Boreas Pass climb is a bucket list bike route

Challenge yourself to a great gravel grind following the old rail route out of Breckenridge

Photos and cycling tips by Chris Stark

Boreas Pass Road winds uphill from Breckenridge along a former railroad route to become a seasonal route for vehicles, hikers and cyclists. 

Once it opens in late fall, it offers beautiful views while climbing over the Continental Divide and dropping down to the historic railroad community of Como, which is on U.S. Highway 285, about 10 miles north of Fairplay. 

It has become a favorite of gravel grinders. Given the railroad grade it follows, the route is not especially steep, but is still a challenge because of the elevation and surface. Veteran Colorado news and feature photographer Chris Stark took on the challenge, lived to tell the tale and shared his images. 

Fitness – Boreas Pass from the trailhead to Como and back is nearly 35 miles. The difficulty of the ride will depend on your fitness level and ability to ride at altitude. The average grade is around 3 percent so it may seem easy at first glance, but the entire ride is above 9,850 feet and tops out near 11,500 feet, so it’s no joke. Riding at altitude makes it difficult to recover even after short efforts, so moderate your pace and take breaks. If you’ve never ridden at these altitudes, consider attempts at lower altitudes first. 

Equipment – A well-maintained gravel bike or mountain bike is recommended. You’ll encounter some rough patches so tire width is a consideration to avoid flats and the rougher ride of skinny tires. I rode a 40-millimeter tubeless tire setup and had no difficulties, but always prepare for the worst. Have a spare tube or two, tools for trailside repairs and a pump.

Timing – Weather in the Rockies is always a question mark. Check the forecast and plan around storms and fires if possible. Prepare for colder weather by bringing layers and rain gear. Check the fire forecast. The day I went, smoke from a nearby fire filled the valley below. Winds quickly blew out the smoke before my start but be ready to postpone if it’s unsafe or weather makes the ride miserable. 

Hydration/Food – Drink lots of water before you ride at higher elevations. More importantly, drink lots of water while at elevation. Efforts like this require 20-30 ounces of water per hour. You will be out in nature for hours so bring all the water you need in a hydration pack or be prepared to filter and treat water from a nearby creek if you have the means. Eat tried-and-true food that you know works for you and eat consistently throughout the ride. Trying out a new energy bar on a ride like this might lead to stomach problems, which is not what you want miles from home. 

Reason – Something to consider is the reason you’re doing a trip like this. For me, it was a chance to revisit a route I’d done five years previous to see how well I would do solo. If it’s just for fun, consider bringing friends along who are of a similar fitness level and you can share the views and adventure together. Boreas Pass is relatively busy during the summer and some vehicle traffic should be expected. Weekdays offer a more serene experience so if you’re looking for a quiet outing, avoid weekends. Camping along the road is allowed so consider an overnight option to test out your bike packing skills. 

A Colorado-based photographer with a rich history in photojournalism, sports and wedding photography, Stark now focuses on capturing cherished family moments that allow you to relive your most significant milestones. When not behind the camera, he enjoys brewing seasonal beers, exploring Colorado’s backroads and hiking with my wife Jane. Click here to learn more and contact Chris.