Golden, CO
Golden Colorado Scenic Byways ADV Motorcycle Tour
A 3-Day Hub-and-Spoke ADV Motorcycle Tour Staged from Golden, CO in the Colorado Front Range.
Tour Summary
Ride the Best of the Front-Range in 3 Days
Stage from Golden and experience Colorado’s most breathtaking Front Range riding—all without hauling heavy luggage or packing up camp every morning. This exciting multi-day hub-and-spoke tour weaves together iconic Scenic Byways and world-class routes: the thrilling switchbacks of the Lariat Loop, the sweeping vistas of the Peak to Peak Highway, the legendary summit climb up Mount Blue Sky, and a run down to Deckers—a famous local moto culture hub.
Along the way, you’ll ride through historic mining districts and regional landmarks like Red Rocks Amphitheater and Buffalo Bill’s Grave. Best of all, you’ll ride light each day without heavy bags, returning every afternoon to boutique 4-star accommodations situated along the route.
- Ride up the highest paved road in the states
- Explore iconic Scenic Byways and local dirt/gravel connector routes
- Unpack once and ride light each day—no hauling luggage
- Get curated GPX tracks with optional advisory support and tour guides
Tour Packages & Pricing
Choose a tour format that best suites your travel expectations.
GPX Route Only ($175)
Ride on your terms. Get direct access to the complete GPX track files for self-guided navigation. Includes core route tracks only; route customizations, waypoint overlays, and consultation services are not included. Buy now for instant delivery.
Self-Guided Tour + Advisory ($425)
Guided Tour Experience (~$2,595 per rider)
Book a guided tour experience including professional tour guide(s), rental bike staging, welcome dinner, trailside lunch, and a 30-minute tour director consultation to customize your tour. Guided tours require 2–6 riders. Dates are by request and depend on guide, rental bike, and lodging availability.
Have a question?
Text (720) 721-7433 to chat with a tour director.
Tour Details
Unpack Once and Enjoy The Ride
- Duration: 3 Days (hub-and-spoke from Golden, CO)
- Start/Finish: Golden, CO (start and finish in the same location)
- Daily departure: 9:00 AM
- Distance: ~367 Miles Total
- Terrain: ~80% Paved / ~20% Dirt/Gravel
- Rider level: Intermediate ADV Riders
- Elevation: ~5,675 ft to ~14,130 ft
- Recommended fuel range: ~90 Miles
- Recommended Bike Setup: ADV Bike with 50/50 Tires and Fuel Injection
The Most Scenic Motorcycle Tour in the Front-Range
Immerse yourself in rich Colorado history as you ride through historic gold rush towns, follow legendary scenic byways, and stop for sweeping mountain vistas.
Golden, Colorado
Red Rocks Amphitheater
The Buffalo Bill Museum
Mt. Blue Sky
Peak to Peak
The Lariat Loop
Golden Gate Canyon
South Platte River
Curated GPX Track. Zero Hassle.
This 3-day ride through the Colorado Front-Range highlights the perfect balance of serpentine backcountry roads, high-alpine routes, iconic points-of-interest, and scenic backcountry connectors. To ensure a seamless navigation experience, every rider receives our turn-by-turn, high-accuracy GPX route files—fully optimized for mobile navigation apps, dedicated GPS units, and offline backcountry use. Our field-tested motorcycle tour tracks eliminate guesswork so you can focus entirely on the ride.
3 Days of Epic Riding
This 3 day tour was designed to deliver maximum enjoyment with zero wasted miles. Check out the daily mileage, terrain mix, and key highlights for your 3-day journey.
Day 1: Mount Blue Sky and The Lariat Loop
Kick off the ride with the historic Lariat Loop Scenic Byway and a short visit to Red Rocks Amphitheater, then navigate west to Mount Blue Sky summit. Descend back to Evergreen and tackle the hairpins of Lookout Mountain and visit The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave with views of the Denver skyline, sweep down through Golden, and return to the staging area
- Distance: ~120 Miles
- Terrain: ~95% Paved / ~5% Dirt
- Fuel Range: ~70 miles range is required between Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Top off before heading up to Mount Blue Sky.
- Access: Mount Blue Sky requires a reservation. We recommend making a reservation between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM to allow enough time for fuel and rest stops in the morning. Expect a 90-120 minute ride from Golden. Adjust your start time to accommodate your riding style and schedule.
- Highlights: Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Lariat Loop, Mt Blue Sky, Lookout Mountain Road, and The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Day 2: The Peak to Peak Highway & Gold Rush Corridor
Ride north from Golden through high-elevation canyon switchbacks, flowing dirt backroads, and sweeping views of the Continental Divide. You’ll explore the heart of the front-range and trace iconic stretches of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, connecting historic gold-rush corridors and artisan mountain towns before looping back down to Golden.
- Distance: ~132 Miles
- Terrain: ~70% Paved / ~30% Dirt
- Fuel Range: ~50 miles range is required between fuel stops.
- Access: Riding through and stopping in Golden Gate Canyon State Park requires a daily vehicle pass ($15 per day for cars with out-of-state license plates).
- Highlights: Golden Gate Canyon, Boulder, Gold Hill, The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Central City
Day 3: South Platte River and Pike National Forest
Wrap up the tour with a beautiful ride down South Platte River through the heart of Pike National Forest to Deckers and back to Golden on serpentine mountain backroads.
- Distance: ~115 Miles
- Terrain: 90% Paved / 10% Dirt
- Fuel: ~80 mile fuel range is required between Golden and Pine Junction area
- Highlights: Morrison, South Platte River, Deckers, Serpentine Mountain Backroads Roads
Riding Responsibly. Protecting the Trails.
SolidRide is built on a commitment to provide sustainable motorcycle experiences. We work directly with public lands offices and strictly follow Leave No Trace principles on every tour. As a Care for Colorado partner, we ensure our tour experiences respect wildlife, local mountain communities, and delicate ecosystems—so you can enjoy the Colorado backcountry with total confidence and peace of mind.
Public Lands Permitting
Care for Colorado Partner
Leave No Trace
Professional & Experienced
Tour Inclusions and Comparisons
Not sure where to start? Compare tour packages and formats.
| Included Feature | GPX File Only | Self-Guided Tour & Advisory | Guided Tour Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPX Route Files | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tour Roadbook | No | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Advisor Planning / Tour Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Preferred Lodging Rate (Booking Code) * | No | Yes | Yes |
| Breakfast | No | Yes (provided by hotel) | Yes (provided by hotel) |
| Lunch | No | No | Yes |
| Welcome Dinner | No | No | Yes |
| Professional Tour Guide | No | No | Yes |
| Support Vehicle / Luggage Transfer | No | No | No (not required) |
| Rider Gift | No | No | Yes |
*Lodging is not included in any package. Self-Guided Tour & Advisory and Guided Tour Experience include access to a preferred lodging rate via a private booking link/code (subject to availability).
As Seen In
SolidRide is a Colorado-based tour operator focused on responsible travel and local partnerships. You can find us featured and listed through local Colorado tourism channels and media.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a timed-entry reservation to ride Mount Blue Sky?
Yes. The US Forest Service requires timed-entry vehicle permits for the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway during peak season. Both our Self-Guided GPX Package and Signature Guided Experience include full reservation coordination and timed-entry booking assistance so you don’t get turned away at the gate.
2. Is this route suitable for two-up (passenger) riding or large touring bikes?
3. What happens if bad weather closes Guanella Pass or Mount Blue Sky?
4. Where does the Golden Colorado Scenic Byways tour start and end?
5. What mountain passes and scenic routes are included on this Front Range ADV tour?
This ~300-mile route traverses some of the most iconic corridors in the Rocky Mountain Front Range between Woodland Park and Estes Park. Key highlights include sections of Colorado Scenic Byways, the steep switchbacks of Guanella Pass (reaching 11,653 ft), Lookout Mountain, Peak to Peak Highway, and sweeping mountain connectors through Golden Gate Canyon and the Continental Divide.
6. What skill level is required for the Golden Scenic Byways tour route?
7. Can I rent an adventure motorcycle in the Denver/Golden area for this tour?
8. What tire setup and motorcycle specifications are required for Colorado's Front Range?
9. What weather conditions should I expect on a Front Range mountain tour?
10. How does the "Hub-and-Spoke" model make this tour easier than a point-to-point ride?
Essential Rider and Route Advisories
Everything you need to know about bike requirements, high-altitude prep, and mountain weather expectations for your 3-day ride.
Equipment
- Riding Style & Road Conditions: A high-reward mix of paved serpentine backroads, tight switchbacks, high-altitude sweeping turns, and graded dirt/gravel sections.
- Recommended Bikes: Suitable for street-legal adventure and dual-sport motorcycles equipped with capable 50/50 tires and adequate fuel range (e.g., BMW GS, Ducati Multistrada, Husqvarna Norden, KTM Adventure, Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin, Honda Transalp, Harley-Davidson Pan America, Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki Versys, Kawasaki KLR, Yamaha Ténéré, Aprilia Tuareg, Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Scrambler, and similar models).
- Local Rental Options: Don’t want to haul your bike? Rental models (KTM, BMW, Aprilia, Yamaha) are available through our trusted local rental partners in the Denver metro area.
- Fuel Injection Required: Route elevations reach over 14,100 feet. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is required for reliable engine performance across extreme atmospheric changes.
Protective Riding Gear Standards
- DOT / ECE / SNELL Approved Helmet: Full-face or modular adventure helmets required. High-altitude dust, flying gravel on dirt connectors, and high-speed pavement carving demand proper eye and face protection.
- Armored Adventure or Dual-Sport Suit: Abrasion-resistant jacket and pants equipped with CE-rated armor (elbows, shoulders, back, hips, and knees). Mesh suits are not recommended due to high-elevation temperature drops; vented textile gear with zip-in liners is ideal.
- Over-the-Ankle Riding Boots: Sturdy adventure or off-road boots with ankle protection and non-slip soles are mandatory for foot peg stability and loose gravel stops.
- Full-Finger Gloves: Bring two pairs: a ventilated pair for lower-elevation canyon carving and an insulated/waterproof pair for high-alpine summits.
Multi-Layering Strategy for High Elevation
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking synthetic or Merino wool base layers (avoid cotton, which retains moisture and accelerates hypothermia at high altitudes).
- Mid-Layer: Insulated fleece, mid-layer jacket, or packable down jacket to trap core body heat during summit climbs.
- Outer Layer: Windproof and waterproof shell or rain jacket. High-alpine winds can cut through standard textile gear instantly.
- Hydration System: A 2L to 3L riding backpack/hydration bladder (e.g., CamelBak or Kriega) is strongly encouraged to combat high-altitude dehydration.
https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438/ticket/10087439Altitude & Mountain Weather Advisories
- Severe Elevation Changes: Climbing from Golden (5,675 ft) to the summit of Mount Blue Sky (14,130 ft) represents an 8,400+ foot vertical rise in a single morning. Hydration and pre-tour acclimatization are essential.
- Dynamic Temperature Drops: Expect temperatures to drop roughly 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. A sunny 85°F morning in Golden often means 35°F–45°F with high winds at the summit. Quality layering, windproof shells, and thermal liners are required.
- Summer Thunderstorms & Safety: High-alpine afternoon storms frequently develop over the Continental Divide between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Our daily itineraries prioritize early morning summit ascents so you are safely descending before lightning or hail threats peak.
Operating Window & Seasonal Access
- Prime Tour Season: Late May through mid-October.
- Mount Blue Sky: The upper Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway typically opens Memorial Day weekend and closes at the summit shortly after Labor Day due to early high-altitude snowfall. Reservations are required and can be purchased at Recreation.gov.
Route Access & Closures
Public land access, weather, and road conditions in high-alpine environments change rapidly. While we conduct comprehensive route and access reviews prior to tour departure, we cannot control real-time, mid-ride closures, sudden weather holds, or emergency roadwork implemented by local agencies or law enforcement once a tour is underway. Riders accept that backcountry conditions are inherently dynamic and delays and closures may occur.
Don’t let an unexpected closure ruin a full day of riding. Choosing a Guided or Self-Guided with Advisory tour gives you the local insight needed for a smooth, delay-free journey.
- GPX Route Only: You are on your own, no advisory support.
- Self-Guided Tours with Advisory: Prior to departure, we will communicate any pre-known route advisories and guidance on route changes if required.
- Guided Tours: Ride with zero logistical stress. Your ride leader handles active route adjustments on the fly, seamlessly diverting the group onto vetted secondary mountain passes or scenic bypasses so the group never misses a beat.
Rider Experience & Licensing
To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for every rider, participants must meet the following minimum operational standards before booking:
- Valid Motorcycle Endorsement: A current, legal motorcycle license or endorsement from your home state or country is strictly required. Learners’ permits are not accepted.
- Demonstrated High-Alpine Riding Experience: Front Range routes feature technical challenges—including steep drop-offs, hairpin switchbacks, variable high-elevation winds, and transitions between smooth asphalt and unpaved mountain roads. Riders should have at least 2+ years of active street or dual-sport experience and be comfortable navigating dynamic mountain terrain.
- Comfort with Unpaved Connectors: While this route is primarily paved, up to 20% consists of hard-packed dirt, light gravel, and mountain corridors. Riders must be confident handling a loaded adventure or dual-sport motorcycle on non-asphalt surfaces.
Know Your Skill Level (CDOT Rating Guide)
- Colorado’s high-mountain passes and scenic corridors present unique riding demands. We strongly encourage all riders to evaluate their readiness using the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Motorcycle Skill Rating Map and Scenic Byway guides.
- Where This Route Fits: Our itinerary includes routes classified under moderate-to-challenging high-altitude criteria—including steep grade ascents on the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, tight technical switchbacks on Lookout Mountain, and sweeping alpine turns along the Peak to Peak Highway.
- Self-Assessment Resource: Review the official CDOT & Colorado State Patrol Motorcycle Skill Rating Resources to explore color-coded difficulty ratings for mountain highways and byways across the state before you join us.
More About This Tour
This Front Range motorcycle tour is a 3-day, hub-and-spoke adventure ride staged from Golden, Colorado. You’ll unpack once, ride light each day, and return to Golden every afternoon—so you get big mountain miles without hauling luggage or changing hotels.
A Golden, Colorado motorcycle tour with easy access from Denver
Golden is the home base for this Golden Colorado motorcycle tour, and it’s an easy starting point for riders flying in or driving from the metro area. If you’re looking for a Denver adventure motorcycle tour that gets you into the mountains fast, this route is designed to deliver high-impact riding without complicated logistics.
A Colorado scenic byways motorcycle tour built around the best Front Range roads
This Colorado scenic byways motorcycle tour links some of the most iconic Front Range corridors into a tight 3-day plan. Expect a mix of paved twisties, high-alpine climbs, and well-chosen dirt and gravel connectors—built for intermediate ADV riders who want scenery, variety, and a route that’s been field-tested.
Choose your format: GPX-only, self-guided, or guided
- GPX route only: Get the curated GPX tracks and ride the route on your own schedule.
- Self-guided ADV tour Colorado: Get the curated GPX tracks plus travel advisory support, including partner hotel rate guidance, a travel guide, and a 30-minute 1-on-1 web conference to help you plan a smooth trip.
- Guided ADV tour Colorado: Request a guided experience with professional guide(s), rental bike staging, welcome dinner, trailside lunch, and a 30-minute 1-on-1 tour director consultation. Tour dates depend on guide and hotel availability.
How Lodging Works
We’re partnered with local lodging where we stage our guided tours, and we provide an optional preferred rate for riders booked on our Self-Guided Tour & Advisory or Guided Tour Experience packages (subject to availability). The GPX File Only package does not include access to preferred lodging rates. If your selected tour packages includes the preferred rate, we will provide the private booking link/code so you can reserve your room.
Important: Lodging is not included in any package. You’ll book and pay the hotel directly. We simply provide access to a preferred rate via a private link/code.
Hotel booking steps:
- Complete checkout on this page (Self-Guided Tour & Advisory or Guided Tour Experience included preferred hotel rates).
- Check your confirmation email for your private booking link and/or discount code.
- Reserve your room directly with the hotel using that link/code to access the preferred rate.
- You’re all set — if you have questions about room types, parking, or arrival timing, reply to your confirmation email and we’ll help.
Good to know:
- Preferred rates are limited and may sell out on weekends and event dates.
- If you’re arriving late or need specific parking (truck/trailer), we’ll help you confirm what’s available.
How to Get Here
Our staging-area lodging partner is located west of Denver, between Morrison and Golden, with easy access to the foothills and major Front Range routes.
Approximate drive times:
- Downtown Golden: ~10 minutes
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: ~10 minutes
- Morrison: ~10 minutes
- Downtown Denver: ~20 minutes
- Denver International Airport (DEN): ~40 minutes
- Boulder: ~40 minutes
Refund and Cancellation Policy
- GPX route Only (Refunds): All sales are final. If you encounter a technical issue with a GPX source file, we will resolve it.
- Self-Guided Tour + Advisory (Refunds): All sales are final. If you encounter a technical issue with a GPX source file, we will resolve it.
- Guided Tours (Cancellation & Refunds): You can cancel by notifying SolidRide. Any refund (if applicable) depends on when we receive your cancellation notice and is calculated as a percentage of the tour price paid (excluding credit card processing fees and any custom tours expenses incurred). We ride rain or shine, but may delay (or reroute) a guided tour due to extreme weather advisory, road closures, or government evacuation orders. Full details are in our Adventure Tours Booking Terms & Conditions.
If you’re not sure which option fits your travel style, reach out and we’ll help you pick the right package for your bike, skill level, and schedule.
