The Copper Triangle 

Also known as the Leadville Loop can be ridden as soon as the roads are free from snow, typically by the end of May.  Always be prepared for colder temps on top of the passes and keep in mind that you will feel the elevation in your lungs and legs – especially as you top out at over 11 THOUSAND FEET on Fremont Pass!

 

This loop is a spectacular 80 ish miler cresting three iconic Colorado mountain passes – Fremont (11,318), Tennessee (10,424) and Vail Pass (10,666).  The traditional starting point of the ride is at Copper Mountain but our route begins at the USFS station in Minturn.  The loop passes by three famous ski areas and the National Historical Site of Camp Hale where the famous 10th Mountain Division trained to fight in WWII.

 

The total elevation gain is nearly 6,000 feet so be ready to climb.

 

The ride can be done on your own or there is a supported ride the first weekend of August to raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation.  The Foundation’s mission is to help people living with Parkinson’s live well and it is a truly worthwhile cause.

 

Do keep in mind that this route has almost no shoulder and as of 2024 the road is getting rough in several sections.  So while this is a locals’ favorite we do only recommend it for roadies with experience on narrow roads.