mcallaghan

Trying to debate between two different routes around Colorado.

This is the big route: 600 - A bike ride in Aspen, CO

The shorter option would be, following that route counter-clockwise, at mile 254 I could hook a left hand turn and go over Independence Pass making it somewhere around 300 miles. Or I continue with the last 350 miles.

If I do the big loop, I am not quite sure which way I should go - clockwise or counterclockwise. It seems like the benefit of going clockwise is the smaller mountains first, but the downside seems to be longer overall climbs on them.

Thoughts/Opinions/Suggestions?

*Note: Would be doing this on a Surly Disc Trucker with camping gear + stove.

pdlamb

Is there a medium distance option if you start our clockwise, and then head over Independence Pass from Leadville/Granite?

mje

I suggest counter-clockwise because it's preferable to ascend Cottonwood pass on the dirt side instead of descending. I don't have first hand experience with your route from Walden to Steamboat, but based on other NF roads over mountains, I expect it would be challenging road conditions for your equipment, and would make the Cottonwood pass road look like child's play.