Gravel Epic - 53.1 or 60.4 Miles
Gravel Epic Ride Overview
Choose your adventure:Ìý 53.1 or 60.4 miles
Start time: Ìý7:00 a.m.
Start location: Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØcampus 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 gravel section of Magnolia (miles 11-18) is in excellent condition. The first aid station is near mile 20 in Nederland at Tin Shed Sports.Ìý
- 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 — excellent condition
- 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 where 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 descends to Sunset (miles 30-35) and then climbs (miles 35-44) to the second aid station at where the Switzerland Trail meets Gold Hill Road. Switzerland Trail includes some technical rocky sections, so we suggest a minimum of a 40c tire.Ìý
- Distance: 60.4 miles (34.9 miles gravel)
- Elevation Gain: 6,983 ft
- Tire Recommendation: Minimum 40c
- Highlights:
- Scenic ride along Peak to Peak Highway
- Rugged, technical terrain on Switzerland Trail
- Descent: Sunset (miles 30–35)
- Climb: Miles 35–44 to Aid Station #2 (Switzerland Trail & Gold Hill Rd)
Gold Hill Road Option
The Gold Hill Road route continues further up the Peak to Peak highway to Gold Hill Road (gravel). ÌýThere is a second aid station at where the Switzerland Trail meets Gold Hill Road, then you will continue on with a steady climb up to the town of Gold Hill on a blend of gravel and pavement, giving you a smooth, scenic ascent with just as much elevation and adventure.Ìý
- Distance: 53.1 miles (25 miles gravel)
- Elevation Gain: 6,583 ft
- Highlights:
- Continues on Peak to Peak Highway
- Gravel climb up Gold Hill Road
- Aid Station #2: (Switzerland Trail & Gold Hill Rd)
- Smooth mix of gravel and pavement to 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder campus.Ìý
— 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
Register to Ride
Registration for the 2025 Elevations Credit Union Buffalo Bicycle Classic is now open.