Gold Hill Road
Category 112.4 km
Distance
780 m
Elevation Gain
6.3%
Average Gradient
12%
Max Gradient
The steeper, sharper alternative to Lefthand Canyon and a favourite of Boulder's more aggressive training riders. The climb from Fourmile Canyon at the canyon mouth rises through the Fourmile Canyon area to the historic gold mining settlement of Gold Hill at 2,682m. The gradient is less consistent than Lefthand — a series of 9-12% ramps separated by brief recoveries gives the climb its character, rewarding riders who can punch over the hard sections rather than settle into a sustainable tempo. The road surface is narrower and less maintained than the canyon roads; some sections have significant gravel wash in spring. Gold Hill village itself (population approximately 200) is a genuine piece of Colorado mountain history: wooden storefronts, the Gold Hill Inn, and the Bluebird Lodge offer one of the more authentic post-climb experiences available within 15 miles of a major US city.
Pro Tip
Gold Hill is best climbed in the early morning before the unpaved upper section generates loose gravel in afternoon heat. The Bluebird Lodge in Gold Hill serves coffee and snacks on summer weekends from 10:00 AM — the kind of stop that turns a training ride into a proper outing. Combine with Lefthand Canyon in a single day for a legitimate 1,800m effort that tests Front Range fitness comprehensively.