Boulder Canyon to Nederland
Classic out-and-back on CO-119 following Boulder Creek through the canyon. 17 miles one way from Boulder (~5,430 ft) to Nederland (~8,230 ft), gaining roughly 2,800 ft. Pass Boulder Falls (40.0045/-105.4054 — 70-ft waterfall, pull-off on the right) at the halfway mark and the sheer granite walls popular with rock climbers. Watch for Chinook winds in the canyon — warm dry gusts off the Front Range that can push you sideways. Final push past Barker Reservoir Dam into Nederland. Coffee at Salto Coffee Works (112 E 2nd St) before the fast descent — watch for gravel on tight corners, speeds can hit 40+ mph. Ride early to beat traffic; narrow shoulders and broken concrete in spots.
Distance
54.7 km
Elevation Gain
853 m
Elevation Loss
853 m
Est. Time
3h 2min
Elevation Profile
Photos
Strava Segments (1)
Boulder Canyon (Boulder Falls to Barker)
16.00 km • 3.2% avg
511m
climb
Boulder Canyon to Nederland
Boulder Velo Club
Distance
54.7 km
Elevation Gain
853 m
Est. Time
3h 2min
Grade
1.6%
Classic out-and-back on CO-119 following Boulder Creek through the canyon. 17 miles one way from Boulder (~5,430 ft) to Nederland (~8,230 ft), gaining roughly 2,800 ft. Pass Boulder Falls (40.0045/-105.4054 — 70-ft waterfall, pull-off on the right) at the halfway mark and the sheer granite walls popular with rock climbers. Watch for Chinook winds in the canyon — warm dry gusts off the Front Range that can push you sideways. Final push past Barker Reservoir Dam into Nederland. Coffee at Salto Coffee Works (112 E 2nd St) before the fast descent — watch for gravel on tight corners, speeds can hit 40+ mph. Ride early to beat traffic; narrow shoulders and broken concrete in spots.