Great San Dunes NP

E-Bike Road Trips: Epic Routes Across Colorado

04/21/2025 | Colorado ebike Shop | ,

Alright, let’s hit the road on an e-bike and soak up Colorado’s wild beauty! E-bike road trips are the ultimate way to explore, letting you cover big distances, haul gear, and still have energy to kick back with a sunset view. With pedal-assist power, you can cruise through mountains, valleys, and quirky towns without needing a car. Colorado’s got endless routes, from chill urban paths to rugged backcountry, and I’ve got three multi-day adventures mapped out below, including a brand-new epic from Leadville to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Each trip includes charging and lodging logistics, so you’re set to roll. Grab your e-bike, and let’s dive in!

Why E-Bike Road Trips Rock

E-bikes are your ticket to freedom on two wheels. They let you tackle 40-60 miles a day, carry panniers full of gear, and climb Colorado’s gnarly hills without gasping for air. Whether you’re vibing on paved paths or gravel roads, planning for battery range, charging stops, and cozy lodging is key. These routes balance adventure with practicality, so you can focus on the views and maybe craft beer or two.

Gear and Prep Tips

Here’s the quick rundown on what you need:

  • E-Bike: Go for a model with 50+ miles of range, like the Mokwhell Asphalt ST for road/gravel or Aventon Aventure for mixed terrain. Fat tires are clutch for sandy or loose paths.
  • Panniers: Waterproof panniers (Ortlieb Back-Roller) or bikepacking bags for clothes and snacks. Keep it under 30 liters to stay nimble.
  • Charging: Bring a charger and scope out outlets at cafes or lodging. A spare battery or portable solar panel (Goal Zero) saves you in remote spots.
  • Repair Kit: Multi-tool, tire levers, patch kit, and mini pump for trail fixes.
  • Navigation: Offline maps on Gaia GPS or Ride with GPS, plus a handlebar phone mount.
  • Extras: Rain gear, water filter, power bank, and layers for Colorado’s wild weather swings.

Pro tip: Do a test ride with your loaded bike to nail weight balance. Charge fully each night, and plan stops to keep your battery happy.

Route 1: The Front Range Rambler (Boulder to Fort Collins)

Distance: 110 miles over 3 days
Vibe: Urban trails, foothill views, and craft beer pit stops.
Why It’s Rad: This beginner-friendly route hugs the Front Range with paved paths and quiet roads, perfect for e-bikers wanting easy charging and lodging.

Day 1: Boulder to Loveland (40 miles)

  • Route: Kick off at Boulder’s Valmont Bike Park, hop on the paved LoBo Trail to Longmont, then cruise county roads like CR-1 to Loveland. Gentle climbs, open views.
  • Charging: Plug in at Longmont’s The Java Stop over coffee.
  • Lodging: Best Western Plus Loveland Inn ($100-150/night) or Boyd Lake State Park campground ($28/night).
  • Dinner: Verboten Brewing for burgers and brews.

Day 2: Loveland to Fort Collins (20 miles)

  • Route: Ride the flat, paved Poudre River Trail to Fort Collins. Chill vibes with time to check out Horsetooth Reservoir.
  • Charging: FoCo Cafe in Fort Collins (pay-what-you-can, outlets galore).
  • Lodging: The Elizabeth Hotel ($150-200/night) or Poudre Canyon Campground ($20/night).
  • Dinner: The Mayor of Old Town for epic beers and pub grub.

Day 3: Fort Collins Loop or Return (50 miles or backtrack)

  • Route: Loop via Power Trail and county roads or backtrack on Poudre/LoBo trails.
  • Charging: Bean Cycle Roasters (Fort Collins) or Ozo Coffee (Boulder).
  • Heads-Up: Book Fort Collins lodging early for CSU weekends.

Regulations: Class 1 & 2 e-bikes (pedal-assist, max 28 mph) are cool on these trails. Check Boulder County rules.

Route 2: The San Juan Skyway Spin (Durango to Telluride)

Distance: 150 miles over 4 days
Vibe: Alpine passes, hot springs, and rugged mountain magic.
Why It’s Rad: This is Colorado’s iconic high-country route, with e-bikes making the climbs doable and the views unforgettable.

Day 1: Durango to Silverton (50 miles)

  • Route: Roll north on US-550 (Million Dollar Highway) to Silverton. Steep climbs to Molas Pass, but your e-bike’s got this.
  • Charging: Mancos Coffee or Silverton’s Coffee Bear.
  • Lodging: Triangle Motel ($80-120/night) or South Mineral Creek dispersed camping (free).
  • Dinner: Handlebars Food & Saloon for tacos and tunes.

Day 2: Silverton to Ouray (25 miles)

  • Route: US-550 over Red Mountain Pass to Ouray. Short but intense, with hot springs waiting.
  • Charging: Ouray Brewery (rooftop vibes).
  • Lodging: Ouray Hot Springs Inn ($120-180/night) or Amphitheater Campground ($24/night).
  • Dinner: Maggie’s Kitchen for killer burgers.

Day 3: Ouray to Telluride (50 miles)

  • Route: CO-62 from Ridgway to Placerville, then CO-145 to Telluride. Rolling hills, San Juan stunners.
  • Charging: True Grit Cafe (Ridgway) or Brown Dog Pizza (Telluride).
  • Lodging: Victorian Inn ($150-250/night) or Telluride Town Park Campground ($30/night).
  • Dinner: Smuggler’s Brewpub for elk burgers.

Day 4: Telluride Loop or Return (25-50 miles)

  • Route: Cruise Valley Floor Trail or backtrack to Ouray. Shuttle to Durango if you’re done climbing.
  • Charging: Telluride Coffee Roasting Co.
  • Heads-Up: Book Telluride lodging early for festivals.

Regulations: Class 1& 2 e-bikes on US-550 and Valley Floor. Check San Juan National Forest rules.

Route 3: The Skyline to Sandstorm Sprint

Distance: 160 miles over 4 days
Vibe: High-alpine start, vast valleys, and surreal sand dunes for the grand finale.
Why It’s Rad: This route takes you from Leadville’s historic mining town at 10,000 feet through the wide-open San Luis Valley to the mind-blowing Great Sand Dunes. It’s a mix of paved roads, some gravel, and epic scenery, with e-bikes handling the elevation and distance like champs.

Day 1: Leadville to Salida (60 miles)

  • Route: Start in Leadville’s historic downtown and head south on US-24 through the Arkansas River Valley. It’s mostly paved with a gradual descent to Buena Vista, then continue on US-285 to Salida. Expect sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks and a few moderate climbs your e-bike will crush.
  • Charging: Stop at Buena Vista’s The Blend Coffee Shop (mile 30) for a charge and a latte. Salida’s Amicas Pizza & Microbrewery has outlets.
  • Lodging: Salida’s Palace Hotel ($100-160/night, bike-friendly) or Monarch Campground ($22/night, 15 miles west).
  • Dinner: Amicas for wood-fired pizza and local brews.
  • Heads-Up: US-24 has a decent shoulder but watch for traffic. Stay hydrated—high altitude hits hard.

Day 2: Salida to Moffat (45 miles)

  • Route: Roll south on US-285 through the San Luis Valley. It’s a flat-to-rolling ride on paved roads with big-sky views and quirky roadside stops (like UFO Watchtower near Hooper). Moffat’s a tiny dot, but it’s a perfect midway point.
  • Charging: Limited options, so top off at Salida’s Moonlight Pizza before leaving. Moffat’s Mirage Trading Co. gas station may let you plug in if you ask.
  • Lodging: Moffat’s Valley View RV Park ($30-40/night, tent sites and outlets) or dispersed camping on nearby BLM land (free, check regulations).
  • Dinner: Pack a camp meal or grab snacks at Mirage Trading Co.—Moffat’s dining is slim.
  • Heads-Up: Long, open stretches mean wind and sun. Bring extra water and sunscreen.

Day 3: Moffat to Great Sand Dunes National Park (35 miles)

  • Route: Continue south on CO-17, a quiet paved road, to Mosca, then east on Sixmile Lane to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Flat terrain makes this a chill day, with the dunes looming larger as you approach. Optional: detour to Zapata Falls (5-mile gravel side trip) for a quick hike.
  • Charging: Mosca’s Country Store has basic snacks and may allow charging. The park’s visitor center has outlets if you’re polite.
  • Lodging: Piñon Flats Campground ($20-30/night, reservable) or backcountry sites along Medano Pass (free, permit required).
  • Dinner: Camp cooking or snacks from Mosca. Bring s’mores for dune-side vibes.
  • Heads-Up: Sand on park roads can be tricky—fat tires help. Bring a lock for your e-bike at camp.

Day 4: Explore the Dunes or Return (20-50 miles)

  • Route: Spend the morning riding the Medano Pass Primitive Road (10-20 miles round-trip, gravel/sand) for a dune-adjacent adventure. Your e-bike’s power helps with soft spots. Return via CO-17/US-285 or arrange a shuttle to Leadville for a one-way trip.
  • Charging: Visitor center or Piñon Flats (if you’ve got a powered site).
  • Heads-Up: Book Piñon Flats early for summer. Shuttle services like Arrow Stage Lines run from Alamosa to Salida—call ahead.

Regulations: Class 1 &2 e-bikes are allowed on US-285, CO-17, and park roads (not trails). Check NPS rules for Great Sand Dunes. Dispersed camping requires BLM permits in some areas.

Final Thoughts

Colorado’s e-bike road trips are all about chasing epic views and good vibes. The Front Range Rambler keeps it chill with urban perks, the San Juan Skyway delivers high-alpine thrills, and the Leadville-to-Great Sand Dunes route mixes rugged history with surreal landscapes. Plan your charging, pack smart, and soak in the journey, whether it’s craft brews in Fort Collins or starry nights by the dunes. Got a dream route or need more logistics help? Drop us a comment on your thoughts.

 

Keep the adventure rolling!