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Lakes Loop with side excursions

58.9mi
3,116ft
7.8%
00:00
3,122ft
-11.2%

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This loop takes you up the easier south dam climb to carter lake and past the western and southern side of Horsetooth reservoir. The loop features rolling hills with views of mountains, red rock formations and beautiful lakes but no steep climbs. Parking is free at Devils backbone open space. Water is available at the campground across from the carter lake marina store (mile 15.6) and at Horsetooth Mountain Park (mile 34.9). Food and beer are available at Windjammer Road House (mile 16.3) or at canyon grill (mile 42.1).


Larimer County, COPublic (2,323 views) Created Mar 11, 2015Updated Jun 10, 2017 2 comments
Open gallery (11 photos)

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Surfaces

  • Paved
    58.9 mi
    100%

Cuesheet

  • Turn left onto Plaster Mill Rd
    0.0 mi
  • Turn right onto Hidden Valley Dr
    0.1 mi
  • Turn left onto US-34 E/W Eisenhower Blvd
    0.4 mi
  • Turn right onto Rossum Dr
    0.8 mi
  • At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Rossum Dr
    1.6 mi

Climbs

  • 2.6 mi
    497 ft
    3.7%
  • 2.1 mi
    380 ft
    3.6%
  • 0.7 mi
    166 ft
    5.2%

Descents

  • 3.5 mi
    617 ft
    -3.5%
  • 0.8 mi
    121 ft
    -2.8%
  • 1.1 mi
    313 ft
    -4.5%
3

Comments

Traffic is heavy on Taft Hill/Wilson between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. I prefer to do this loop in the opposite direction which puts me on this segment when the traffic is lighter. This also sends you up north dam hill to Carter Lake making the route much more challenging.
This is mostly very beautiful but that long final stretch on Taft Rd is horrendous due to continuous stream of very fast traffic on a two lane road with a narrow shoulder. With afternoon glare, I was very concerned drivers would not see me.
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58.9 miles · +3,116 ft / -3,122 ft
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