Summary: Short Rides:  Clear Creek Canyon Ride

Rating:  Route:  Through Clear Creek Canyon and back along Coal Creek Canyon Features:  Slow winding mountain roads with rock tunnels and smaller city roads Distance:  52.9 miles Ride Time:  Approximately 1 hours & 19 minutes Season:  May through October Maximum Grade:  11% Change in Elevation:  3,600 feet

Overview:

This motorcycle ride follows Clear Creek Canyon out through Black Hawk, Colorado, and then swings back to Denver, Colorado, via Coal Creek Canyon.

Directions:

From Highway 58 and Highway 93 in Golden, Colorado, take US Highway 6/Clear Creek Canyon Rd, west.  Highway 6 will become Highway 119.  Continue on Highway 119 through Black Hawk Colorado and north to Highway 72, Coal Creek Canyon Rd.  Turn right (east) onto Coal Creek Canyon Rd and continue back to Highway 93.

Maps:

Elevation Profile:

This motorcycle ride begins at 5,750 feet elevation in Golden, Colorado and climbs to 9,400 feet elevation at the turnoff to Golden Gate Canyon.  From there, it gradually descends to 6,200 feet at US Highway 93 south of Boulder.  The maximum change in slope is 21% climb and 17% descent.  Click on the "Detailed Profile" button above to see a full-screen profile.

Photos:

Taken on US 6, headed West through Coal Creek Canyon toward Black Hawk, Colorado:

Taken north of Black Hawk, Colorado, on US 119 headed toward Nederland:

Taken East of PineCliffe, Colorado, in Clear Creek Canyon:

Our Review:

This ride is an absolute blast, especially in late September, before the first snowfall, when the aspen leaves are turning golden orange.  It begins by sweeping through Clear Creek canyon, alongside clear creek.  This portion features several rock tunnels and casual 40mph curves.  Clear Creek Rd is the major thoroughfare between Golden and Black Hawk so expect lots of tourist traffic and gambling busses.  Once past Black Hawk, the ride becomes more scenic and more fun with tighter S curves and long views of various mountain peaks.  The ride up Highway 119 north of Black Hawk has a 45 mph speed limit with several well-architected S curves to keep your mind busy.  This stretch is well traveled by motorcycles. The turnoff to Highway 72 is easy to miss the first time past; if you hit Nederland, turn around at the roundabout and head back.  The turnout if just a few miles south of Nederland.  Once you turn onto Highway 72, the ride takes on yet another personality.  It snakes its way through coal creek canyon and then begins to climb through the mountain ranges.  As this happens, you'll find many 10mph switchbacks.  The ride ends with a smooth exit back to Highway 93.  Food and fuel are available in Golden and Blackhawk.  If you miss the turn for Highway 72, Nederland is a cute town for lunch and small shops.  The pavement is well maintained on each portion of the ride and the speed limit posting are accurate for gauging corners.  Definitely give this one a try on a nice Sunday morning.

Your Ratings:

Author:  Rob Review Date:  9/28/2010 Ride Timeframe:  Late September, 2010, mid morning. Type of Bike:  Sport Bike Rating:  Comments:  This may be my favorite short ride.  Gentle winding road from Golden, through Black Hawk which becomes much more fun as you join 119 and then turn through coal creek canyon.  Two-lane road begins by snaking alongside Coal Creek and features several hand-carved rock tunnels.  This road is mostly no-passing zones though some passing lanes are provided.  Expect weekend traffic to the casinos.  Speed is heavily monitored by local motorcycle police who can typically be seen at the off-shoot of Highway 6 West from 119.   Blackhawk and Central City both offer good restaurants making this a good mid-day ride with a lunch break in between the canyons.  Once you join with 119, the speed limit increases a bit and the traffic decreases substantially.  The curves become more playful and the scenery improves.  Turn onto highway 72 and the ride becomes increasing more fun as you switchback over the mountain range.  Give this one a try in late May through late September.  As the review mentions, this portion of forest is entangled with aspen trees which turn a golden yellow in late September.  Once the snow falls, however, this ride will be covered in gravel so keep that in mind.    Author:  Jon Review Date:  3/1/2010 Ride Timeframe:  Multiple runs during the season, 2009 Type of Bike: Sport Bike Rating:  Comments:  This is one of my favorite rides for a quick ride around town. This ride starts with tight corners going up Golden Gate Canyon which eventually subside into longer straight-aways where you can reach 80 - 90 mph before having to down shift into the next corner.  There isn't much for amenities along this route until you reach Coal Creek Canyon where you can find a place to eat and get gas.  (Fill up in Golden!)  There are a few switchbacks but mostly you will find long sweeping curves that ask for more throttle.  Traffic going up the mountain is generally sparse especially if you avoid peak times.  FYI - beware gravel in some corners, this is a mountain road, which bit me pretty hard last time I took this route. (I was being stupid and deserved it, so don't be concerned if you pay attention.) If your looking to extend this ride consider heading up either highway 72 or 119.  Both offer spectacular views and once you get off the main path the traffic levels off.  These different routes go through the spectacular Roosevelt National Forest and are rife with solid views of the mountains and deep green forests. *About a mile east of the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon Road (72) and Hwy 119 there is a police station.  Right before you get to the station you will pass a RV camp ground and a baseball diamond.

Points of Interest:

Both Black Hawk Colorado and Central City Colorado feature fine hotels and several casinos.