Touring in colorado - advice needed

Hi all,

I’m planning a 10 day cycle trip in Colorado in mid- May. We’re flying into Denver and thinking to make our way over to Grand Junction, where we can fly or train it back to Denver.

We’re 3 guys who cycle regularly but probably little out of shape after winter in Europe. We’re riding touring/road bikes with panniers so can’t do too much off-road/mountain biking.

We’d like to do around 30-40 miles a day but also work in rest days to see some national parks, watch a rodeo, look around small towns etc.

So, I’d love any feedback on places people would recommend we definitely go to or miss out. We’re looking for some mountain/forest scenery, cycling quieter roads, swimming and interesting small towns.

Also, we’d like to start at lower elevation and build up to bigger climbs, so tips on where to start at a lower gradient would be super useful?

Here are there routes we’ve looked at (taking bus to starting point or cycling), I’ve love any feedback on the pros and cons:

First option, https://goo.gl/maps/vuphbWhGJnk

Total ascent 5.7km, descent 5.9km

Second option, https://goo.gl/maps/aPw5eGBTmV52

Total ascent 8.5km, descent 8.6km (very similar to Duncs' route)

Third option, https://goo.gl/maps/9nd19qY2m8F2

Total ascent 8km, descent 8.5km

 

Mt Evans road out of Idaho Springs is an awesome climb. We've riden south out of Breck through Buena Vista then west. Durango area is nice and add a trip to Silverton. Independence pass into Aspen is a nice ride as well. Have fun!

 

I agree with the above post.