This Broomfield and Superior gravel route is really fun with a great mix of easy flat trails, some technical single track, a few punchy climbs and a screaming fast, straight downhill on the Coalton Trail near the end. As typical for this area, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Flatirons and foothills.
The first 14 miles of this ride are flat and fast and would be great for a beginner gravel rider. (If this is you, just make this ride an out and back for a total of 28 miles).
Miles 14-23 are more technical, challenging and advanced with some bigger rock gardens and slick rock- all fun and doable on a gravel bike, but it does require a little more confidence in bike handling skills. As road cyclists that converted to gravel biking, single track has always been a bit scary. After two years of experience, we can finally see why people consider it fun!
Our enjoyability of the Broomfield and Superior gravel ride was very high, however there are a few things to note:
We did this ride on Christmas Eve, a week or so after the last snow, and there were a few places with ice but overall, we were impressed by how dry the trails were.
We had to get off the bike and walk a few stairs and unbikeable steep areas in Marshall Mesa, but it was not more than a few feet each time.
Getting back to the start of the ride required going though a busy intersection on the road with car traffic. After being on trails for most of the ride, you’ll have to adjust and be particularly alert.
Do this ride if you want a fun mix of gravel trails and technical single track that are located between Denver and Boulder.
There are some pubic bathrooms in the Marshall Mesa Park.
Remember when you are on single track trails that the up hill riders have the right of way, so pull over and yield if you are biking downhill (as well as to all horses and pedestrians)!
Single track trails sometimes close when they get muddy or for trail maintenance. You can check for current trail closures here.
We wouldn’t recommend this right after a snow due to ice and mud.
Single track trails are best enjoyed when they are not crowded, so we’d recommend doing this ride on week days or other times when trails use is less heavy.
We parked at the Open Space Trailhead (which is just off interstate 36 and Flatiron Crossing Drive) where the Rock Creek Trail begins. There are no bathroom and parking is minimal.
Laura & Rose
Laura Karpinski and Rose Barcklow are the creators of Gravel Bike Adventures. Click on the About page to learn more about them.
