Biking Independence Pass From Aspen

Views are Incredible!

After receiving a road bike for my birthday at the end of July I started going on a few road rides. I never thought this was a sport that I would get in to, and even my boyfriend who gifted me the bike said he expected it to be used by me as a great little townie bike! But I have a few road biking friends and I decided to give the harder stuff a try.

Map View of the Ride

My first big ride was Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft, though very challenging the first few times, it has now become a regular ride for me. I next ventured the Maroon Bells, much more challenging in my opinion as it is a steady uphill the whole way offering little to no downhills to take a break on. Next was McClain Flats to Snowmass and a great ride up through Missouri heights in Carbondale. I discovered a few short routes, McClain Flats to Starwood Mesa Drive, and Red Mountain road for off days. And to date my furthest ride has been McClain Flats to St. Benedictine Monastery looping back through Snowmass to Aspen.

Miles Vs. Elevation Gain

It is now only weeks before it becomes too cold to road ride around here and I decided to ride Independence Pass, the 4th highest paved road in Colorado. From Aspen its a 4,200 foot (19 mile) climb to the summit. The road is generally steep, curvy, and with little shoulder to ride on. It is definitely the hardest route Aspen has to offer on a road bike and something of a rite of passage as a road biker in Aspen! Though I have been riding my bike for over a month now, putting about 264 miles on my bike, I was definitely a bit nervous.

Us at the top!

We set out from my front door making the ride 40 miles in total and 4,500 feet of elevation gain, not too much different from starting at the gate. The ride took us about 3 hours and 40 mins and we ate about 200 calories worth of food every hour and LOTS of water. The ride is long with very little downhill areas or even flat areas for rest, but the views along the way are worth every ounce of sweat! The ride is incredible and not impossible for a new biker, just bring plenty of fuel! I would suggest doing a few easier rides if you are not used to the altitude as the air does get a little thin when nearing the top.

Such a blast and can now be crossed off my bucket list!

Kelty Cosmic 0 and 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag SALE!

I've blogged about this being my favorite sleeping bag previously here: Car Camping Gear Essentials  but back then the most affordable price I could find was $189. I saw this awesome deal on massdrop and thought it had to be shared, behold: the Cosmic bag for as low as $99!

So anyways, if you have been hoping for a bag check it out here!

Bicycling Ideas in Aspen, CO

Cycling is an incredible way to explore the scenic views around Aspen. Surprisingly despite Aspens reputation, there is a route for almost any level of bike rider. If you are visiting town without a bike there are a number of ways to get some wheels. My favorite bike shop in town is Ute City Cycles where you can rent the most sophisticated bikes for your ride. If you are looking to go a little more mellow, Aspen Velo has more cruiser style bikes for around town, or the bike path that I'll explain below.

Rio Grande Trail and Biking to Woody Creek Tavern (Mellow Cruiser Ride)

The easiest way to go if you are looking for a mellow bike ride experience is the Rio Grande Bike trail. This trail starts in Aspen and goes all the way down to Glenwood Springs it is beautiful the entire ride. A great day activity is to take the trail from the town of Aspen down to the Woody Creek Tavern for lunch. The way there is mostly downhill and very easy 9 mile ride. The way back is slightly harder and almost all uphill so many people will put their bikes on the bus or pay for a shuttle back to town. Blazing Adventures actually does a guided tour if you are worried that provides bikes directions and the shuttle service that you can see here.

Mountain Biking: Cozy Line (Intermediate)

Just a 3.2 mile ride but you will be gaining almost 1,000 feet in elevation. This was my first ever mountain bike ride, and while it was challenging, anyone in decent shape can handle it. Very fun ride and you have the option of connecting to a bunch of trails once you make it to the top. If you are interested in trying out some mountain biking this is a GREAT place to start. To get there take a left at the intercept lot, go a few miles up the road and there will be a turnoff to the right across from a bridge. The trail is obvious from the road. Check out the specs on Mountain Project here.

Road Biking: Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft (Difficult)

25 miles round trip this bike ride offers stunning views the entire way. I think it is a little more mellow than the ride to the Maroon Bells but it is always a challenging ride with about 2,000 feet in elevation gain. This ride is very rewarding and the 11 miles home is all downhill. Make sure you have the proper gear for this ride though, you will be out of cell service. Get outfitted by Ute City Cycles here and you should be good for the very rewarding ride.

There is a ton to do on a bike here in in Aspen, and I will have more post dedicated to biking up soon but feel free to as any questions!