Local Rides
Where to Ride?
We’ve mapped out some of the best local routes—just pick a ride and go.
🏔️ Pikes Peak Highway
Start your ride from Open Road Rentals and head toward one of the most iconic roads in Colorado—the legendary Pikes Peak Highway. This fully paved mountain road climbs over 7,000 feet in elevation as you make your way to the 14,115 ft summit of Pikes Peak.
The ride up is packed with sweeping curves, switchbacks, and nonstop views 🌄. You’ll pass through forests, climb above the tree line, and eventually reach a high-alpine landscape that feels completely different from where you started.
At the top, the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is worth the stop 🏔️—offering 360° views, food and drinks, restrooms, and a chance to take it all in before heading back down.
⚠️ Important: Timed entry reservations are required for this highway. Be sure to book your entry in advance before heading out. You can BOOK HERE.
🌡️ Pro Tip: Conditions change fast with elevation. It might be warm and sunny at the shop but cold, windy—or even snowy—at the summit. Bring layers and be prepared for anything.
⭐ Why riders love it:
🏔️ Bucket-list ride to a 14,000+ ft summit
🛣️ Fully paved with incredible mountain curves
🌄 Massive views the entire way up
📸 Iconic photo spots and scenic pull-offs
☕ Summit Visitor Center experience at the top
📍 VIEW MAP
🏔️ Cripple Creek Route
Ride out from Open Road Rentals and head west into the mountains, cruising through the forested roads of Woodland Park 🌲 before continuing into the quiet mountain town of Divide 🏞️.
From there, the ride opens up with sweeping curves and big views as you loop down toward historic Cripple Creek ⛏️—a former gold mining town turned mountain getaway. Expect smooth pavement, light traffic, and some of the best riding roads in the area 🛣️.
On the way back, you’ll wind through scenic stretches with wide-open views of the surrounding peaks and valleys 🌄, making this a perfect half-day ride that feels like a full Colorado experience.
⭐ Why riders love it:
🌲 Smooth, flowing mountain roads
🏔️ Great mix of forest + open views
🚦 Easy navigation with minimal traffic
👍 Perfect step up from beginner routes
🏔️ Colorado BDR
The Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR) is one of the most iconic off-road rides in the country—linking high alpine passes, remote dirt roads, and some of the best scenery Colorado has to offer.
From our shop, you’re perfectly positioned to ride it.
You can access the middle sections near Buena Vista in under 2 hours, putting you right into the heart of the route without needing a long haul or trailer. That means more time riding and less time getting there.
Whether you’re looking to tackle a full multi-day BDR adventure or just experience a section for the day, this is one of the best ways to ride real Colorado.
Why it’s a must-ride:
High mountain passes and alpine views
Remote dirt and gravel roads
Flexible ride options (day trips or multi-day)
Direct access from our location
Good to know:
Best suited for ADV / dual-sport bikes
Conditions change quickly (weather, elevation, terrain)
Not beginner terrain — some sections are challenging
🏔️ San Juan Skyway Loop
Take off from Open Road Rentals and head west into one of the most legendary rides in Colorado—the San Juan Skyway Loop. This fully paved route is a 2–3 day roundtrip adventure that winds through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the state.
You’ll ride through iconic towns like Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango, carving through high alpine passes, deep canyons, and endless sweeping curves 🌄. Every stretch of this loop feels different—tight mountain roads, open valleys, and jaw-dropping views around every corner.
One of the highlights is the famous Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton—known for its cliffs, switchbacks, and unreal scenery. It’s one of the most unforgettable motorcycle roads in the country.
Expect a full experience—this isn’t a quick ride. Plan time to stop, explore, grab food, and take it all in. The loop is best enjoyed over 2–3 days so you’re not rushing through it.
🌡️ Pro Tip: You’ll be riding through high elevations, so conditions can change fast. It may be warm at the shop but cooler (or even cold) in the mountains. Bring layers and ride prepared.
⭐ Why riders love it:
🏔️ One of Colorado’s most iconic multi-day rides
🛣️ Fully paved with endless curves and elevation changes
🌄 Massive mountain views the entire loop
🏘️ Ride through historic mountain towns
📸 Bucket-list roads like the Million Dollar Highway
🗺️ Perfect 2–3 day riding adventure
📍 VIEW MAP
🏔️ Gold Camp Road
Start your ride right from Open Road Rentals and head into the foothills above Colorado Springs for one of the most unique rides in the area. This route quickly climbs into the mountains, offering incredible overlook views back down over the city 🌆 as you make your way toward the historic Gold Camp Road.
As you continue, the pavement gives way to sections of dirt, adding a more adventurous feel to the ride 🏔️. You’ll pass through several old tunnels carved into the mountainside—one of the most memorable parts of this route 🚇. The dirt sections are manageable, but best suited for ADV or off-road capable bikes.
You can also run this route in reverse by heading up North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a fully paved climb with tons of pull-offs and hiking access along the way 🌲. At the top, you’ll find the popular Seven Bridges Trail—a great spot to stretch your legs with more mountain views.
Ride it straight through or take your time stopping for hikes, photos, and overlooks—this route is all about flexibility and exploring at your own pace.
⭐ Why riders love it:
🌆 Amazing views overlooking Colorado Springs
🚇 Ride through historic mountain tunnels
🏔️ Mix of paved + easy dirt roads
🥾 Access to popular hikes like Seven Bridges Trail
🔄 Flexible route—ride it fast or take your time exploring
🏔️ Independence Pass
Start your ride from Open Road Rentals and head west toward one of Colorado’s most iconic high-alpine roads—Independence Pass. This fully paved ride takes you deep into the Rockies, climbing to over 12,000 feet as you cross the Continental Divide.
The ride is packed with tight curves, narrow sections, and nonstop views 🌄. As you climb, you’ll move from forested roads into rugged alpine terrain with towering peaks, steep drop-offs, and unforgettable scenery around every turn.
At the top, Independence Pass offers incredible photo opportunities 📸 and a true high-mountain experience before descending toward Aspen or turning back to complete the ride.
This route is perfect as a 1 to 1.5 day roundtrip, giving you time to enjoy the ride without rushing—and maybe grab a stop in Leadville or Buena Vista along the way.
⚠️ Important: The road is narrow in sections with no guardrails and limited shoulder space. Ride within your limits and be prepared for changing conditions.
🌡️ Pro Tip: Weather changes fast at elevation. It might be warm at the shop but significantly colder (and windy) at the top. Bring layers and be ready for anything.
⭐ Why riders love it:
🏔️ Cross the Continental Divide at 12,000+ ft
🛣️ Fully paved with tight curves and elevation changes
🌄 High-alpine views and dramatic mountain scenery
📸 Epic photo stops at the summit
🏕️ Great full day riding adventure - or can break up and do an overnight
📍 VIEW MAP
🏔️ Bishop Castle
If you want a ride that feels remote, scenic, and just a little different from the typical tourist routes, this is it. The ride to Bishop Castle takes you south out of Colorado Springs and into wide open valleys, rolling hills, and quiet mountain roads that most visitors never see.
You’ll cruise through towns like Florence and Wetmore before the terrain starts to tighten up and the scenery really opens. The roads are fully paved the entire way, making this a perfect ride for cruisers, touring bikes, and newer riders who want something longer without dealing with dirt.
The destination itself is what makes this ride stand out. Bishop Castle is a one-of-a-kind, hand-built stone structure tucked deep in the forest—completely free to explore and unlike anything else in Colorado. Climb the towers, walk the iron bridges, and take in views you won’t get anywhere else.
This is about a 3-hour round trip ride from the shop, making it an easy half-day adventure. It’s smooth, scenic, and just far enough off the beaten path to feel like you actually went somewhere.
🏔️ Phantom Canyon Road
If you want one ride that shows off everything Colorado has to offer—tight canyon roads, mountain views, and a little off-road adventure—this is it. The Phantom Canyon Loop is one of the best all-around rides you can do from Colorado Springs.
You’ll head south toward Cañon City before climbing into the mountains and hitting the highlight of the ride—Phantom Canyon Road. This section mixes pavement with well-maintained dirt, winding through a narrow canyon with cliffs, old rail tunnels, and sweeping views the entire way.
From there, the route takes you through Victor and Cripple Creek, where you’ll climb higher into the mountains before looping back through Woodland Park and returning to the shop.
This is about a 4-hour loop and roughly 110–120 miles depending on your exact route. It’s ideal for riders who want more than just pavement but aren’t looking for anything too technical. The dirt sections are scenic and manageable, but you’ll want to be comfortable on mixed terrain.
If you’re renting an adventure bike, this is the ride that actually justifies it.
