Copper Triangle
The "Copper Triangle" (also known as the "Leadville Loop") is a truly classic Colorado mountain route that can be ridden in either direction. It is a beautiful ride in mid-late September when the Aspens are at the peak of their fall color. Be aware that there may be significant traffic on all of the highway sections of this ride. There are fairly wide shoulders in many areas but you should still be careful – it’s best to pick a day with less traffic, avoiding weekends and holidays when possible.
The ride begins at the Copper Mountain Resort (or anywhere else along the route). If riding clockwise from Copper Mountain, start on the bike path that’s on the east side of Highway 91 and head south. The bike path parallels Highway 91 and eventually merges with it. Highway 91 then takes you over Fremont Pass past the Climax Molybdenum mine and then descends on through the valley to the north end of Leadville.
Copper Triangle Clockwise
Click map for an interactive version and
downloadable GPS files.
Near Battle Mtn Summit
Turn northwest (right) on Highway 24 where you will pass the remains of the training camp for the famed 10th Mountain Division of WWII before climbing Tennessee Pass and Battle Mountain, and descending down to Minturn, the low point of the ride.
A bike path then starts just north of I-70 to head back east through Vail, over Vail Pass and back to Copper Mountain Resort. The ride covers 79 miles and 5,900' of climbing.
The Copper Triangle can be ridden as a fully supported ride the first Saturday in August each year as a benefit for the Davis Phinney Foundation & Parkinson's Disease. Click here for more information on this Colorado Cyclist sponsored ride.
Bridge near Battle Mtn
Elevation Profile
Clockwise Ride - 79 miles, 6,600' of climb