Ten years ago, I hiked from Endovalley to Chasm Falls twice during winter visits to Rocky Mountain National Park. Both times, as I trudged through snow and gazed up at the serpentine road carved into the mountainside, I thought the same thing: "Someday I'm going to ride my bike up this thing." On July 22, 2024, I finally made good on that promise to myself—and holy shit, it was everything I expected and more.
My ride began at 7:00 AM sharp from the West Alluvial Fan trailhead parking lot. The early start wasn't just about beating traffic (though that helped)—afternoon thunderstorms in the Colorado Rockies are no joke, especially when you're planning to spend hours above treeline with nowhere to hide.
The Route: 29.7 Miles and 4,055 Feet of Honest Climbing
Here's what you're signing up for: a complete loop that starts at 8,500 feet, climbs Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet, continues up Trail Ridge Road to its highest point at 12,183 feet near Lava Cliffs, then descends back to your starting point. Total distance: 29.7 miles. Total elevation gain: 4,055 feet of lung-searing, leg-burning reality.
I rode my Otso Waheela C gravel bike—the perfect choice for this route. The disc brakes were essential for the long descent, the low gearing saved my bacon on the steepest pitches, and the wider tire clearance handled everything Old Fall River Road threw at me. I mounted Rene Herse 700C x 44 Snoqualmie Pass TC tires, and they performed flawlessly. Wide enough for the loose gravel sections, smooth enough to corner confidently on the paved descents, and efficient enough that I never felt like I was fighting my equipment.
The Ascent: Old Fall River Road’s Gravel Gauntlet
Early Miles: Chasm Falls and Finding Your Rhythm
The first few miles lull you into thinking this might not be so bad. You'll pass Chasm Falls about 2 miles in—a spectacular 30-foot cascade that's particularly impressive during snowmelt season. Take a photo, catch your breath, and appreciate that you've only gained about 500 feet. You've got 3,300 more to go.
Around mile 4, the Chapin Pass trailhead offers your first real rest opportunity. This is where I encountered my first of only two other cyclists on the entire ascent—a reminder that while Old Fall River Road is legendary among Colorado cyclists, it's still a relatively specialized challenge.
Endovalley: Where Things Get Serious
Mile 6 brings you into the upper portion of the Endovalley, and this is where the road starts showing its true character. The glacially-carved valley opens up dramatically, transitioning from dense montane forest to subalpine meadows. The wildlife viewing opportunities that made my winter hikes so memorable weren't as abundant on this summer ride—just various bird species rather than the foxes, rabbits, and elk I'd observed during those snowy treks years earlier.
Above Treeline: Where the Fun(?) Begins!
Once you clear the treeline—somewhere around 11,000 feet near Forest Canyon Overlook—everything changes. This is where Old Fall River Road stops being a challenging climb and becomes a genuine sufferfest. The wind picks up (though I got lucky with relatively calm conditions), the air gets noticeably thinner, and your body starts sending increasingly urgent messages about the lack of oxygen.
I had to stop more frequently in this section. Not because the gradient got impossibly steep, but because my sea-level-adapted lungs simply couldn't process what they needed from the thin mountain air. There's no shame in this—it's just physics. At 11,000+ feet, there's roughly 35% less oxygen than at sea level.
The final push to the Alpine Visitor Center involves several steep switchbacks where you might encounter snow patches even in July. The temperature differential is dramatic.
The Alpine Visitor Center: Oasis at 11,796 Feet
The Alpine Visitor Center marks the end of Old Fall River Road, but the climbing isn't over. The visitors center is the only place to get water along the entire route, and the restrooms are a welcome sight after hours in the saddle. I took a substantial break here, refueled, and prepared for the psychological challenge of more climbing ahead. The visitor's center is a great spot to warm up and add layers before your final push to the summit and begin your descent.
Yes, more climbing. While you've conquered Old Fall River Road, Trail Ridge Road has other plans for you.
Trail Ridge Road: The High Country Continues
The Climb Continues: Gore Range to Lava Cliffs
From the Alpine Visitor Center, Trail Ridge Road continues upward past Gore Range Overlook toward the route's actual high point. You'll climb through Iceberg Pass and past Rock Cut—an exposed section where alpine winds can be fierce and the ancient metamorphic geology becomes dramatically visible.
The final push to Lava Cliffs Overlook at 12,183 feet represents the apex of your suffering. This is genuine high-altitude cycling, where every pedal stroke is earned through sheer determination. The views are spectacular, but you might be too oxygen-deprived to appreciate them in the moment fully.
The Descent: 12 Miles of Brake-Burning Reality
What goes up must come down, and Trail Ridge Road's descent is both a reward and its own challenge, unlike the narrow, winding Old Fall River Road. Trail Ridge offers wider shoulders and better sight lines—but also higher speeds and significantly more vehicle traffic.
The descent requires careful brake management to avoid overheating your rotors, particularly through the steep sections approaching Rainbow Curve. I carried a spare set of brake pads just in case.
I was grateful for my Castelli Lightness 2 gloves during this section—the wind chill at speed would make bare hands miserable.
Essential Descent Gear and Strategy
Temperature management becomes critical on the descent. I wore a Castelli vest, arm warmers, and leg warmers for the first half of the descent and was glad I'd brought them. The temperature difference between climbing in the sun at moderate speeds and descending in the shade at 25+ mph is dramatic.
Stop at the scenic overlooks—Forest Canyon, Rainbow Curve, Many Parks Curve, not just for the views and photos, though they're spectacular. These stops let you rest your hands from constant braking, allow your brake rotors to cool, and give you a chance to warm up from the cold descent.
Gear That Worked (And Why It Mattered)
The Bike Setup
My Otso Waheela C proved ideal for this challenge. The geometry balanced climbing efficiency with descending confidence, and the tire clearance accommodated the 44mm Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass treads perfectly. These tires deserve special mention—their smooth tread rolled efficiently on pavement while providing enough grip for the gravel sections, and their supple construction absorbed road buzz without sacrificing performance.
Clothing Considerations
Layering is essential for this ride—it's survival equipment. The temperature range from start to finish can easily vary between 30 and 40 degrees, and that's before factoring in the wind chill during the descent. My kit included:
Castelli Lightness 2 gloves for the descent
Leg warmers, arm warmers, and a vest for temperature regulation
Base layer management for the climbing sections
Hydration Strategy
With only one water source at mile 11.5 (Alpine Visitor Center), carry more than you think you need. The combination of altitude, exertion, and dry mountain air creates serious dehydration potential.
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Attempt This Ride
This ride isn't a beginner's challenge. You need solid climbing fitness, experience with sustained efforts at altitude, and the mechanical skills to handle problems miles from help. The combination of elevation, distance, and technical descent demands respect.
That said, if you're an experienced cyclist looking for one of Colorado's most rewarding challenges, Old Fall River Road delivers. The one-way uphill traffic pattern makes the ascent safer than many mountain climbs, and the complete loop via Trail Ridge Road provides an epic day that few rides can match.
Practical Details
When to Go: Late June through September, with July and August offering the most reliable conditions. Start early (6:00-7:00 AM) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and heavy traffic.
Permits: None required for cycling, but Rocky Mountain National Park charges entrance fees.
Mechanical Support: None exists between the trailhead and Alpine Visitor Center. Carry tubes, tools, and a pump—or plan a very long walk.
Weather Considerations: Weather can change from sunny to dangerous in minutes above treeline. Check forecasts closely and turn back if storms approach.
Nutrition Strategy: Pack more food than you think you need. The combination of sustained effort and altitude burns through energy stores quickly. I carried fig bars for solid fuel, First Endurance Liquid Shot, and an envelope of First Endurance EFS powder to refill my bottles at the Alpine Visitor Center.
The Verdict: Every Pedal Stroke is Worth It.
My total moving time was 3 hours and 12 minutes. The entire journey lasted about five hours, including breaks, taking photos, and recovery time.
Was it difficult? Absolutely. The section above the treeline challenged every aspect of my fitness and mental toughness. However, as I coasted back into the West Alluvial Fan parking lot, I knew I had accomplished something extraordinary.
Ten years after those winter hikes planted the seed of this idea, I'd finally made good on my promise to ride Old Fall River Road. The views were spectacular, the challenge was genuine, and the sense of accomplishment was earned through every one of those 4,055 feet of elevation gain.
If you're considering this ride, my advice is simple: prepare thoroughly, respect the mountain, and when you're suffering through those final switchbacks below the Alpine Visitor Center, remember that the best adventures are the ones that push you beyond what you thought possible.
Just make sure you bring layers. And good brakes. You're going to need both.
The author completed this ride using personally-owned equipment. No compensation from manufacturers was received for this article.