Gravel Epic - 53.1 or 59.2 Miles
Gravel Epic Ride Overview
Choose your adventure: 53.1 or 59.2 miles
Start time: 7:00 a.m.
Start location: CU Boulder Campus, Benson Field
Fun Fact: Boulder Canyon is closed to westbound vehicle traffic only once a year—for this event!
Closure Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sept 7
Route Summary:
Buffalo Bicycle Classic's Gravel Epic gives you two awesome ways to ride! Both route options begin at the CU campus at 7am with a peloton lead out down Folsom to Arapahoe to 6th Street to Canyon Blvd. The Boulder Canyon section is be closed to uphill vehicle traffic until you turn left turn onto Magnolia Road near mile 6. The beginning of Magnolia Rd. is very steep, averaging over 9% for the first few miles, with some sections nearing 20%. Your bicycle will need good climbing gears. The first aid station is near mile 20 in Nederland at Tin Shed Sports.
- Route: Folsom → Arapahoe → 6th Street → Canyon Blvd
- Boulder Canyon: Closed to uphill traffic until Magnolia Road (mile 6)
- Magnolia Road: Steep climb (avg. 9%, up to 20%) — bring climbing gears!
- Gravel Section: Miles 11–18 — Magnolia Road
- Aid Station #1: Tin Shed Sports, Nederland (mile 20)
Choose Your Route
Switzerland Trail Option
The Switzerland Trail route takes you up through Nederland and along the Peak to Peak highway to Sugarloaf Road (Miles 27-34). At Mile 34 you will reach the historic Switzerland trail, with a mix of rugged and scenic terrain that’s perfect for riders who love variety. Switzerland Trail continues (Miles 34-43) to the second aid station at where the Switzerland Trail meets Gold Hill Road (Mile 43). Switzerland Trail includes some technical rocky sections, so we suggest a minimum of a 40c tire.
- Distance: 59.2 miles (33.8 miles gravel)
- Elevation Gain: 7,146 ft
- Tire Recommendation: Minimum 40c
- Highlights:
- Scenic ride along Peak to Peak Highway
- Buff gravel along Sugarloaf Road
- Rugged, technical terrain on Switzerland Trail
- Aid Station #2 at Mile 43 (Switzerland Trail & Gold Hill Rd)
- Gravel to the town of Gold Hill
Gold Hill Road Option
The Gold Hill Road route continues further up the Peak to Peak highway to Gold Hill Road (gravel). There is a second aid station at where the Switzerland Trail meets Gold Hill Road, then you will continue on to the town of Gold Hill on gravel.
- Distance: 53.1 miles (25 miles gravel)
- Elevation Gain: 6,583 ft
- Highlights:
- Scenic ride along Peak to Peak Highway
- Buff gravel along Gold Hill Road
- Aid Station #2 at Mile 43 (Switzerland Trail & Gold Hill Rd)
- Gravel to the town of Gold Hill
Final Descent (both routes)
Both routes finish with the same thrilling descent back into Boulder. From Gold Hill, you'll take Gold Hill Road toward the town of Salina, then down Four Mile Canyon, up Poorman Road, and down Sunshine Canyon. Once back in Boulder, riders return to campus via 4th Street, Pearl Street, 6th Street, Arapahoe Avenue to Folsom Ave. and back to Benson Field on the CU Boulder campus.
— no matter which route option you pick, it's going to be EPIC!
Route Maps and Downloads
Switzerland Trail Route Option
Gold Hill Road Route Option
