Take a Summertime Bike Tour Through North Park

North Park may be known as an ideal destination for anglers, hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreation. What you might not know about is the growing popularity of North Park as a beautiful place for road biking. Its remote location, scenic views, and country roads has been calling bicyclists to the area for decades. While the rest of Colorado is becoming increasingly more busy and commercialized, Jackson County is holding its ground as a destination for serious bikers on long-haul trips.

A Grand Tour for Bicyclists Off the Beaten Path

Every summer hundreds of bicyclists pass through Walden, CO. Whether on a cross-country bike tour or just to sample the scenic mountain views and cool summer weather, North Park has become a great location to experience Colorado on a road bike. One of the reasons for this is our prime location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 

Colorado highway 125 runs north/south, and crosses the Continental divide at Willow Creek Pass towards Granby, and Hwy 14 being the western end of the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway and continuing onward over Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass towards Steamboat, there’s no shortage of scenic vistas and incredible sights to help pass the miles. Cameron Pass marks the border going into Larimer County and the beginnings of the next 70 miles of Poudre Canyon.

Our highways are easy going compared to other passes and byways in Colorado and much of that has to do with having a lot less traffic. With a population of under 1,500, traffic congestion is almost non-existent in Jackson County. Walden sits at the hub of all main roads in North Park in a basin of rolling hills and river valleys. With around 25 miles in nearly every direction to the next mountain pass, many riders find the roads easy going until elevation climbs begin. Rolling into North Park is a downhill coast until the plains, and getting out is somewhat manageable, even carrying gear.

Wildlife and Beautiful Sights to See

Along the way, you are almost guaranteed to see wildlife. From herds of mule and whitetail deer to elk and moose, North Park has lots of room to roam for big game animals. Songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl have been a draw to the region for generations, either for hunters or birdwatchers. As you slowly make your way through the North Park valley, wildlife are often up close and personal. 

Surrounded on all sides by alpine forests and mountain ranges brings you the sights and sounds of the Rocky Mountains, without the crowds and congestion of many other mountain destinations. Not only will you be able to enjoy the mountain scenery, but you can enjoy the cooler temperatures that North Park has to offer while the Front Range is hitting triple digits.

A Friendly Place to Stop On the Road

Though North Park has many locations for bicyclists to stop and camp for the night, Walden might be the most recognizable. With being at the center of North Park, it also makes a good halfway point and a nice place to rest after a day of climbing and coasting mountain passes on the way in. Walden has hotels, vacation rentals, and laundry facilities as well as a public pool with showers. Several restaurants in town are here to accommodate travelers and the Stockman Bar and Grill is a hometown watering hole with historical character and local flavor. 

Many bike riders camp overnight in Hanson Park, which is located between 3rd and 4th Street on the east side of Walden. Hanson Park is tent friendly with covered picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a sand volleyball court. Depending on the time of year you are passing through you might not have to share the park with visiting moose (they usually browse the park in April and May). Potable water can be found at the RV station on the corner of Washington Street and 3rd Street near the baseball fields.

Downtown Walden has various shops to visit, a Post Office, and businesses to stock up on groceries and snacks. You’ll also find Timberline Hardware Supply, Super’s, and Jack’s Auto Parts handy if you need to make repairs on your bike. Check out the Business Directory link for website info and store hours.

Well Worth the Visit

An online search will reveal just how many cross-country bike riders have visited Walden on their way through North Park. Not only do solo cross country bicyclists and small groups of riders love the friendly vibe and welcoming locals, but several bicycle tours have added North Park to their itinerary for entire legs of their trips.

Most recently, the Tour du Wyoming stopped in Walden, with riders camping out in Hanson Park, as well as the grounds of the High School. Other tours that have passed through North Park are the TransAm, Tour of Colorado, Northern Colorado Bike Tour, and the off-road Ramble Ride.

Mountain Biking

A whole other category of bike riding in North Park to explore, just about every trail open to hiking also has the potential of delivering some incredible single track mountain bike riding. Check apps and websites such as MTB.com for popular trails in North Park. Recommendations you can check into to begin your search are the Grizzly Helena Trail near Big Creek Lakes, the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, Rainbow Lakes Trail, and the Colorado State Forest State Park. The Ramble Ride takes mountain bike riders on tour through rugged country for an unforgettable trek.

With Two large national forests in North Park, coveted areas such as Buffalo Pass, and trail systems adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find some of the most remote and pristine back roads in Colorado, without the crowds! If riding in the high desert is your thing, North Park has thousands of acres of BLM land, all rattlesnake free! Check with the National Forest Headquarters in Walden or visit NationalForest.gov for more information and maps to some of the best mountain bike trails in Colorado.

Staying Safe on the Road

Riders interested in traveling through North Park need to know some specific details of the trip to stay safe. Before you make plans to visit North Park on a road bike, here’s what you need to know.

• Narrow Roads: North Park’s highways and back roads are often narrow with soft gravel shoulders, which don’t leave a lot of room to share the road with motor vehicles.
• Road Conditions: Many rural Colorado roads are in poor condition, due to infrequency of maintenance and rough travel by trucks and heavy equipment. Winter frost action also creates potholes and can play havoc with expansion gaps on the highway.
• Traffic: Trucks, farm equipment, and cars traveling at highway speeds are going to be the biggest hazard on the roads. Luckily North Park traffic is a lot less severe than other Colorado destinations. Flashing LED lights, high-viz clothing, and staying as far to the shoulder as possible should keep you safe, even on blind corners.
• Weather: The weather in North Park is somewhat unpredictable, even during the summertime! Be prepared for high winds, temperature fluctuations, and four season weather changes. Yes, it has been known to snow here even in July!
• Bugs!: The early summer months are peak season for mosquitos, horseflies, and deer flies. Be sure to carry bug spray or wear protective clothing to protect yourself from insect bites.
• Sun’s Out: At higher altitudes, the thin atmosphere provides less protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Be sure to protect your skin from sunburn by reapplying a high SPF sunscreen and be sure to wear protective sunglasses and clothing. At altitude second degree sunburns are not unheard of and may cause premature aging and permanent damage to your skin!
• Wind and Hills: The biggest challenges of your ride are going to be the rolling hills as well as strong winds that often blow in from the Park Range to the west. Be sure to pace yourself and take breaks as needed to avoid injuries and exhaustion. With views like this, it’s more about the journey than the destination. Take your time!
• Distance between services: You’ll find long stretches of remote highway between even the small towns and hamlets of North Park. Be ready to travel long distances and carry what you might need in an emergency. Cellular service is also non-existent in some areas, especially the mountains.
• Dehydration: At high altitude in a high desert climate you might find yourself experiencing dehydration much quicker than usual. Be sure to carry lots of water and eat salty snacks to replenish electrolytes during your trek.

North Park is a Summertime Haven for Bike Riders

Whether it’s a cross-country trek, bike Tour, or just setting out for a weekend of riding some of the most beautiful territory in the state, North Park has something to offer bicyclists at just about every level. Next time you load up your road bike or mountain bike, keep North Park in mind for an unforgettable journey. Stop by to take a rest in Walden, Gould, or other sleepy towns in North Park for a much needed break. We’ll see you in the summertime!