Plan Your Summer Long Distance Cycling Trip Through North Park

Each year thousands of cyclists cross the US, taking the backroads and forgotten highways of rural Colorado. If you are looking for one of the best places to ride cross country in Colorado, North Park has got you covered. With majestic mountain scenery, a laid back atmosphere, and miles and miles of solitude, you’ll wonder why you didn’t plan your trip through Jackson County years ago.

We are no stranger to long distance biking. The Tour de Wyoming is one event that has regularly used Walden as a stayover point during their grueling 300mile ride. With a welcoming atmosphere, local eateries, and free camping in town, it’s no wonder why Walden is a favorite among cyclists. 

A Haven for Long Distance Biking

Walden, CO sits at the hub of HWY 125 and HWY 14. 125 out of Saratoga, WY meets with 127 from Laramie and merges together around 13 miles north of Walden. These highways bring in north/south traffic from distant places such as Yellowstone NP and Medicine Bow, and drive down into the central Rockies towards Granby and Rocky Mountain NP. 

The Jackson County section of HWY 14 is part of the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Colorado. The byway begins in Ft. Collins, CO winds its way up through the Poudre Canyon, following the Cache la Poudre River up to Cameron pass at above 10,000’ ft. above sea level. There you will see Montgomery Pass, Mt. Richtofen, and the Nokhu Crags before dropping 2000’ of altitude to the valley floor of North Park. The grade is not easy and narrow roads with lack of paved shoulders can be challenging, especially with trucks and campers on the road.

The Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway continues through Walden and ending on HWY 14 as the highway continues on towards Rabbit Ears Peak, Muddy Pass, and Steamboat on the other side of the Continental Divide.

Thousands of cross-country bicyclists pass through Walden every summer on these two highways, stopping to rest or grab a bite to eat downtown at one of the restaurants in Walden. Hanson Park on Walden’s east side is a popular spot for cyclists to camp. It provides plenty of shade, level spots to pitch a tent, and is within easy walking distance of the main attractions in town. 

Covered picnic tables provide charcoal grills and a way to chain your bike up to walk into downtown, just a few short blocks away. Keep an eye out for events throughout the summer such as the Never Summer Jam! and North Park Days where Main Street is blocked off for events and live music!

Take in the Sights!

For a relaxed stop in town during the summer, swing by the North Park Pioneer Museum for a glimpse into the history of the community. With several rooms and thousands of artefacts to check out, you’ll get a feel of the community, as well as some much deserved cooler temps off the road. 

Water, Camping, and All the Amenities!

Potable water can be found near the baseball field at the south end of the park at the RV sanitation-station. Just across the street is the Jackson County Public Pool which has affordable showers and a place to swim during business hours. 

Bottled water, sports drinks, energy bars, salty snacks, and other necessities for the road can be found at the Sinclair Fuel Station, Corkle’s Mini Mart, or at the Family Dollar in Walden. About a mile north of Walden, North Park Super’s provides a more comprehensive grocery experience, with a full produce section, rotisserie chickens, bread, and even tools and some bike parts.

Timberline Builder’s Supply in Walden has some bike parts, tools, lubricants, and a helpful staff of people who can help you find what you want, send UPS or FedEx packages, or provide information you need for your trip. Visit our US Post Office in Walden to send out mail and packages and even received parcels through General Delivery. The address is US Post Office General Delivery, Walden, CO 80480

Jack’s Auto Parts and Service might be helpful for mechanical problems on your bike—especially puncture repairs—so be sure to stop by and ask. It never hurts! Even if they can’t help you, it’s likely they will know someone local who can. To learn more about local businesses and services click the link here!

Walden is a Bikable Town

With a relatively small area to cover, you can bike across Walden in under ten minutes. Downtown lacks bike racks to secure your bike and belongings, but Hanson and McNamara Park, as well as North Park High School have racks where you can lock your bike up for longer periods of time. Generally people leave things alone in town that don’t belong to them, so don’t feel like you can’t park your bike in front of a restaurant while you enjoy a meal inside.

Things to Know When Cycling Through North Park

Biking in North Park can be one of those memorable experiences that only comes around once in a lifetime. With stunning mountain views, wide open spaces, and a chance to just let your legs work and take you up those inclines and down the hills with the sun on your face this section of a long ride is a favorite to many. If you keep some things in mind you’ll have a great time, so let’s get into it!

All Seasons Can Happen in One Day

Since the Rocky Mountains are good at making their own weather, you need to come prepared for just about any weather. Windy conditions are common, mostly with wind blowing from west to east. Storms usually roll in during the afternoon and can range from light rain to hail and snow. The most reliable weather is through July where sunny and calm days are the norm.

Sun and Bugs

You need to protect yourself from the sun at higher altitude. This means plenty of sunscreen, UV protective clothing, and eyewear. With less atmosphere at 8,000 ft. Plus, you can risk serious skin damage from burns. 

Summertime in the mountains also means mosquitos and biting flies. Mosquito season usually ends in late July as the nights begin to get cooler, followed by a wave of horseflies and deerflies that last until mid-August. Use insect repellant or keep skin covered with clothing if possible.

Narrow Winding Roads

The biggest challenge (other than altitude gain) on North Park roads is how narrow they are. Often without much of a shoulder to ride on. Ride single-file and be sure to wear bright clothing or even have flags or flashers on your bike so you are more visible to drivers. Motorists are generally good about sharing the road with bikes, but these narrow highways leave little room, especially with oncoming truck traffic. Stay close to the edge of the road whenever possible.

Calories and Hydration

At altitude you’ll find your body burns calories differently and you’ll lose a lot of hydration and salts much faster than lower elevations. Be sure to eat well, snack often, and replenish those lost fluids and salts frequently. There are many miles to go between towns and you’ll want to take any opportunity you can to restock your supply of snacks, sports drinks, bottled water, and to rest up. North Park Medical Center in Walden is the only medical clinic in the area. An ambulance service and Flight for Life is available for trauma injuries, and usually transports patients to larger towns in the area.

Wildlife

North Park is still very much wild, which is one of its greatest charms! Cyclists need to be aware of some of the dangers of riding in areas with large animals such as moose and bears. Though generally shy and avoidant of people, some of these animals can be aggressive if they feel threatened. There are hundreds of moose in the area, and more often than not you’ll see them browsing next to the highways you are riding. Give them lots of space and don’t attempt to approach them or act aggressively towards them. Most of the time they will just keep walking.

Black bears are less common, but being equipped with bear spray or simply making a lot of noise to announce your presence will usually disperse them long before you see them. You’ll probably have more problems with dogs roaming through towns and fields than you will with wildlife, but any seasoned cyclist already understands that hazard.

Take Your Time to Enjoy the Ride

Though the roads are narrow, the experience you will have as you ride through North Park is once in a lifetime. Every year thousands of cyclists find our remote corner of the Rocky Mountains and keep coming back for more. Ditch the busy roads and experience the Colorado you have always imagined. Whether it’s a stopover in Walden or checking out our villages of Gould and Rand, we have all the wildlife, stunning views, and friendly people you have been looking for. Welcome and safe travels!

Let’s Get Social!

You’ve already found the VisitNorthParkCO.com site. If you like what you’ve seen, subscribe to our Visit North Park Newsletter and follow us on social media on  Facebook or Instagram, for regular updates of events, stunning photos, and historical tidbits. Make North Park your new favorite place in Colorado!