Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass is an 8.7-mile (17.5 mile round trip) 2,600' climb from Keystone's River Run base area. It is a classic high alpine climb that goes past the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area at 5.1 miles and continues to climb through some switchbacks above the tree line to the parking area on the Continental Divide at the top of the pass at 11,990'. The average grade is just under 6%. The descent back down is long, relatively straight and fast on very good road. This is a great high altitude training ride for advanced cyclists.
The road has a narrow shoulder, but traffic is relatively light and generally courteous; however, you will encounter a few large hazardous material trucks that are not allowed through the Eisenhower Tunnel. If you want a bit more climbing, add an additional 8 miles round trip and 1,200' of climb by descending the 4 miles down the east side to the Loveland Ski Area on I-70 right by the east entrance to the Eisenhower
Loveland Pass West
Looking back down west
Tunnel and then climbing back up to the summit before descending back to Keystone.
Loveland Pass generally is ridden as an extension to a ride to Keystone unless staying in Keystone; however, you also can park in Keystone's Gondola Lot and ride just the pass as shown in the information to the right. If riding from Dillon, the total is 31 miles & 3,000' of climb or from Breckenridge over Swan Mountain Road the total ride is 48 miles with 4,500' of climb. See the Frisco, Dillon, or Breckenridge to Keystone rides for details.
Keystone to Loveland Pass Summit
Climbing Loveland Pass
East side near the summit
Click map for an interactive version and
downloadable GPS files.
Keystone to Loveland Pass Profile
17.5 miles, 2,630' of climb
Breckenridge to Loveland Pass Profile
48 miles, 4,500' of climb
