fusion with a mountain town edge. We especially like the K-hot sauce smothered chicken sandwich with kimchi pasta salad.

• The Dogwood: For the cocktail inclined, an old miner’s cabin with an unparalleled craft cocktail selection and lite bites to compliment the libations.

• Butte Bagels: This premiere breakfast hub becomes Butte Burgers at night!

• Brühaus: A huge brew selection and an even bigger outdoor patio make this beer hall the perfect spot to end the ride.

More Stops To Savor

• Alpine Tunnel West Portal near Pitkin—an historic former railroad tunnel. 
• Weird and wonderful Ohio City and Tincup ghost towns. 
• Taylor Canyon campsite pull-offs—perfect for a snack by the water. 
• Crested Butte’s beloved Secret Stash Pizza. 
• And, if you’ve still got legs, a cold plunge in Slate River before heading into town. 

Wrapping Up Our Ultimate Gravel Route 

• This ride isn’t just about miles or vertical gain. It’s about surrender—letting Colorado carry you through its shifting moods, from sage valleys to sky-high passes. Four days may not sound like much, but it’s enough to quiet the static of everyday life and remind you what it feels like to move slowly, deliberately, joyfully through wild spaces. 
• You don’t ride this loop to tick off boxes. You ride it to come home dustier, hungrier, and maybe a little changed. 

More Colorado Bikepacking Routes 

Colorado Trail: Buena Vista To Silverton 

This high-country classic checks every box—singletrack climbs, snow-fed streams, and enough alpine views to keep your jaw dropped. Don’t let the short mileage fool you: hike-a-bikes, surprise storms, and wildflower meadows all come standard. Plan for shorter days—afternoon lightning is part of the adventure. 

San Juan Skyway Loop 

Forget flat. This paved-and-dirt circuit connects Durango, Telluride, Silverton, and Ridgway. Expect high passes, wild history, and some of the gnarliest switchbacks you’ll ever ride. Local tip: Save time for pie in Ridgway and sunset in Ouray hot springs.

GDMBR: Steamboat To Salida 

Ride a section of the legendary Great Divide. It’s chunky gravel, massive landscapes, and big solitude between friendly mountain towns. Wide tires, a water filter, and plenty of snacks are non-negotiable. 

Leave the wheels for an afternoon and stretch the legs on these quick-hit classics: 

• Devil’s Head Lookout: 2.8mi out-and-back. Short, steep, unbeatable views across Pike National Forest. 
• Lost Lake Trail, Nederland: 4mi round-trip—alpine meadows, waterfalls, and a picture-perfect lake. 
• Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, Aspen: 2mi, paved and easy—Colorado icons for a reason. 

Want to sleep under a billion stars? Options are everywhere. Just make sure to research campsite availability in advance. If you can avoid high-visitation times like holidays and weekends, you’re most likely to get the site you want. 

• Turquoise Lake Campground (Leadville): Lakeside sites, cool shade, and postcard sunsets. 
• Molas Lake (Between Silverton & Durango): Family-friendly, big water, bigger peaks. 
• Paonia State Park: Rolling hills and wildflowers for days. 
• Backcountry and dispersed camping? Almost always available—just follow Leave No Trace principles.  

Colorado’s home to plenty of wild creatures—and some not-so-wild ones, too. Bring extra memory for your camera—maybe bear spray for your PBJs. You might see: Mountain goats and bighorn sheep above treeline. Marmots whistling warnings as you roll by. The occasional black bear or moose (keep your distance, store food right). Eagles, trout, curious cows, and maybe one ornery chipmunk dead-set on your trail mix.

Always observe wildlife from a distance, never feed animals, and follow bear-aware rules—especially when camping or picnicking.

Gearhead® Jono’s Loadout 

Gravel biking picks for men 

Gearhead® Marie’s Loadout 

Gravel biking picks for women 

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Bikepacking 

Q: Where is the start of the Colorado Trail?

A: Technically in Waterton Canyon (near Denver).

Q: Best time to bikepack Colorado?

A: Late June through September—melted snow, dry dirt, wildflowers for days.

Q: Is water easy to find?

A: Depends on your route—always carry more than you think you need, and bring a filter.

Q: Which wildlife should I be prepared for?

A: Black bears, moose, and curious cows.

Q: Are there beginner-friendly bikepacking segments?

A: Yes—check Gunnison Crested Butte and the lower Arkansas Valley for mellow introductions.

Explore More Content 

From The Backcountry Bulletin