Bike Home From Empire, CO — Or Ride There for the Day
▼ 3,414 ft net descent to Denver Union Station
A flag stop at the bottom of Berthoud Pass — short, steep, and the quickest way to buy yourself a big descent without a long day in the saddle. Flag stops are request-only; be visible and be early.
🚲 2 rack spaces guaranteed — more usually fit underneath
Bustang's published limit is two bikes on the rack, first-come first-served, with no reservations. In practice the under-bus luggage bay takes more: riders regularly get three or four bikes on a mountain run. Mountain bikes go in with the front wheel off; gravel bikes sometimes fit the rack as-is.
- Take an early departure — the bay fills with luggage later in the day.
- Pull your front wheel before you get to the curb, especially on a mountain bike.
- A group of four should plan to split across two departures if the bay is full.
- Nothing comes inside the cabin, and nobody is responsible for damage. Pack accordingly.
Rack rules:
Bustang FAQ. Real-world capacity from riders who have done it — treat the bay as likely, not guaranteed.
The ride back to Union Station
Same start, same finish, three different bikes — the route changes with what you are riding, not just the surface mix. All three finish at Denver Union Station; plan it to your own address if you live somewhere else.
Road bikeroad
Pavement the whole way, on the quietest roads that still go where you're going.
You're heading north on pavement for nearly 60 miles with about 4,689 ft of climbing, so expect a steady day in the saddle. The traffic exposure runs a bit high at over half, so pick your timing carefully on the main roads. This one's a point-to-point, so arrange your return or have a shuttle ready at the finish.
Gravel bikegravel
Dirt where dirt is good, pavement where it isn't.
This one-way point-to-point heads north on a mix of pavement and gravel, about 28 miles of dirt woven through the route. You're looking at roughly 4,683 ft of climbing over 50 miles, so expect a day that demands respect, with some road exposure on the connecting stretches. Pack for distance and elevation, and plan your finish point before you start.
Mountain bikemtb
Singletrack allowed — the trail gate opens for mountain bikes only.
You're rolling north on a one-way point-to-point that mixes 70% pavement with 30% gravel, about 53 miles total and nearly 5,000 ft of climbing. Expect a short stretch of moderate traffic to connect the quieter sections. This is a serious day in the saddle with real elevation, so pace accordingly from the gun.
Routes at the stop
Riding there rather than home? Start and finish at the bus.
Half day
The best half-day ride from the stop.
You're looking at 34 miles of mixed terrain with about 6,204 ft of climbing, mostly on pavement but with good gravel sections mixed in. The riding heads out with moderate traffic exposure on connecting roads, so expect some busier stretches between the quieter stuff. This one's a proper workout with substantial elevation, so pace yourself early and settle in for the climb.
Gravel ridegravel
Dirt roads out of town.
You're looking at a serious northeast gravel mission with nearly 8,100 ft of climbing packed into 36 miles, so pace yourself on the way out. About half paved, half dirt, with the climbing stacked heavily in the second half when your legs are already tired. All quiet roads, so you can focus on the work ahead.