Gravel Biking

Gravel biking in Aspen offers the perfect blend of adventure and scenery, with routes that wind through alpine meadows or mountain passes.

Riders of all levels can explore a mix of smooth dirt roads and challenging climbs, with views around every corner. It’s a unique way to experience Aspen’s wild beauty beyond the pavement.

Gravel Biking Routes

Woody Creek

Distance: 49 miles one way
Elevation: 6,902 ft.
DIFFICULT

Start and end at the Brush Creek park and ride and earn every inch of the marg at the Woody creek tavern afterwards. Use your gravel bike to climb to the top of the world and loop Larkspur mountain above Lenado, descend back to town and hit the single track to Four Corners above Hunter Creek, descend into Aspen and refill your bottles for the last two climbs (hardly bumps after what you’ve done) of Owl creek and Juniper hill. If you want to wimp out, take the single track over airline to viewline to return quicker.

Watson Divide

Distance: 34.6 miles
Elevation: 2,800 ft.
DIFFICULT

This scenic 34-mile loop, perfect for gravel bikes, offers a mix of pavement and well-maintained gravel. Start anywhere along the route and enjoy a gentle descent on the Rio Grande Trail, followed by a steady climb over Watson Divide with expansive mountain views. The ride drops into Snowmass Village—great for a quick refuel—before looping back to Aspen. With varied terrain and big alpine scenery, it’s an ideal half-day ride for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Outside of Aspen

For additional gravel adventures, discover more of the the Roaring Fork Valley for great routes around Old Snowmass, Basalt, and Carbondale. Apps like Strava and Komoot are excellent tools for finding rides that match your style and skill level. You can also check out routes recommendations from Beespoke Cycling based in Basalt, Colorado as well as find information about their clinics and guided rides.

Bike More, Explore More

Fall Mountain Biking
Biking Tips
Recreating and cruising on two wheels comes with responsibilities. Discover trails, learn etiquette, and know the rules of the road to…
Learn More

Book Your Trip

Hit the Trail
Biking
As the first-ever resort town to have an official bike-sharing program when We-Cycle launched in 2013, Aspen is a community that’s serious about cycling…
Learn More