Length: 36, 49, 62, or 73.5 miles
Time: 3 – 5 hours
Aerobic: Moderate - Strenuous
Technical: Advanced
Season: April through October
Total Ascent: 3785 ft
Max Elevation: 8705 ft
Min Elevation: 6670
Route: From downtown Steamboat Springs head west on Hwy. 40 and turn right onto CR 129 (Elk River Road). Turn around at the small town of Clark for a 36-mile round trip. For some adventure, turn onto CR 64 (Seedhouse Road) just past Clark and head out to the end of the pavement at Hinman Park for a just under 50-mile round trip. For a longer ride, after Clark continue north on CR 129 over Willow Creek Pass, past Hahn’s Peak Village and Steamboat Lake and climb up to Columbine for the turnaround, making it a 63-mile round trip. And if that doesn’t suit your fancy, make an out and back on Seedhouse Road before riding up to Columbine for a total of 73.5 miles in some of Colorado’s most beautiful countryside.
Highlights: An amazing countryside ride past historic ranches and along the meandering Elk River, with three distance options.
Note: Avoid during peak hours due to high traffic volume. Shoulder width varies significantly along Elk River Road and is narrow in areas. Consider starting the ride in Clark to avoid the heavy traffic areas and most narrow shoulders. The Seedhouse Road section has narrow shoulders and some rough pavement but is not heavily trafficked.