The 10 Best Motorcycle Rides in Colorado

Motorcycles give motorists a unique and exhilarating way to travel and to see the world. While riding a bike undoubtedly makes you look cool to fellow motorists who pass you on the road, a motorcycle also brings you a sense of freedom that you may be hard-pressed to enjoy while driving in a car.

More than that, Colorado has a strong biker community, and you can easily be adopted into this community while getting closer to nature when you ride a motorcycle regularly.

Many motorcyclists in Colorado actively plan out their routes before setting off on a trek. There are several amazing motorcycle roads that you can enjoy throughout the state.

These may be roads with an abundance of twists and turns and that immerse you in breathtaking natural scenery. They also may be free-flowing with minimal stopping required or ideal for taking multiple pit stops along the way.

By finding out more about the best motorcycle roads in Colorado, you can plan an incredible solo journey or a fun trip with your friends.

Looking for an adventure on the Colorado roads? Enter your ZIP code above first and make sure you’re fully covered by comparing auto insurance rates!

10 Best Motorcycle Roads in Colorado

#1 — San Juan Mountain Skyway

Length of Route: 225 miles
Highlight: The Million Dollar Highway, shops and restaurants in Telluride

The San Juan Mountain Skyway is a great option to consider if you want to spend a day or two cruising through the mountains on your bike. This journey is a loop, so you can literally start it at any location that is most convenient for you.

It takes you along Route 550, Route 62, Route 145, and Route 160. You will pass through Telluride, Silverton, Placerville, Durango, Cortez, and other small towns.

The San Juan Mountain Skyway is truly beautiful, and you can enjoy incredible views of some of the tallest peaks in the state.

There are also stretches of this road that have wide open views that extend for miles in many directions. Hot springs, red rock canyons, and other landscapes also add to your amazing experience.

#2 — Poncha Spring Loop

Length of Route: 153 miles
Highlight: Rocky Mountain high country

The Poncha Spring Loop takes you on a scenic loop through the center of the state in some of the state’s most beautiful mountain terrain. The road has long, sweeping turns rather than sharp twists and turns.

With the smooth turns and the road’s good condition, the Poncha Spring Loop is ideal for motorcyclists who want to enjoy a relaxing pleasure ride.

This loop takes you through only a handful of small towns, so the options for stopping for a meal or gas are limited. If you are looking for a route where you can just cruise and enjoy immersing yourself in a scenic natural area, this is a great option to consider.

#3 — Highway 77 to Colorado’s Mini Devil’s Tower

Length of Route: 41 miles
Highlight: Tarryall Reservoir, beautiful rock formations

The Highway 77 to Colorado’s Mini Devil’s Tower route is a great excursion for motorcyclists who want to take a short jaunt through a stunningly beautiful landscape. This route begins in Jefferson and takes you on a southeastern route to Lake George.

You will pass by numerous geological rock formations as well as a large reservoir, but there are few places to stop and rest along the way.

The road condition is excellent for a portion of the route, but another stretch has numerous potholes that you will need to look out for. Because of the abundance of wildlife in the area, it is a good idea to travel at a slow, leisurely pace and to take in the views.

#4 — Pikes Peak Run

Length of Route: 24 miles
Highlight: The summit of Pike’s Peak

A motorcycle ride from Manitou Springs to the Pike’s Peak summit covers only 24 miles. However, because of the many twists and turns along this steep route, you will want to travel slowly and take your time ascending and descending the mountain.

The road is narrow and winding, and it can be thrilling for those who are looking for an adventure.

Elevation change on this route is dramatic, so you should plan for cold weather. Check the weather forecast for both the base of the mountain and the summit before depart on your road trip. Wildlife may also cross the road at times, so be vigilant.

#5 — Black Canyon National Park

Length of Route: 26 miles
Highlight: Black Canyon National Park, Gunnison River

This route begins in Montrose and takes you by the Gunnison River as you make your way into the Black Canyon National Park.

In the park, you will be surrounded by towering rock formations that are millions of years old, and you can admire a wide range of vegetation along this route as the elevation changes.

Inside the national park, you can stop and hike along various scenic trails. There are also restroom facilities and picnic tables that are ideal for those who packed a snack or lunch.

A large section of this road has a very steep grade and sharp turns, so follow excellent driving safety practices.

#6 — Route 3 to Marble Colorado

Length of Route: 6 miles
Highlight: McClure Pass, Crystal River

When you take Route 3 to the small town of Marble, you will cover a distance of only six miles. However, you will travel next to the beautiful Crystal River throughout most of the trip.

Because the area is somewhat remote and uninhabited, this is a peaceful drive through McClure Pass.

When you reach the end of the route in Marble, you can choose to hop off of your bike and take a five-mile hike to the old mining town of Crystal. This ghost town gives you a great way to see the history of Colorado up-close.

If you want to extend this ride further, consider driving down to Carbondale or Paonia.

#7 — Golden Gate Canyon Road

Length of Route: 18 miles
Highlight: Golden Gate Canyon, rock walls, great mountain views

Driving along the Golden Gate Canyon Road is a truly memorable experience because it takes you inside the Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The road is in good shape with great twists and turns in some sections, making it fun to drive.

The rock walls that are located along the side of some stretches adds to the experience while you make your way through the canyon.

The road also provides you with great views of several mountain peaks. The state park has several facilities and amenities that you can use as desired, including:

• Restrooms
• Hiking trails
• Picnic tables, etc.

#8 — Deer Creek Road – Pleasant Park to Conifer

Length of Route: 11 miles
Highlight: Rocky walls, valley and mountain views, horse properties

The Deer Creek Road route takes you on a short jaunt around Mount Sampson. The road is rather narrow and tight, and there is some gravel on the road in some areas that may be a hazard to motorcyclists.

One stretch of the road is so twisty that the speed limit is set at 10 miles per hour.

If you are looking for a route that allows you to cruise without stops, Deer Creek Road is the option to consider. There are minimal places to stop along the way, but you can find good and gas at the end of the route in Aspen Park or Conifer.

#9 — Taylor River Road 742

Length of Route: 25 miles
Highlight: Rock cliffs, Taylor River

The Taylor River Road takes you on a scenic path from Gunnison to the Taylor Reservoir. Because the route mostly runs along the Taylor River, this is a great route to take if you want to stop and fish along the way.

The road has numerous twists and curves, and it is well-maintained with smooth surfaces.

As you cruise along Taylor River Road, you can admire scenic views as well as many species of trees. Wildlife is common in the area, so be observant as you drive.

#10 — Highway 66/103 Evergreen Parkway to Mt. Evans Turn-Off

Length of Route: 18 miles
Highlight: Echo Lake Park, Mount Evans

For motorcyclists who want to take a scenic route between Idaho Springs and Evergreen, this Mt. Evans Turn-Off route is unbeatable. You will pass by numerous peaks along the way, including:

• Snyder Mountain
• Mount Judge
• Squaw Mountain
• Chief Mountain

The beginning and end of the route are in Elk Meadow Park and Echo Lake Park.

There are very few amenities and services available along the way, but there are a few scenic overlooks where you can stop and stretch your legs or take a few pictures.

Some stretches of the road are freshly paved, with mild curves and bends that make this path a pleasure to cruise on.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Trips

Motorcyclists are statistically involved in many collisions and accidents in Colorado each year, and you should take steps to plan ahead for safety before you venture out on a scenic tour throughout the state.

First, you should analyze your current car insurance coverage. Verify that it meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements, and consider the benefit of buying additional coverage.

Remember that the minimum amount of car insurance required by law does not offer benefits for your own vehicle repairs or medical expenses.

While you need your coverage updated now, keep in mind that coverage needs can change periodically. Rates charged by insurance providers can also change.

Smart drivers who are focused on getting the best coverage available at a great price will actively review at least three or four different policies every six months.

In addition to verifying that you have adequate coverage on a great motorcycle insurance policy, you also should follow a few safety tips. These practices may help you to reduce the change of being in an accident or minimize injuries if you are in an accident.

• Always wear a helmet, riding jacket, long pants, riding shoes, and gloves. These items provide protection if you are involved in an accident.
• Be observant of other motorists on the road, and ensure that they can see you at all times. Try to anticipate their actions so that you can drive defensively.
• Check the weather forecast before you head out on a motorcycle. Remember that elevation changes in Colorado can result in varied weather conditions across even a short route.
• Always drive the speed limit or at a slower pace that you feel comfortable driving. This will give you time to react to other drivers as well as to hazards, wildlife, and more that may be on the road.

If you’d like to safely venture into Colorado on your motorcycle, start comparison shopping today for better auto insurance before hitting the road! Enter your ZIP code below!