We rode this route as a "shakeout ride" the day after our Quarter Everesting team event. It was a perfect chill ride that reminded us that our legs still worked and where we could get delicious protien-rich food after such an exhausting effort the prior day.
We stayed at the A-Lodge campsites and van sites offered by HipCamp. Its ideal location offers a great jumping off place for all kinds of adventures. If you are looking for more than a traditional Boulder hotel, A-Lodge combines an intimate location in a natural setting just off of Boulder Canyon. They have camping platforms, van sites and rooms as well as communal bathrooms, a pool, hot tub and sauna.
Chapman Drive is a particularly delightful 2.6 mile road that is closed to motorized traffic. The wide dirt trail is a climb with an average gradient of 7% and connects the Boulder Bike Path to Flagstaff Road.
It has forest shade and a meandering path that winds over a bridge and past scenic vistas. After weeks of late-spring rain, the wild flowers were colorful, abundant and huge! On a cloudy Sunday morning the trail was quiet with just a few other hikers and bikes out there with us.
You'll get a nice tour of Boulder on the way to Cassiopeia- pretty neighborhoods with bike lanes and then spinning on the exceptional Boulder paths such as the Boulder Creek Path, Foothills Parkway Trail and Goose Creek Greenway Trail.
Cassiopeia Bike Store and Cafe is well worth the stop! They say they are "a new home to connect with other cyclists, explore your personal style, build confidence, and reach new personal bests. We're here for all, but ladies first, because we deserve a space to shine."
They host regular group rides and have a unique selection of bike apparel.
The Cafe has indoor bike hangers and a chill atmosphere to enjoy pre or post-ride treats, and items include breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, cottage cheese and smoothie bowls plus waffles!
The gradual climb back up to the A-Lodge turns to a crushed gravel surface for the last 2 miles and is especially beautiful as it follows the Boulder Canyon / Boulder Creek.
There is currently a little bit of construction getting from Four Mile Canyon to the Chapman Drive Trailhead. There is a detour provided but it requires you to have to cross the busy Boulder Canyon Road where normally you avoid that by staying on the path.
We got stuck behind a row of stinky and slow trucks going down Flagstaff. What is normally a super fast pavement descent ended up being one where we had to ride the breaks most of the way down! 😩
Do this ride if you want a short climb up on a forest trail without vehicles, a screaming fast descent on pavement and enjoyable Boulder path miles to a terrific bike cafe and store.
Parking is available at the Chapman Drive Trailhead parking lot which is located about 4 miles up Boulder Canyon on the east side of the road. The lot is unpaved and has 15 standard parking spaces. There are unfortunately no public restrooms here.
There are public restrooms at about mile 8 along the Boulder Creek Path near Haerling Sculpture Park. There are also restrooms in the Cassiopeia Cafe.
Be aware that mountain lions inhabit the area around Chapman Drive. Coyotes, foxes, mule deer and raptors are also commonly sighted.
The final few miles of the Boulder Creek Trail that follows the canyon is more highly trafficked with pedestrians and tourists. When you are going at a chill shakeout ride pace, it is no problem, but you do have to be alert and it's probably best if you have a bell to call your pass.
Laura & Rose
Laura Karpinski and Rose Barcklow are the creators of Gravel Bike Adventures. Click on the About page to learn more about them.
