Copper Triangle Traditional (Vail Pass last)

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# Copper Triangle Traditional

## One of the best loop routes in Colorado

Copper Mountain - Fremont Pass - Leadville - Tennessee Pass - Battle Mountain - Minturn - Vail - Vail Pass - Copper Mountain

At a distance of 79-miles, the Copper Triangle is a classic Colorado high mountain loop bike ride. Departing Copper Village and immediately ascending Fremont Pass, you will skirt the city of Leadville, continuing over Tennessee Pass, past Camp Hale, up Battle Mountain through the town of Minturn and enter Vail Village. You only have the steep climb up Vail Pass ahead of you before an easy descent returning into Copper Village to complete the loop.

This route is recommended for advanced-intermediate to advanced cyclists: long climbs, exposure to the mountain elements, cycling at altitude.

The Copper Triangle is a long tradition for Colorado cyclists and a definite bucket-list ride. It is the route used annually for the [Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle](http://coppertriangle.com/) event ride to benefit the [Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s](http://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/) disease. Held the first week of August, the ride typically sells out in capacity. The special event is relatively expensive but does donate to charity and provides a great expo, lunch and live music afterwards in Copper Village for all participants. Although beautiful on any quiet weekend, this route is lots of fun with hundreds of other cyclists peppered along the climbs.

Your ride:

* Start: Copper Mountain Village, Summit County, CO, US
* Distance: 79.0 mi
* Elevation: + 5949 / - 5409 ft
* Max Grade: 9.9 %
* Avg. Grade: 1.1 % (there is a lot of downhill)
* Finish: Copper Mountain Village (loop route)
* Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced cycling at altitude over semi-isolated mountain passes. Long route, come prepared.

Please read the additional riding in Summit County cycling tips offered on [this page](http://ridewithgps.com/ambassadors/33-pedal-dancer).

THE CLIMBS

For details about the climbs included on this route: Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, Battle Mountain and Vail Pass - please see the climb FAQS and read the climb links offered on the [Pedal Dancer® Guide Page of Colorado Climbs](http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/colorado-climbs.html).

LOCATION - SUMMIT COUNTY, LAKE COUNTY AND EAGLE COUNTY

It’s a big route covering three high-country counties in Colorado. You will start in Summit County, pass through Lake County, enter Eagle County and finish again in Summit County. Nearby towns include: Copper Mountain, Leadville, Red Cliff, Minturn, Avon, Vail, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, and Breckenridge.

START/FINISH AND PARKING

This route begins and ends at Copper Mountain Village where you will find plenty of parking spaces; you may begin your ride from any of the parking lots. You may also ride from Frisco, or begin and end your route in Vail. Reversing this route is possible although Fremont Pass first /Vail Pass last is the more traditional direction with +6560ft of elevation gain in 79-miles.

WATER ON ROUTE

Start with two full bottles of water in Copper Mountain Village. Definitely fill up again at the @poi[convenience store on the outskirts of Leadville](1066347) (where you turn right from Hwy 91 onto Hwy 24). Your next water can be found in the town of @poi[Minturn](1067392)  29 miles away. There are several parks and water sources in Vail Village, and again at the top of Vail Pass (where the finish is 5-miles away).

RESTROOMS ON ROUTE

You will find numerous facilities on route – either buildings or porta-potties. Please check the route map for locations.

CAUTIONS ON ROUTE

Come prepared for changing weather. Plan your ride between 7:00 or 8:00am-3:00pm. Afternoon rain showers are common. Much of this route is along highways and away from city conveniences. Initially the road up to Fremont Pass - the first climb - has a narrow shoulder that widens up the road. There is a long stretch without water between Leadville and Minturn. Watch for gravel and snowmelt run-off on the descents. Watch for two-way traffic on the @slice[narrow bike path](d,110920.92,113067.64) climbing to the top of Vail Pass (stay in your lane and stay alert to on-coming cyclists). There might be debris and/or snowmelt inside the short dark tunnel, which passes under I-70, just after the parking lot at the very top of Vail Pass.

SAG SUPPORT

Having a support vehicle is highly advised for this route, although it is possible for experience cyclists to complete unassisted. Having sag support is wonderful for water, extra clothing, mechanics supplies, picture taking and cheering you on over four high passes! Sag drivers can keep busy between meeting points by enjoying nearby hikes, parks, landmarks, cafes and photography.

A tip on sag support: if you cannot arrange one single driver, all it takes is 4 people driving a quick 20-miles each, or 8 people driving 10-miles each. Driving the route is equally as scenic but much less difficult.

PHONES

Your cell phones may or may not work at all points along this route. In Colorado texts may go through if calls will not. Mapping features often remain on.

POINTS OF INTEREST (POI) ON ROUTE

* Copper Mountain Village is a lovely setting for [outdoor events](http://www.coppercolorado.com/summer/events_and_activities/calendar/@@index.html). 
* Copper Village has a [kids play area](http://www.coppercolorado.com/summer/events_and_activities/summer_activities/copper_summer_activities/index.html) featuring Go-Karts, climbing wall and mini-golf.
* The hiking area of [Mayflower Gulch](http://alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mayflower-gulch-grand-traverse) - near Fremont Pass - has spectacular wild flowers in spring and summer. 
* [Climax Mine](http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120809/NEWS/120809814) is a major molybdenum mine (don't drink the water!) that has marred the land but at one point employed over 65,000 people (most did not last long). The old homes from Climax were long ago moved to nearby Leadville. 
* The town of Leadville is largely unattractive but famously hosts the [Leadville 100 mountain bike race](http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/) annually. 
* You will be crossing over The Continental Divide (specifically the Great Divide: @poi[Tennessee Pass](1067516) is located on the    [Continental Divide](http://www.summitpost.org/continental-divide-peaks-colorado/172039). See an interactive Map of [Continental Divide National Scenic Trail](http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=f35aed12fbd7434abaed43fdd6dc6204).
* 10th Mountain Division troops trained in the area on their @slice[large military base](d,59066.69,61037.37) during WWII where they perfected winter mountaineering combat skills. Several [10th Mountain Division huts](www.huts.org/) dot the area and are a thrilling activity in winter, they also offer good single track riding for mountain bikers in summer. 
* @poi[Minturn](1067392) is a town with far more character and offers restaurants, cafes, shops, B&Bs, and even a saloon. A good place to pick up a snack that you will barely have time to digest before the very steep final climb up Vail Pass. 
* @poi[Vail Village](1067393) is geographically split by the large Interstate-70. Much of the architecture has now been modernized from its 1970s ski village appearance to a posh resort with high-end restaurants and fancy hotels. It is a lovely stroll through the main village (located on the south side of the highway). 
* The delightfully peaceful @poi[Betty Ford Alpine Garden](1067560) is located in Vail (another stop your sag support driver might enjoy). [Gardens Website](bettyfordalpinegardens.org). 
* You will ride traffic free up to Vail Pass on the @slice[old Highway 6](d,105110.93,110823.33). You might notice names on the road from bygone bike races. The USA Pro Challenge has used this road twice for individual time trial stages. The road is a *false flat*, far more challenging than it appears to the eye. 
* @poi[Vail Pass](1067469) is a large rest stop off of the Interstate. The descent back into Copper Mountain is quick and easy.

AREA HISTORY

Read more about the history of the towns you will be riding through and roads you will be riding upon [here](http://ridewithgps.com/ambassadors/33-pedal-dancer).

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS

* I would eat a very good breakfast and pack bring your own food for the ride. You will need to eat frequently while riding to maintain your stamina for this 79-mile road ride. 
* Pick up additional water and snacks at the convenience store outside of @poi[Leadville](1066347) and again in @poi[Minturn](1072742).
[Sticky Fingers Cafe and Bakery](https://www.facebook.com/StickyFingersMinturn): Breakfast and sandwich shop, 132 Main St, Minturn, CO 81645. Open daily 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. @poi[Location](1072743)
* You won't want to eat too much before that final climb up Vail Pass (it's steep!). 
* Look for a light snack after your ride near Copper Village or bring a packed lunch (picnic) and leave it in your car in a cooler. Some restaurants and businesses in  @poi[Copper Village](1067517) vary their operating hours during summer months, but you may find something open. 
* Or return to the town of @poi[Frisco](6a66455d7261735a4b900000) for a larger meal after your post ride *quick meal*. Or drive over to Vail Village.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CYCLING IN COLORADO

More cautions, cycling tips, city tourist websites and a list of bike shops (including bike rental locations) may be found on the  [Pedal Dancer Ambassador Profile](http://ridewithgps.com/ambassadors/33-pedal-dancer) page.

ROUTE CONTRIBUTORS

Karen Rakestraw, Laurie Decoteau.

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