Bike Home From Frisco, CO — Or Ride There for the Day
▼ 3,900 ft net descent to Denver Union Station
Frisco is the highest stop on the West Line and the best-connected place in Summit County for bikes — paved path in every direction, Loveland Pass and Boreas within reach, and a long descent home down I-70's frontage and the Clear Creek corridor.
🚲 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 looking at a 99-mile point-to-point heading north on all pavement, with about 8,822 ft of climbing stacked throughout the day. Expect moderate traffic on many of the main roads that connect the route, so plan your pacing and hydration accordingly for what's a long, serious day in the saddle.
Gravel bikegravel
Dirt where dirt is good, pavement where it isn't.
You're looking at an 86-mile point-to-point ride heading north with nearly equal parts paved and gravel, about 12,625 ft of climbing spread across the day. Half the surface is dirt, so expect to settle into a gravel rhythm for decent stretches, and the elevation will keep you honest throughout. Quiet roads mostly, with just a touch of traffic to navigate the connections.
Mountain bikemtb
Singletrack allowed — the trail gate opens for mountain bikes only.
You're looking at a serious 88-mile point-to-point heading north on a roughly even mix of paved and gravel, about 13,000 ft of climbing spread across the day. Quiet roads mostly, so you can focus on the work, which is substantial but distributed rather than front-loaded or saved for the end. Pack patience and fuel for the long haul.
Routes at the stop
Riding there rather than home? Start and finish at the bus.
Short spin
An hour to shake out the bus legs.
A quick 13.8-mile out-and-back on quiet pavement with about 323 ft of climbing spread across the ride. Nothing steep or sustained, just enough elevation to keep things interesting on what feels like a local favorite with almost no traffic.
Half day
The best half-day ride from the stop.
You're heading south on quiet gravel and pavement, climbing about 3,481 ft over 27 miles to a turnaround and back. Most of this ride is dirt, so pace yourself early because the elevation is substantial for the distance. All quiet roads with zero traffic.
Gravel ridegravel
Dirt roads out of town.
Head southwest on quiet roads, mixing pavement and gravel about evenly over nearly 29 miles. You're climbing about 4,713 ft across the ride, so pace accordingly for a sustained day. It's a loop that'll test your engine and your legs.