Gravel Biking

Positioned at a nexus of over a dozen gravel Forest Service roads that lead to jaw-dropping views of the Holy Cross & Maroon Bells Wildernesses, Beyul is a sweet spot for gravel biking aficionados. You can depart from all of these right from Beyul with minimal road riding, and the out-and-back routes provide options for both an epic grind or leisurely day tours.

BYO Bike. Flying in? Stop on your way into Beyul at Basalt Bike & Ski for rental options - once you get here it’s a long drive back to town.

Arriving By Bike? Coming in car-free for your overnight stay from Eagle, Aspen, Leadville, or elsewhere on your bike, with all your gear on your bike? Let us know for a 15% crusher discount.

Gravel Biking Routes

Frying Pan Road In Both Directions

Eagle-Thomasville Road

44 miles round trip out and back
2000’ of Climbing

View on Google Maps

This well-maintained gravel road leads from Beyul up through a huge swath of mountain wilderness over to the Eagle/Vail area. It takes you through rolling alpine meadows with unbelievably spectacular views of the Holy Cross Wilderness, and past Lime Park, a beautiful canyon that is a rock climbing destination. There is no need to bike the whole 44 miles unless you want to go Eagle — the high point is about ___ miles in.

From Beyul: 1 mile back down the paved Frying Pan Road and then take a right to begin your glorious journey up the Eagle-Thomasville route.

How to get there from Beyul: From Beyul, Lime Park is 35-minute drive on a well-graded but unpaved forest road (AWD/4WD vehicle is necessary) called the Eagle-Thomasville road. The views along the way and at the destination are stunning.

Hagerman Routes

Route 1: Wildcat Mountain Loop

Miles: 40
Elevation Gain: 3,700ft

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7606111905

(GPX file )

Description: This ride starts from Beyul, but turns off on to gravel road within the first half mile and passes Elk Wallow Campground. The road is very well maintained until you pass a series of water diversions, after which the road becomes a little rougher but is still very readable on a gravel bike. After a series of switchbacks you'll reach the top of a small pass with power lines overhead. Note that the following descent can be washed out and generally has some large "babyheads" or rocks that can put you down if you get going too fast. After descending through an open field under power lines, you will take a right on an old railroad grade that will bring you back to payment and eventually Beyul. This railroad descent is the same previous route climbed and these two loops can be combined.

Route 3: Crooked Creek Figure 8

Miles: 58
Elevation Gain: 7,627ft

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7612217532

GPX file

Route 3: This route heads north towards the Eagle/Vail area instead of east in high rockies like the previous two routes. These lower elevation roads are considerably more smooth and perfect for a dropbar gravel bike with anything over 35mm tires. There is a considerable amount of elevation gain on the ride but all the climbs are at a reasonable grade. I would recommend doing both loops counterclockwise. If you wanted to shorten the loops you can drive up and skip the first loop. This is a beautiful Colorado gravel ride with no single track and not more than a mile of pavement involved.

How to get there from Beyul: From Beyul, head about 20m back down the road. Just past the dam at the end of Ruedi Reservoir, there is a shady pullout on the road. Park here and then walk a bit further down the road towards Basalt for a hundred feet or so, until you see a rough trail heading up the steep hillside towards a broken cliff band. The trail traverse the bases of this cliff from left to right before continuing up the hillside to the Skillet. Expect 20 to 25 minutes on the steep uphill hike.