Summit County offers many outdoor
activities. Although known for its winter sports, it provides for outdoor fun
year-round. People from all over the world visit Summit County to enjoy hiking,
cycling, golfing, tennis, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or just simply
relaxing.
For the cycling enthusiasts, Summit County offers over 50 miles (80 km) of paved
bike paths and 30+ mountain bike trails that reach mountain summits approaching
14,000 feet in elevation. With its large lake (Dillon Reservoir), quaint ski resorts
(Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain) and expansive valleys, you are certain
to find the terrain to fit your cycling needs. More...
Summit County offers many outdoor
activities. Although known for its winter sports, it provides for outdoor fun
year-round. People from all over the world visit Summit County to enjoy hiking,
cycling, golfing, tennis, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or just simply
relaxing.
For the cycling enthusiasts, Summit County offers over 50 miles (80 km) of paved
bike paths and 30+ mountain bike trails that reach mountain summits approaching
14,000 feet in elevation. With its large lake (Dillon Reservoir), quaint ski resorts
(Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain) and expansive valleys, you are certain
to find the terrain to fit your cycling needs. Less...
The best time to cycle Summit County is in late
spring through early autumn, when mountains temperatures are warmer and more comfortable.
High summer season is June, July, and August. Less...
Climate and
Weather
Summit County's 40 degree latitude provides pleasant,
average daily temperatures throughout the year. Because of its low humidity, the
temperatures feel comfortable between late May and early September.
Summit County receives over 19 inches of precipitation each year, consisting of
both rain and melted snow. Normally, there is very little moisture during July
and August, and so these are the best months to visit for summer activities. The
average temperatures during cycling season are (Fahrenheit/Celsius): 59/15 in
May, 69/20.5 in June, 75/24 in July, 73/23 in August, 67/19.5 in September, and
57/14 in October. Less...
How to Get There
If you are traveling by air, you will likely
arrive at DIA (Denver International Airport). From DIA, your best transportation
option is a rental car, taxi, or shuttle bus to any of Summit County’s mountain
resorts.
Summit County is easily accessible from Interstate 70, approximately 75 miles
west of Denver and about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Denver International
Airport. There are several exits off I-70 for Summit County resort towns of Silverthorne,
Dillon, Frisco, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain. Less...
Accommodations
Summit County has plenty of accommodations, ranging
from fancy hotels and B&Bs to small, functional establishments. However, it
is recommended you make reservations ahead, especially if you are traveling from
out of state and/or during high season (June – August). Less...
The Roads
Although most cycling routes in Summit County
are over recreational multi-use paths, you will also encounter rides that travel
over county roads. The surface of Summit County roads is generally very good;
however, due to extreme temperature changes between seasons, roads take a lot
of abuse, and as a result, you may find occasional road hazard in form of cracked
pavement, pothole, gravel or sand.
Paved bike paths are usually open by late April, although Vail Pass bike path
may not open until late May, and occasionally some sections may be temporarily
affected by late spring snow. Most paved bike paths will be covered by snow by
mid to late-October. Less...
What You Need To Know
Cycling in Summit County, Colorado can be demanding
on your body, especially if you are not used to cycling in altitude. Most terrain
is above 9,000 ft /2,700 m and some rides and mountain bike trails may take you
over 12,000 ft/3,658 m high passes. If you are unaccustomed to altitude, it is
recommended that you acclimate for few days before attempting some of the more
demanding rides.
Keep in mind that mountain weather can change rapidly. A warm and sunny morning
can quickly change into torrential thunderstorm or even a snowstorm. Beware of
lightning, especially if you find yourself riding above timberline (best if you
set out to ride early in the morning as most thunderstorms in the mountains occur
in early afternoon). Additionally, it is always wise to check the weather forecast
before setting out on a long ride. With frequent afternoon mountain thunderstorms
and sudden temperature drops, hypothermia can become a critical issue very fast.
Wear proper UV protection for skin, lips, and eyes. Due to its high altitude,
Summit County has an especially high UV index.
If you are riding backcountry MTB trails during Colorado’s hunting season
(mid-September through October), make yourself visible by wearing bright colors
and stick to popular trails that travel through open spaces.
Mountain bike trails are rarely open before the end of May, and you should not
expect to ride trails above 10,500 feet before the end of June, and above 11,500
before the end of July. Less...
