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+ 194

The Copper Triangle (Leadville Loop)

Cycling Route

Details
81.97 mi
6,276 ft
One of the most renowned road rides in Colorado, crossing three major passes.

"The 'Copper Triangle' (also known as the 'Leadville Loop') is a truly classic Colorado mountain route that can be ridden in either direction,” writes "It is a beautiful ride in mid-late September when the Aspens are at the peak of their fall color.” Due to its location right smack dab in the middle of Colorado’s most iconic mountains—right off I70, running through Vail, and right next door to Breckenridge—the Copper Triangle is well-known as one of the best road rides in the state, and possibly the nation. Many riders choose to start the Copper Triangle loop right off of I70 at Copper Mountain. The route then runs through Leadville and Vail, and then back to Copper. From Copper to Vail via Leadville, the route follows twisty two-lane mountain roads up and over oxygen-deprived mountain passes. With neck-craning views of soaring 14,000-foot peaks, beautiful stands of aspens, and crystal-clear alpine lakes, the scenery is at least as entertaining as the twisty tarmac. Possibly the best section of the ride stretches from Leadville to Minturn, along US Hwy 24. Despite being a US highway, this stretch is one of the tightest, twistiest, and most scenic zones in the Rockies. In fact, it’s designated as a scenic byway. As you approach Red Cliff, enjoying the soaring bridges, jagged rock cliffs, and deep valleys all around you. Once in Minturn, the route then follows mostly dedicated bike paths to climb up and over Vail Pass—the most significant elevation gain of the route. The bike path runs into a few access roads near the town of Vail, but partway up the pass it switches over completely to designated, separated bike path with zero vehicle traffic. The dedicated bike path continues all the way over the top of the pass and down to Copper Mountain at the end of the route. Surprisingly, due to the incredible beauty of the area and the well-constructed bike path, this is one of the most popular sections for cycling along the entire route, with many riders choosing to simply pedal out-and-back on Vail Pass. Who would have thought that an interstate corridor could provide such great cycling?! Sources: Written by Greg Heil
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Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
U.S. 24 Climb0.39 mi335 ft16.1%
Tennessee Pass CO3.00 mi423 ft2.7%
Tennessee Pass final climb0.95 mi207 ft4.1%
TN Pass (north): descent 1st section5.14 mi-1,145 ft-4.2%
th Mountain Div Memorial Highway Climb0.42 mi315 ft14.1%
TN Pass (north): 2nd section descent to RC2.11 mi-443 ft-4.0%
Copper Triangle: Battle Mountain2.16 mi446 ft3.6%
Battle Mountain Climb Northbound1.91 mi499 ft4.9%
Battle Mountain Climb1.58 mi390 ft4.7%
CBCVR - Stage 6B - Battle Mountain Return1.46 mi407 ft5.3%
Battle Mtn - Starts After Photo Opp of Bridge1.25 mi325 ft4.9%
5 Mile Downhill5.05 mi-1,191 ft-4.5%
Battle Mountain Speed Check0.16 mi-46 ft-5.5%
Gettin' outta Minturn1.30 mi-72 ft-1.0%
Minturn to Bike Path1.84 mi-118 ft-1.1%
Forest Service to Bike Path0.34 mi7 ft0.0%
Kylo Ren0.99 mi52 ft0.7%
Underpass to Aquarium0.22 mi23 ft1.9%
I-70 frontage (south) eastbound: West Vail roundabout to Gore Creek trail0.65 mi52 ft1.5%
Gore Creek Trail eastbound: West Vail to Lionshead1.62 mi151 ft1.7%
South Frontage Rd W Climb0.23 mi374 ft30.8%
Don't run the stop!0.33 mi39 ft2.2%
Gettin in shape 10.50 mi154 ft5.8%
Vail Climb - Bridge to Rec Path3.79 mi912 ft4.6%
Vail Pass Half Marathon mile 71.00 mi240 ft4.5%
The really steep bit up to the gate0.06 mi30 ft8.3%
Gore Creek CG to Bike Path Turn Off Under I-703.50 mi784 ft4.2%
Copper Triangle KOM/QOM3.46 mi781 ft4.3%
2022 Copper Triangle - Vail Pass Q/KOM3.37 mi728 ft4.1%
Vail Pass Half Marathon mile 81.00 mi217 ft4.1%
Vail Pass ascent (very top portion)1.70 mi443 ft4.9%
Vail Pass Half Marathon mile 91.00 mi259 ft4.9%
Vail Pass (steepest portion after underpass)0.77 mi351 ft8.4%
Vail SOB#10.12 mi49 ft7.4%
Vail Pass summit "flats"2.74 mi400 ft2.6%
Black Lake Hammer Time0.83 mi121 ft2.1%
Shrine Pass Road Climb0.31 mi410 ft24.6%
Vail Pass (Copper side descent)4.10 mi-607 ft-2.7%
Full Vail Pass DH (copper side recpath)3.93 mi-682 ft-3.3%
Grand Army of the Republic Highway Climb0.42 mi502 ft22.6%
Grand Army of the Republic Highway Climb0.26 mi299 ft21.3%
Interstate 70 Climb0.35 mi292 ft15.6%