Crested Butte News • Summer 2013 • 9
adventure. Mountain bike trails in the Crested Butte area are nothing short of stellar making for a true playground. They start in every direction and offer something for everyone–challenging climbs and descents, relatively flat and easy riverside tours and an ability to link up several of them into one tremendous day. Time spent pedaling into the backcountry–regardless of how fast or how far–is an experience that should not be missed–for its tranquility, the sights you will encounter and the fresh air. Always bring plenty of water and food. Singletrack trails range from the Dyke Trail and the classic 401, rides that will challenge the best riders, to the easily accessed Lower Loop north of town and Tonys’ Trail which leads to the Upper Loop east of town. While the singletracks are indeed unrivaled, there is no shortage of doubletrack, dirt roads that lead away from highways and houses and into the forest. Lakes, remnants of abandoned mining operations, and multitudes of creeks and rivers await. Doubletracks provide those who don’t have much experience on mountain bikes the opportunity to practice basic skills while still getting away from it all. Easily accessed doubletracks include Slate River Road (and on to Paradise Divide), Washington Gulch Road, Gothic Road from Mt. Crested Butte to the Gothic Townsite, Brush Creek Road, Cement Creek Road and Kebler Pass with the fork to Lake Irwin. The following is a mere sampling of all the existing rides. For more information on them and the many additional ones, go to any bike shop or outdoor shop for maps and guidebooks. Their knowledgable staffs will be able to be able to get you spinning in the right direction. Or simply call a local guide company for personal excursions.
Expert trails
Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadmans Ride from town for a good, flat eightmile warmup or drive up Cement Creek Road (Crested Butte South) to the bottom of the Deadmans switchbacks. This long ride entails a 2,700 feet cumulative elevation gain and a true challenge starting
Adventures
on mountain bikes: a sampling for all abilities
photo by
with a dirt road climb and on to a diverse array of singletrack before a 30-switchback descent back to Cement Creek Road. Teocalli Ridge Starting with a warmup ride from town out Brush Creek Road, it’s approximately 25 miles with 2,200 feet cumulative elevation gain. Plenty of intermediate and advanced singletrack make this a challenge. Steep climbs rewarded with long (and steep) descents. Trail 401 Widely known as a Crested Butte classic. Length depends on whether the start is Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte or just past Gothic at the Judd Falls trailhead. 2800 feet cumulative elevation gain starting with a steady climb to the top of Schofield Pass and then on to singletrack. The trail, with two early exits, officially ends at the upper Judd Falls trailhead. Steep climbs and descents, consistent and long downhills. Green Lake 10 miles round trip. 1,700 feet cumulative elevation gain. One of the more convenient rides around yet a difficult one despite its distance. The trailhead is located just south of town on the Bench. While not long in miles, this trail is consistently steep and challenging nearly the entire way to
the lake. But the lake provides a chance to cool off. And the downhill, it’s fast.
Intermediate Rides
Strand Hill 17 miles round trip from town out Brush Creek Road. 1,500 feet cumulative elevation gain. Once to the double track, it’s all up and then all down on spectacular singletrack. At the bottom, take a hard left onto the Canal trail for even more back down to Brush Creek Road. Some steep descents. Farris Creek 20 miles round trip from town up Brush Creek Road and past the entrance to Strand Hill. 1,400 feet cumulative elevation gain. A significant amount of doubletrack with steep, rocky descents/singletrack toward the end. Snodgrass Approximately 10 miles round trip from town. 900 feet cumulative elevation gain. One of Crested Butte’s most well-known trails. Offers some beautiful scenery and a chance for some of the best wildflower viewing around. Starts near the beginning of the dirt road to Gothic with steady climbs leading to rolling, mostly downhill singletrack to Washington Gulch Road. Open partial season only.
Alex Fenlon
Upper Loop These trails can be accessed from Mt. Crested Butte on Hunter Hill Road or by riding east of Crested Butte on Elk Avenue to Tonys’ Trail. While the Upper Loop has long stretches of beginner terrain, it also has its challenges which, depending on the experience level, may require some walking. The trail provides some of the best views of Crested Butte. A great afternoon excursion. Washington Gulch to Slate River 22 miles round trip from town. 2,000 feet cumulative elevation gain. Graded dirt road takes you west of town on Washington Gulch Road and returns to town via Slate River Road. No singletrack but a great tour of the backcountry with consistent climbing and descending. Once to Paradise Divide Road, it’s left to the Slate River or, for a quick and rewarding diversion, go right to the top of the divide.
Beginner Rides
Pittsburgh 16 miles round trip on Slate River Road. 800 feet cumulative elevation gain. This ride takes you out Slate River Road to the old Pittsburg Townsite. Entire ride is on a relatively flat dirt road along the Slate River. Throw a picnic lunch in a backpack and head out! The Lower Loop Ten miles round trip starting north of town on Peanut Lake Road (accessed from Butte Avenue). One of Crested Butte’s most popular trails, recently reopened to the public. An excellent choice for the novice or for those of you looking for a more mellow yet very scenic ride. Great for wildflower viewing. Some rocks may require getting off the bike. Brush Creek Road See a little of everything and go as far as you feel like on this road that starts just two miles south of Crested Butte. Creek crossings, peaks all around, plenty of places to eat a picnic lunch. The road gets progressively steeper and rougher as it leads on up toward Pearl Pass and more remote singletrack around the Friends Hut and Star Pass.
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