85 Mile

Distance: 84.2 Miles
Elevation: +3,906/ -3,907 ft
Max. Grade: 9.5%
Avg. Grade: 0.0%
Start/Finish: The Shops at Northfield – 8354 E 49th Ave #1740, Denver, CO 80238
Time: The departure window for all 85 Mile Riders will from 6:30am-7:00am

85-Mile Ride | Scenic Century Alternative
Skip the Steep, Keep the Views

Looking for a rewarding ride without the grueling climb up Lookout Mountain? The 85-mile route is your scenic alternative to the full century—offering spectacular views and urban adventure with 2,104 feet less climbing.

This route begins with a ride past iconic landmarks in Downtown Denver, including Union Station and Empower Field, before heading west toward Golden. Instead of scaling Lookout Mountain, you'll skirt its base and ascend Dinosaur Ridge—a gentler climb with sweeping vistas.

From there, you'll continue south past the stunning red rock formations of Morrison, glide through Bear Creek Lake Park (including a short but spirited climb up Mt. Carbon), and head on to the foothills of Deer Creek Canyon. The return takes you north and east through Littleton, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, and Central Park before finishing triumphantly back at Northfield.

The 85-mile course mirrors much of the 100-mile route and is ideal for cyclists looking to explore the parks, trails, lanes, and roads that encircle the Greater Denver Metro Area—without tackling the most demanding climb of the day.

Highlights:
Dinosaur Ridge • Red Rocks • Bear Creek Lake Park • Mt. Carbon • Deer Creek Canyon

Tip: This route is less demanding than the Full Century, but still a solid challenge. Log some miles and include moderate climbing in your training to prepare.

Challenge Level: 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

Like the 100 Mile route, the 85 Mile route is designed to help cyclists discover how easy it is to get out to the mountains by bike with the Downtown Denver skyline in full view and relish in the proximity of city and country. It highlights some of Denver’s bicycle commuter routes and casual riding areas, but this route joyfully eliminates the challenge of the climb UP Lookout Mountain as not everyone has the need to climb like a mountain goat. Below is a photo tour of a few things you may see on the route:

6:30am – 7:00am: All 85 Mile cyclists start

**All cyclists riding the 85 MUST be through Aid Station #1 by 8:1510am. Any cyclists remaining at Aid Station #1 after 9:30am will be directed to ride the 25 mile route. This is for rider safety; after 9:30am there will be no Denver Police Department support along the longer routes.

If a rider does not make the 50 mile split at W Florida Ave. and S Pierce St. by  9:45AM (mile 19.6) they will be directed to Continue straight on S Pierce St. and continue on the 50 mile route.

4:00pm – The 85 mile course closes