Cycling Guide - Salida, CO - Buena Vista, CO - Leadville, CO by J Wolfe

S ALIDA • B UENA V ISTA • L EADVILLE

YCLING C GUIDE EVENTS

FAMILY RIDES

TRAIL MAPS

2015

A FREE PUBLICATION

FROM

CYCLING GUIDE 2015 1 ARKANSAS VALLEY PUBLISHING

Sales • Rentals • Knowledge • Service • Guided Tours

WE’VE GOT IT ALL. 719-539-9295 • AbsoluteBikes.com 330 West Sackett Ave. Salida, Colorado Since 1999

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

GUIDE CONTENTS Area Dining Grid Quick Ride Guide Lake County Chaffee County Events Trail 100 MTB Monarch Crest Enduro Features Road Cycling Backcountry Tips Bikepacking Gravel Grinders Cloud City Wheelers

44 17 18 5 9 8 31 12 32 20

Upper Arkansas Valley Cycling Guide © 2015 by Arkansas Valley Publishing Co., 125 E. 2nd St., Salida, Co. 81201. All rights reserved. Use of any part of this publication requires prior, written permission from the publisher. The Upper Arkansas Valley Cycling Guide is a special edition of The Mountain Mail in Salida, The Chaffee County Times in Buena

Trails Regional Map 24 Arkansas Hills 11 Trail System Mineral Belt Trail 15 Timberline Trail 16 Methodist 29 Trail System Colorado Trail 33 Monarch Crest Trail 34 St Elmo/ 37 Alpine Tunnel Buena Vista 38-39 Colorado Trail 40-41 Castle Rock Gulch 42 Midland Trail 43 Twin Lakes 45 Turquoise Lake 46 Tennessee Pass 47

A b s o l u t e l y t h e R i d e o f Yo u r L i fe ! !

SHUTTLE SERVICES

We ’ l l Ge t ! Yo u T h e r e SHUTTLE SERVICES TO:

WE SERVICE

• Monarch Crest • Rainbow Trail • Bear Creek • Silver Creek • Marshall Pass • Raspberry gulch

MONARCH CREST TRAIL RATED ONE OF THE

TOP TEN RIDES IN THE NATION!

6250 Hwy 285 South PONCHA SPRINGS

Vista and the Herald Democrat in Leadville. It is distributed free of charge throughout the region made possible by the advertisers herein. Note: All maps represented herein are based on current information and provide general information to readers. AVP does not guarantee their accuracy. Please consult other map sources for topographical and other related information.

719-539-6089 CUSTOM SHUTTLES Reservations Recommended Walk-Ins Welcome! Permit with San Isabel National Forest Equal Opportunity Service Provider

GAS • GROCERIES DELI • PUB with an

Outdoor Patio

www.monarchcrest.com CYCLING GUIDE 2015

REGIONAL CYCLING EVENTS by D.J. DeJong Mail Copy Editor ShinDig Trail Work Day Salida, monthly on the second Saturday, salidamountaintrails.org/events Salida Mountain Trails repairs and creates new trails in the area. The group provides tools, guidance and an after-work barbecue. All you need to bring are hats, work gloves, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water and anything else you need for several hours of work. Mountain Bike Rides Leadville, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m., cloudcitywheelers.com Todd Wells crosses the finish line, taking first place in the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race in 2014. Marcia Martinek photo.

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

EVENTS continued, page 6

Hundreds of racers start the climb up Dutch Henry Hill during the 2014 Silver Rush 50 mountain bike race, part of the Leadville Race Series.

TRAIL 100 MTB

Family returns to legendary series by Greg Ellison Herald Staff Writer

his year’s Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race takes place on Aug. 15. The race, which begins at 10,152 feet, offers riders an uphill journey to an eventual peak of 12,424 feet. Entry in to the race is awarded through a lottery drawing. Race Director Josh Colley said from the beginning, the goal of the bike and run marathons was to aid Leadville. “The entire race series was started in 1983 to help and benefit this community,” he said. The race starts at 6:30 a.m. from Sixth Street and Harrison. The ninehour cutoff for gold and silver trophy buckles is at 3:30 p.m. The 12-hour cutoff to complete the race and receive a silver buckle is 6:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will be at the high school at 7:30 a.m., Aug. 16. Year by year the competition whittles the winning time lower. “The course record of 6:04 will drop below six hours soon,” he said. Colley said vendors will be in a new location from previous years and any interested parties are welcome to look around. “Our expo and finish fest will be held on the west side of Harrison starting by 10 a.m. and winding down around 5 p.m.,” he said.

Colley said he gives the same advice each year. “One thing we can’t stress enough to our athletes is that they will be experiencing severe weather and temperature changes,” he said. “Bring enough equipment and clothes to be prepared for the altitude.” If you missed the lottery drawing and would still like to take part in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB all hope is not lost. There will be two Camp of Champions held on July 1-4 and July 5-8. Participants can take part in the training camp and for an additional fee can enter the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. Registration is limited to 75 people per camp and limited spots are still available. The camps are led by six-time Leadville Trail 100 MTB champion Dave Wiens, four-time winner Rebecca Rusch, 20-time finisher Todd Murray, 2007 female champ Gretchen Reeves and the 2013 Silver Rush 50 MTB winner Leadvillite Christy Lindh. Campers get to ride, dine and socialize with numerous race veterans. Particular focus will be given on the more challenging sections, such as Powerline, St. Kevins and the Columbine Climb. Another way to make the Trail 100 MTB is to compete in one or more mountain bike qualifying races held across the country.

Still upcoming are the Wilmington Whiteface in the Adirondacks on June 7, the Fire Road in Utah on June 27 and the Tahoe Trail in Northstar, Calif., on July 18. Top finishers receive a gold coin, which grants entry to the Trail 100 MTB. Those who finish the race within the accepted time range are entered into a lottery held after each qualifying race for additional starting spots. The Silver Rush 50 MTB will be held on July 11. As of press time, slots were still available. Organizers say the race is half the length of the Trail 100 MTB, but devoid of less challenging sections. The race begins at 9 a.m. from the base of Dutch Henry Hill where it also concludes. At 5:30 p.m. an awards ceremony will be held at the race site. There is an eight-hour time limit along with a four-and-a-half-hour cutoff at the halfway point. A new race added this year is the Leadville Stage Race July 24-26. It takes place on the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course, but over a three-day period. Colley said people of all ability ranges take part in the bike races, from novices to experienced veterans. “Three guys are competing in their 22nd consecutive Trail 100 MTB,” he said. “We want people to come back, so we treat them like family.”

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

Previous Ride the Rockies cyclists on their way to Aspen via Twin Lakes. Courtesy photo. EVENTS continued from page 4

Meet at the Cycles of Life bike shop in downtown Leadville for evening rides. All skill levels are welcome. FIBArk Cruiser Crit Salida, May TBD, fibark.net In this popular race in downtown Salida, cruiser-style bikes ride through closed streets and alleys in a fund-raiser for the FIBArk Whitewater Festival held each June. Costumes are encouraged, and a parade lap and a kids’ race precede the adult race. Rule the Roost Bike Race Buena Vista, May 24, ckspaddlefest.com The inaugural PaddleFest Rule the Roost Bike Race is a fun yet challenging bike race through 31.1 miles of the Buena Vista Trail System, including portions of the River Park Trails, Whipple Trails, the Broken Boyfriend, the Midland Grade, and incorporates the newest trails, the Fist Full Of Dollars and the Django Loops. The race has a moderate amount of elevation gain. Buena Vista Bike Fest Buena Vista to Leadville, June 6, bvbf.org The 100-mile “century route” takes a scenic road tour 6

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

north from Buena Vista to Leadville and back, with plenty of rest stops and the last 40 miles all downhill. Riders can choose shorter routes of 35, 50 and 62 miles. A post-ride party with live music and refreshments follows in McPhelemy Park in Buena Vista. Salida Big Friggin Loop Salida, June 6, coloradoes.wordpress.com Single-track, high elevation, backcountry self-supported endurance epic. Ride the base loop or the long loop. The long loop passes through the ghost town of Futurity (with brief hike-a-bike). There will be a time deduction for the first 20 long loop riders to pass through Futurity who are able to find a special Futurity Chip. Instructions about where to look for the chips when in Futurity will be given during the riders’ meeting. Both loops begin and end in Salida.

Ride the Rockies Grand Junction to Westcliffe, June 13-20, ridetherockies. com In its 30th year, RTR will visit two natural wonders in the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa, ascend Cottonwood and Hardscrabble Pass, travel over LeadvilleHerald.com

the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and traverse the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Day 5 includes the 13-mile dirt ascent of Cottonwood Pass into Buena Vista, to Mount Princeton Hot Springs and into Salida. Day 6 begins in Salida and ends in Cañon City. Highlights of the day include the infamous “Wall,” Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. FIBArk Mountain Bike Races Salida, June 21, fibark.net and salidarec.com/fibark Part of “America’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival,” FIBArk mountain bike races are run on the Salida Mountain Trails system. Beginner race, sport race, expert race, single speed and the kids’ race are included. All races take place on the Arkansas Hills Trail System; course length and difficulty depends on race category. Each begins in downtown Salida at the F Street Bridge. Colorado Classic Double Century Ride Buena Vista, July 11, coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com This is part of the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club 2015 Colorado Triple Crown Series. The ride captures the essence of road cycling in Colorado with high-altitude climbs, mountain descents and long sections of dirt and gravel roads. Registration is limited to the first 50 preregistered riders. Registration closes July 9. Distance is 243 miles, climbing 16,000-plus feet with a time limit of 20 hours. RMCC membership is required to participate in this event. Silver Rush 50 MTB Leadville, July 11, leadvilleraceseries.com This challenging race is the Leadville 100 cut in half with the easy parts taken out. It takes racers through the historic mining district on the east side of Leadville passing many historic gold and silver mines. The 50-mile out-and-back course is loaded with tough, technical descents. Silver King and Silver Queen Leadville, July 11-12, leadvillerace-

series.com Two days of exhilarating challenges in both the July 11 Silver Rush 50 Mountain Bike Race and the July 12 Silver Rush 50 Run. Earn the titles with the fastest combined time. Tri-It-High Triathlon and Du-It-High Duathlon Leadville, July 18-19, lakecountyco. com/recreation/triathlon Options for various ability levels and breathtaking views highlight these popular summer events. The traditional Sprint Triathlon on July 19 consists of a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run. An Olympic option for the triathlon is available. The duathlon is a 5-kilometer run, a 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run. A separate youth triathlon will take place July 18. Swim events are at the Lake County Swimming Pool, and biking and running are staged in wooded areas surrounding Leadville. Courage Classic Leadville, July 18-20, couragetours. com This 3-day event, which starts and ends at Copper Mountain, raises funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado. The first day’s base route travels from Copper to Climax Mine/Fremont through Leadville to Ski Cooper/Tennessee Pass to Camp Hale to Minturn to Bottom of Vail to Top of Vail (Black Lakes) back to Copper at a distance of 80 miles. Day 2 base route goes from Copper to Frisco to Dillon to Keystone to Swan Mountain to Frisco and back to Copper at a distance of 42 miles Day 3 base route is 31 miles long and goes from Copper to Breckenridge and back to Copper. All three days feature optional routes. Salida 3-Day Classic Salida, July 17-19, salidaclassic.com This three-event road race, formerly the Salida Omnium, attracts elite and amateur racers from throughout the region. An omnium is a road race with a unique awards system in which points earned, rather than cumulative time, determine the winner. The race

includes three stages: a time trial, road race and a spectator-friendly criterium in downtown Salida. Leadville Stage Race Leadville, July 24-26, leadvilleraceseries.com Open to individuals and teams, this involves racing the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course, but over a three-day period. Stage 1 is 42 miles, stage 2 is 16 miles and Stage 3 is 42 miles. The faastest riders have a chance to earn spots in the LT100. Copper Triangle Copper Mountain and Leadville, Aug. 1, coppertriangle.com One of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides, this noncompetitive tour is a spectacular 78-mile loop with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet, starting and finishing in Copper Mountain. It crosses Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass and Vail Pass in one day and passes through Leadville. This ride benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation in support of Parkinson’s research. Leadville Trail 100 Leadville, Aug. 15, leadvilletrail100. com One of the most famous ultradistance mountain bike races in the world, the 50-mile out-and-back course offers grueling high-altitude terrain for competitors and spectacular Arkansas valley scenery. Registration for the event closed in February, but many opportunities will be available for spectators to take in the excitement. USA Pro Challenge Aug, 17-23, usaprocyclingchallenge.com The USA ProChallenge returns to the mountains again this year with routes including a Stage 4 run from Aspen to Breckenridge. Vapor Trail 125 Salida, Sept. 12-13, vaportrail125. com This grueling endurance race is toutEVENTS continued, page 30

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

ROAD CYCLING Ride these highway routes to get started Salida-area county roads: Just west of Salida, CRs 120, 140 and 160 provide off-highway rides. For a 14-mile loop from downtown, head west on CR 160, Crestone Blvd., by Salida Golf Club, out to Frantz Lake, then to U.S. 285. Turn south on 285 up Hurricane Hill and head east on CR 140, passing Harriet Alexander Field, and on down Airport Hill. For another option, turn north at CR 160/285 to CR 291 back to Salida. Monarch Pass, 21 miles one-way: West from Salida on U.S. 50, it's an elevation gain of 4,200 feet to the top of the pass at 11,312 feet. The last 7 miles are a relentless climb. Early mornings are best before traffic builds. Poncha Springs to Villa Grove, 21.5 miles one-way: From Poncha Springs, head south on U.S. 285. Poncha Pass is gentle as passes go, topping out at 9,010 feet, an elevation gain of 1,500 feet from town. Once you are over the pass about 3 miles, the shoulder narrows from 2 to 3 feet to about 18 inches all the way to Villa Grove. The Villa Grove General Store provides snacks or lunch. Buena Vista - Mount Princeton Nathrop, 22 miles: Head south from BV on CR 321, Rodeo Road (no shoulder), to Mount Princeton. The short descent to the hot springs is steep, so take care. Then head east on CR 162 to Nathrop and return to BV via U.S. 285.

TheMountainMail.com

BV-Leadville-BV, 74 miles: U.S. 24 offers a decent shoulder to Balltown and about a 20-inch shoulder on into Leadville, where the 12-mile Mineral Belt Trail or the Turquoise Lake Loop are fun choices. Independence Pass, 25 miles: Starting from the U.S. 24-Colo. 82 intersection at Balltown, the route passes Twin Lakes and the town site of Twin Lakes (don't blink) on up to 12,095 feet. Views are terrific, particularly the last 4 miles to the top. Pavement is so-so. North of Twin Lakes the shoulder narrows and in spots disappears.

For longer loops we suggest: Those wanting an ultra, training for a brevet series or for 2-day road trips, try these routes. Be sure to carry ChaffeeCountyTimes.com LeadvilleHerald.com

Cottonwood Pass, 21 miles one-way: West from Buena Vista's traffic light, the road gains 4,200-plus feet to the 8

top at 12,126 feet, with some rolling ups and downs. With two stretches of 10 percent grades of a mile each, this is one tough ride. The rewards are spectacular mountain scenery, relatively light traffic, a half-dozen hairpins and good pavement, which make Cottonwood a locals' favorite.

lights, rain gear and a ton of water, since convenience stores can be sparse. North Pass: From Salida, head west on U.S. 50 over Monarch Pass to Parlin; turn south on Colo. 114 and the gradual ascent over North or Cochetopa Pass. It's a narrow but generally quiet road to Saguache, then it's U.S. 285 back to Poncha Springs and Salida. Heading out, stock up on water at Monarch Crest or the bottom of the pass at Sargents. There are no services again until Saguache, unless you detour to Gunnison, 8 miles each way. 160 miles. Poncha-Gunnison-Cottonwood-Buena Vista: Head west on U.S. 50 over Monarch Pass to Gunnison, take Colo. 135 north to Almont, veer right onto Taylor River Road, then east up the Cottonwood Pass Road. The west side to the top is not paved, but hard packed and treated for dust, making it passable on a road bike. It's a scream to BV. No services from Almont to BV. About 175 miles.

ENDURO

CHALLENGES by J.D. Thomas Mail Staff Writer

chance for an enduro experience will be coming to the Salida area with the Monarch Crest Enduro Oct. 2-4. The event features five stages with 14,000 feet of timed descending. All five stages start above 10,200 feet, with Stage 3 starting at 12,600 feet. The payout for first place is $1,200, second place is $1,000, third place is $800, fourth is $650 and fifth is $500. It will begin at Starvation Creek in the morning and Silver Creek in the afternoon. Riders will be shuttled to Marshall Pass and ride about a mile to the start of Stage 1 at Starvation Creek trailhead. There is a 8.5-mile self transfer between the two stages with approximately 1,000 feet of climbing

to Silver Creek. Keith Darner, owner/race director of Chocolate Bunny Productions, said challenging transitions will be in store, especially on Day 2 with over an hour hike-a-bike to the start of the stage. However, racers will be rewarded with “ripping single-track descents.” Day 3 will start on Canyon Creek Trail (west side of Monarch Pass). Riders will be shuttled to the Snow Blind Campground on Forest Service Road 888 (Tomichi Creek Road). From there, racers will transfer themselves to the top of Granite Mountain (12,500 feet). This transfer is approximately two hours, an hour ride and then an hour hike-a-bike. Day 4 will start with Greens Creek in the morning and South Fooses in the afternoon. Racers will be shuttled to the top of Monarch Pass and then transferred to the start of Greens Creek for the race stage. They will be shuttled back up to the top of Monarch Pass again and transfer themselves to the top of South Fooses for Stage 5.

“After 30 years of riding, racing, coaching and promoting in the mountain bike industry, I have seen the race scene come full circle with enduro. Racers are seeking out big adventures in the backcountry that the best all-around rider will prevail in,” said Darner. “My goal is to take my experience from event production and the Monarch Crest area and deliver an event that is both fun and memorable, with people saying ‘this is what mountain bike racing should be.” Registrations take place on imathlete.com and start at $375 for amateurs. Entry fee includes start position in all five stages, buffet dinner each night, Western-style short sleeve shirt, socks, four shuttle rides to the Continental Divide, free access to live music, all the beer you can drink and all the bacon you can eat. For more details on registration and cancellation, visit chocolatebunnyproductions.com. For more information, contact keith@chocolatebunnyproductions.com or call (719) 221-1251.

W h e n Yo u ’ r e T h i n k i n g A b o u t Yo u r N e x t M o v e . . .

Think PINON

Providing all your real estate needs including: Buying or Selling Your Home, Commercial Property, Vacant Land, Vacation Rentals and Property Management

www.PinonRealEstate.com 201 F Street Salida CO 81201 719 539 0200 CYCLING GUIDE 2015

SALIDA MOUNTAIN TRAILS New mountain bike trails added to system Cottonwood replaces an eroded but heavily used social trail, and SMT received a $72,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant – the largest SMT has ever received for a trail project – for the project to officially bring the continuation of Cottonwood into the system. Until then, riders heading south from CR 181 will have to take CR 173, about 3 miles south of the trailhead. The project also includes building a parking lot for an by Ryan Summerlin official trailhead at CR 181. Mail Staff Writer Once Cottonwood is complete, riders will have a continuous trail rising close to 2,000 feet from the CR 181 Salida Mountain Trails continues expanding Salida’s parking lot all the way back to Salida. trail systems, adding two expansive trails to the Arkansas A rider can take CR 175 north to achieve the climb on Hills and proposing 12 new miles of trail for the Methodist a non-technical road. “From there Cottonwood will be a Mountain Trail System. twisty, turny traditional single-track trail for the advanced Soon to be the Arkansas Hills’ longest trail, Cottonwood rider,” said Shawn Gillis of SMT. “As the trail begins to stretches clear to CR 181. A 3-mile section just south of drop down, you’re able to vary your speeds and work on CR 173 is still under construction but should be finished handling skills.” by the end of this summer, said Rickie Redland of Salida Cottonwood will be closed from north of CR 173 from Mountain Trails. Dec. 15 to March 15 to make way for deer and elk. Volunteers for il ARKANSAS HILLS Tra Ute Outdoor Colorado is 75 1 CR TRAIL SYSTEM coming out to work on Cottonwood in June and September, bringing 65 to ne 75 volunteers, said o b ck Ba Redland. th r No Pauli The second new Spira l Dr. trail is Sweet Dreams, Uncle the southernmost of the Arkansas Hills Water Tank Pablano CR trails. 17 6 Ha Sweet Dreams is tch Bu designed as a continRa rn ilro H Hospital Pil ad Lil’ ler Prospector e uation of Backbone, t t Ra Sg 1st St/291 t. P said Gillis. It’s listed ep pe Ba ck r Lil’ Rattler b CR as an advanced level, 17 Backbone 7 Fro largely because it’s s n e tsid Tenderfoot un e dD hard to get off once Cottonwood San Duke’s Grave Sand Dunes you’re on the trail. Pauli N F Street There are no more Bridge Uncle Nazty Riverside Prospector crossing trails all the Park Frontside 1st way to town. St/ DOWNTOWN 29 Sgt. Pepper 1 SALIDA The descent, esBurn Pile ©AVP, 2015 Hatch pecially once a rider 0 250 500 Pablano Meters drops into SweetwaJalapeno ter Gulch, becomes Other Trails Two Track Road more rocky, requiring North Backbone technical skills, said Gillis. 10 TheMountainMail.com ChaffeeCountyTimes.com LeadvilleHerald.com s

Dune

Sand

CR 17

ty Naz

CR 175

Ute Trail

Map (right) shows the full extent of Cottonwood Trail, by far the Arkansas Hills’ longest trail yet. Also, the trail system’s southernmost trail, Sweet Dreams (marked in light blue on the map), has recently been opened and officially designated as part of the trail system. Below: A close up of trails closer to town.

Jalape

wo o

Co tto n

e on

n ka Ar

Tenderfoot

er iv

ARKANSAS HILLS TRAIL SYSTEM

LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE? TAKE A RIDE TO OUR NEW WEB SITES,

JUST FOR CYCLING. Regularly Updated

• Events • Trails • News Check it out today at:

www.theMountainMail.com/Special_Sections www.ChaffeeCountyTimes.com/Special_Sections www.LeadvilleHerald.com/Special_Sections

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

ADVENTURE BOUND Bikepacking opens up remote treks by Brian McCabe Mail News Editor

ikepacking is the offspring of mountain biking, bike touring and camping. In short, bikepacking is backpacking with a bike. While cyclists have been covering all types of terrain for years, there has been a recent surge in routes, gear and even races that cover long distances off road, Jeff Wolfe, local bikepacking enthusiast, said. “It offers cyclists a new way to experience remote areas while carrying everything they need with them on their bikes,” Wolfe said. “Routes frequently link a variety of surfaces, including single-track, four-wheeldrive roads, gravel roads and paved roads.” For a first foray into bikepacking, 12

TheMountainMail.com

Wolfe suggests using a trail with which the rider already has experience. “A good strategy is to head out in the late afternoon and ride for several hours to a preplanned campsite, then enjoy an evening out under the stars,” Wolfe said, “Wake up early and head back. This will give you an opportunity to shake down your gear without too much risk. Take the lessons you learn from this test trip and grab your maps and plan a route that appeals to your sense of adventure.” There are several options for routes in Chaffee County and the surrounding areas. The Colorado Trail, a 500-mile route from Denver to Durango, can be a good bikepacking ride. Most sections of the trail can be linked up with dirt roads and other trails, to create loops

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

that would cover 2- to 4-day trips for most fit cyclists. The trails from Leadville to Salida and Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge are especially suited to bikepacking trips. South Park also offers a large network of gravel and dirt trails and roads. When considering gear, Wolfe said the emphasis is on being self-sufficient and lightweight. “The extra effort of carrying even a few extra pounds adds up quickly over the miles,” Wolfe said. “A bicycle in good working condition is a key, and you should be able to fix common problems yourself while on the trail. “A quality lightweight sleeping bag, pad and shelter will keep you warm and dry. “Clothing should be chosen that is both comfortable for spending several

days riding in, and be able to work off the bike as well. “Food and water will take up quite a bit of your load, so you need to plan your route knowing when you can resupply and only carry what you need to get to the next refill. “To carry all this on a bike can get tricky, but there are Left: Wendy Skean celebrates bags made specifically to reaching the top of Kokomo Pass mount behind the seat, on the handlebars and within the outside Leadville while on a bikepacking trip. Always bikepack with frame to maximize the room a partner for added safety. to carry gear while keeping Right: A typical bikepacking setup the bike balanced for riding includes bags behind the seat, on on rough terrain.” the bars and on the frame. Most Resources are available online to help get started with items are available at local bike stores or online. Courtesy photo. a bikepacking adventure. Start with bikepacking.net, a community forum with a wide variety of advice and suggestions on gear, routes, food and other riders’ personal experiences. Local bike shops can also be helpful, especially for finding local trails and routes. The U.S. Forest Service can also help with maps and trail and road conditions.

COMP INFO

s with many things people enjoy doing, there is always someone who wants to see how fast it can be done. Bikepacking is no different, and two of the most demanding races in the country come right through this part of Colorado. • The Colorado Trail Race, known among bikepackers as the CTR, has self-supported racers traveling the mostly single-track route (detouring around wilderness areas) over 500 miles from Denver to Durango. No outside assistance is allowed, and most racers carry a satellite tracking device for safety. Neil Beltchenko of Gunnison won the race in 2014 with a time of 4 days, 9 hours, 55 minutes. More information is available at climbingdreams.net. • The Tour Divide travels from Banff, Alberta, Canada, to Antelope Wells, N.M., a race of 2,745 miles. This mostly dirt route challenges even the most prepared of riders. Jefe Branham of Gunnison won the 2014 event with a time of 16 days, 2 hours, 37 minutes. More information is available at tourdivide.org.

“DIG DEEP

INTO THAT INEXHAUSTIBLE WELL OF GRIT, GUTS AND DETERMINATION.”

KEN CHLOUBER - Founder of the Leadville Trail 100

Show the world what you’re made of by challenging yourself at one of America’s highest endurance events at the 2015 Leadville Race Series of events. Your legend starts here. June 20 Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half June 27–29 OUT Trail 100 Run Training Camp SOLD Leadville July 1-4 & 5-8 MTB Camp of Champions July 11 Silver Rush 50 MTB July 12 Silver Rush 50 Run July 24-26 Leadville Trail 100 MTB Stage Race August 15SOLD Leadville OUT Trail 100 MTB August 16 Climax Molybdenum Leadville 10K August 22SOLD Leadville OUT Trail 100 Run presented by New Balance

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

IN THE KNOW

Photo © Scott Anderson

Here a few things to keep in mind while enjoying the area Be Prepared. Weather can change dramatically in the Colorado high country. Make sure someone knows where you are. Respect and stay within your limitations. Hydrate and use sunscreen. Along with the dry climate, the altitude ranges from 7,000 feet to more than 14,000 feet. At these elevations the sun is intense and water is your friend. Make sure little ones get slathered up too! Drive responsibly. For on- and off-road vehicles, stay on designated roads. Obey posted signs and follow the rules for specific areas. Please respect all closed areas. Leave it like you found it. Remove all trash and evidence of your stay on public lands and in wilderness areas so others can find them as beautiful as you did. Help keep mountains and rivers pristine. Respect others, share the outdoors. Whether you are on a bike, horseback, motorized vehicle, skis, snowshoes or on foot, share the outdoors with others by driving safely, minimizing noise and keeping pets under control. Private property is private. Legal access may be re14

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

quired in certain areas. Please make sure you know where you want to go and that you have proper access. Wildlife are “wild.” Do not feed them or let pets chase them. Enjoy from a distance. For your BFF (best furry friend), let him/her meet other local dogs at Loyal Duke’s Dog Park on Holman Ave. This park includes an off-leash area. A fenced dog park area is located east of the Community Center in Buena Vista. An off-leash area is also available near Buena Vista’s Rodeo Grounds. Need a ride? Daily bus service from Chaffee County to Denver is available through Black Hills Stage Lines. To book a trip or for more information, log on to blackhillsstagelines.com. For more information on public lands, check with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Forest Service and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Although recreational purchase and use of marijuana is now legal in Colorado, it is not legal to smoke it in public places or on public lands.

LeadvilleHerald.com

MINERAL BELT TRAIL

Local favorite has national recognition, history, views and more HWY 91

US 24

THE MINERAL BELT TRAIL

10,240

POVERTY FLATS

SMELTER SITE

10,420 EVANS GULCH Mineral Belt RR

FRYER HILL

10,200 Co. Lake Lib. Public

MATCHLESS MINE

St 12th se y Hou Heale exter & D in Cab

ace Ice Palk Par

FOREST CITY

TRAILHEAD PARKING

DENVER CITY

age Herit um g Muse Minin Nat'lof Fame Hall

Lake Co. Aquatic Center

7th Street Bridge

ROBERT E. LEE

ROBERT EMMETT 5th Street

5th St. Bridge Emer. Veh. Access FINNTOWN

MINE

POINT OF INTEREST

GREENBACK

VI LL LEAD

PYRENNEES

St. Vincent Hosp.

STORM SHELTER GRAHAM PARK

10,600

10,000

ELEVATION

CARBONATE HILL BLIND TOM IRONMINE

4 US 2

La Plata Smelter

PRIMARY TRAILHEAD Mile Markers Start Here & Go Clockwise Also, Easier Route

IRON HILL

9,900 Rest Stop Benches Sighting Scope

COLONEL SELLERS CR 2

CMC

YAK TUNNEL

LEADVILLE OVERLOOK

10,240

Sawatch Range Overlook

10,600 S. MOYER MINE

A.Y. & MINNIE MINE

LC H

10,500

ORO CITY SITE MINNIE PUMP SHAFT

COLOMBIA TUNNEL

* CMC TRAIL SYSTEM See Page 16 for Details

GREAT SULLIVAN MINE

Crystal Lakes Ext. Midland RR Slaughterhouse Gulch SCALE IN MILES

10,000

1/4

1/2

©AVP, 2015

he Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6-mile, nonmotorized, paved, two-lane trail that winds around and through Leadville for walkers, bikers and cross-country skiers. The trail was designed and built to provide a 12-foot-wide paved surface with adjacent 3-foot-wide softsurface recovery zones and includes two grade-separated bridges crossing county roads. It has an average grade of 3 percent, with maximum

sustained grades of 5 percent. Mile markers and signs tell the users what the altitude is on various parts of the trail. These were placed as the result of visitor surveys. In 2002, the Department of the Interior honored the MBT by designating it a National Recreation Trail. The Mineral Belt Trail has been listed as one of Colorado’s “Top 10 “mountain trails in a Denver Post survey. Plans currently are in the works

for two new loops that, when constructed, would add about 8 more miles to the trail. According to Howard Tritz, who heads the Mineral Belt Trail Committee, one loop of about 3 miles would be constructed in the area of the Matchless Mine. The other, about 5 miles, would be in the area of Carbonate Hill. Both would allow users of the trail to see more MINERAL BELT TRAIL continued, page 30

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

TIMBERLINE TRAIL SYSTEM City, Mineral Belt Trail and Colorado Mountain College linked by trails 24 CMC Beginner Loop

To CMC Leadville Campus Bo

uld

Tr ail

ers

l Be

lt T rail

er al B

era

elt

Min

ai Tr

U dy

Where the heck

ders

Boul

am I?

Gid

Giddy Up

Giddy U

l ra ne

t el

d An

ain

Elk Run Wheelers Way

Old Chub

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

W ay

ay sW

r ele

he e

sW ay

il ra pT

dig

ld Go

W ay

Fee

ele G

ay rs W

TheMountainMail.com

m Ju

et Fe ld Co

eele Wh

Mineral Belt Trail Giddy Up Where the heck am I? And Again Boulders Elk Run Old Chub Wedgie Wheelers Way Golddigger Cold Feet Jump Trail

We dg

LeadvilleHerald.com

Iowa Gulch Mine

QUICK RIDE GUIDE Lake County’s finest and a trip around town Looking for the best ride in Lake County? Consider the Leadville Timberline Trails quick tour. Starting at the Colorado Mountain College Timberline Campus in Leadville, this ride will give you a taste of the amazing trails that are right outside our back door. Make your way to the Timberline Trailhead and the start of the Boulders Trail. Ride up (south) Boulders for 1.2 miles to the intersection of Elk Run. Take a left (east) on Elk Run until you reach a dirt road crossing. There take a right onto Upper Deck and stay left at the Wedgie intersection, continuing uphill. At the top of the hill you’ll find a perfectly situated deck to enjoy the views and take a quick break. After the deck veer right onto Wheelers Way as it winds through the aspens. Stay right at the Wheelers Loop intersection and make sure to ride over the rock before Golddigger. Take a left onto Golddigger and enjoy the swoopy nature of the trail through the trees. At the bottom of Golddigger you’ll reach Cold Feet, where you’ll take a right and climb the perfect grade for ¾ of a mile back to Wheelers Way.

On the way up Cold Feet look to your left and you may notice riders enjoying the jumps on the jump trail. Once back to Wheelers Way continue left down the hill for 100 yards and take a right onto Old Chub. Ride Old Chub back to the Boulders/Elk Run intersection. From here ride back down Boulders and relish in an exciting downhill finish through the tight lodgepole pines. The difficulty of this ride is easy to moderate and it should take 45 minutes to an hour. Looking for a short accessible bike ride? Try the Mineral Belt Trail, which covers about 11 miles and is easily accessible from multiple points in Leadville. See map in this cycling guide. Riding with a beginner or a family? Try taking the Mineral Belt Trail to the Giddy Up, And Again or Where the Heck Am I? trails. Each of these trails has little to no elevation gain and is friendly to new riders. Looking for a challenge? Try the portions of the Colorado Trail through Lake County. Several portions require some technical expertise.

Below: Riding in Lake County doesn’t stop during winter months. Photo © Scott Anderson.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

QUICK RIDE GUIDE Want a place to start? Here are a few ideas

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

ant a beginner mountain bike ride? The Interlaken Trail at Twin Lakes offers stunning scenery without arduous climbs. South of Buena Vista, Raspberry Gulch offers a mellow out-and-back on the Colorado Trail. The Little Rainbow Trail is a good beginner's trail nearer to Salida, with wide single-track described as “relatively easy” by James Haarmeyer at Absolute Bikes. Looking for a short mountain bike ride with no driving? You’re in luck. Both Salida and Buena Vista have trail systems near downtown – no driving required. If you’re in Salida, head down F Street, cross the bridge and head toward the hill with the big S on it. The Arkansas Hills Trail System offers miles of single-track for all ability levels. If you’re in Buena Vista, head toward the river on East Main Street, cross the bridge and you’re there. The Midland Hill Trail System offers many challenging routes, such as the aptly named Broken Boyfriend. Want the best mountain bike ride in the area? Hands down, it’s the Monarch Crest Trail. The 12-mile stretch of single-track between Monarch Pass and Marshall Pass offers stunning views and seriously challenging terrain. If that’s a bit too much in the difficulty department, try the Silver Creek Loop on the Rainbow Trail or an out-and-back on the Colorado Trail heading north from Blanks Cabin.

Looking for some local history? You don't have to go far. Learn about Salida’s towering smokestack by heading out to CR 152. There, get an up-close perspective of the monolith and read interpretive signs telling about its past. A good starting point for this trip is Sand Lake, where you can park and enjoy throngs of waterfowl before heading out on your ride. A history tour is also easily accessible from Buena Vista. The Midland Railroad used to run just east of town, and a quick ride up the Whipple Trail will get you to the dirt road where trains once ran. The Midland Railroad also chugged through a set of tunnels accessible on CR 371 north of town. For a longer adventure, check out Davis Meadows, where you can see the ruins of historical cabins. “You get the sense that people really lived up there,” Dahl says. Both photos on these pages taken in the Arkansas Hills Trail System. Left: Tenderfoot Hill and a backdrop of Salida. Below: Descending the Front Side Trail. Photos © Scott Anderson.

Mountain biking with a beginner or the family? Castle Rock Gulch is a good choice. The ride offers views of unique rock formations and mellow grades. “It’s beautiful up there,” says Billie Kreger with The Trailhead in Buena Vista. The Little Rainbow Trail offers another family-friendly option nearer Salida. Road biking and looking for a lung-buster with the most vertical? You can make like Lance Armstrong and ride Independence Pass or check out some local rides. Cottonwood Pass offers 4,200 feet of gain/loss along the nearly 40-mile round trip from downtown Buena Vista. “It’s an extremely steady climb and there’s a lot of vertical feet, especially if you start from the bottom,” Devin Dahl with Boneshaker Cycles in Buena Vista explains. “On the other hand, you can drive up to any point and cut off 20 miles and half the vertical if you want.” Poncha Pass is a less strenuous option for hill climbers. Avoid Monarch Pass and Trout Creek Pass, which don’t have wide enough shoulders to be friendly to road bikers. Road biking and just want to drink in the view? A local favorite for Buena Vista’s cycling community is the Mount Princeton Loop. From town, head south on U.S. 24 to Nathrop and hook a right on CR 162 toward Mount Princeton. Another right on CR 321 will take you up a short, steep hill before popping you out on Rodeo Road (no shoulder) for a gentle glide back into town. The many long country roads surrounding Salida also provide expansive views of the mountains. Good options are CR 120, CR 140 and CR 160.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

CLOUD CITY WHEELERS

Group hosts events, builds trails by Marcia Martinek Herald Editor

hat is the fastest growing segment in bicycling? It’s fat-tire bicycling, according to Sterling Mudge, who leads the Cloud City Wheelers, Leadville’s bicycle club. The Wheelers holds a series of winter mountain bike races that have become the premier races of this type within the state of Colorado and attract bicyclists and their fat-tire bikes from all over, Mudge said. This past winter, club members have been grooming 4 1/2 miles of single-track starting at Colorado Mountain College along the Boulders and Giddy Up trails. These aren’t just for cyclists, but are being used by skiers and runners as well, alleviating pressure on trails that Nordic skiers use, Mudge said. Last year the Wheelers added two new trails to its system of trails on Lake County and U.S. Forest Service lands. One of the new trails is a beginners loop that starts near Dutch Henry Hill and shares a trailhead with the Mineral Belt Trail. The group also completed a progressive jump trail. The trail offers a variety of jumps of differing difficulties, so both beginners and experts can enjoy the trail. The trail system can be accessed from the CMC campus via the Boulders Trail or from the Mineral Belt Trail. After five years of building trails, this summer bike club members will concentrate on maintaining the trails they have rather than new construction. Those interested in volunteering can email Mudge at sterlingmudge@gmail.com. Membership in the Wheelers is $30 annually and $50 for a family. After 10 hours of volunteering, one becomes Fat tires enable cyclists to get through the snow and help make cycling a yearround sport in Lake County. Above: a competitor in the Leadville East Side Epic. a working member, entitled to 20 percent off labor and in-stock merchandise and 10 percent off bikes at Cycles of Life bike shop with paid dues. Membership fees go toward Cycles of Life bike shop is located in the heart of Leadville trail building projects and club events. at 309 Harrison Ave. This is a full-service shop owned and operated by Brian Additionally, the Wheelers is a chapter of the InternaFeddema. tional Mountain Bicycling Association. Membership in the The shop offers rental bikes during both summer and winter, Wheelers includes membership in IMBA. featuring the Jamis Explorer 2 as well as several bikes for To join the Cloud City Wheelers, go to cloudcitywheelwinter riding. ers.com and click on the membership tab. Cyclists can also rent bikes as demos, and can credit up to The bicycle club has its roots in an early bicycle club two days of rental fees toward the purchase of the bike. called the Wheelmen, which was founded in 1889. Today, Cycles of Life features Niner bikes, including full suspension the Wheelers provides fun rides, kids’ events, winter Jet 9s and RDOs as well as hardtail EMDs. mountain bike races, trail restoration and more. Those participating in Leadville’s mountain bike races have the option of shipping their bikes to Cycles of Life where the The organization’s advocacy efforts advance its mission bikes will be unpacked, assembled, tuned and prepared for to build better communities through cycling by working the race. Afterward they can be packed and shipped back. with governments, allied organizations, neighborhoods Visit cyclesoflifepb.wordpress.com. and its members. 20

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

SWIM. SOAK. SPLASH.

OPEN DAILY

410 W Hwy 50, Salida | 719-539-6738 www.salidarec.com

• Swimming lessons • Fitness classes • Zero depth entry level leisure pool • 25 meter lap pool

• • • •

Private soaking pools Diving board Recreation programs Special events

Call or login for special events and hours of operation

SEPTEMBER 17- 2 0 , 2 015 salidabikefest.com The Salida Bike Festival is a 4 day festival celebrating bicycles of all kinds! Schedule includes the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, the 17th Annual Monarch Crest Crank, free group rides, bike clinics, bike films, bike from work mixer, bike parade, live music and more! Check our website often - more details will be added throughout the year.

Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race SEPTEMBER 19

17th Annual Monarch Crest Crank SEPTEMBER 20

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

BROWNS CANYON

County gains National Monument By Maisie Ramsay Times reporter

he sky is a beautiful azure blue, the heat of midday sun a contrast to the chill water coursing beneath. The current begins to pick up as the river plunges into the roiling whitewater of the Zoom Flume rapid. You’re in a raft, and you’re getting a taste of what Browns Canyon National Monument is all about. The Arkansas River snakes for miles through the national monument. At its heart lies the namesake Browns Canyon, a stretch of whitewater renowned for thrilling rapids, pristine scenery and seclusion. “The canyon is the essence of Browns Canyon National Monument,” said Keith Baker, executive director for Friends of Browns Canyon. “It really is a quiet, extraordinary place.” Browns Canyon National Monument was designated by President Barack Obama in February, the capstone to a decades-long grassroots effort to secure permanent protections for the 22,000-acre parcel northwest of Salida. Whitewater is the monument's most popular feature, and thousands run Browns Canyon each summer under the watchful eye of rafting guides. Micah Salazar oversees some of those rafting guides as operations manager for Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting. As Salazar explains, the rapids are mostly Class 3, making Browns Canyon a popular destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. “It’s what they call a pool drop stretch of river, so it’ll have stretches where there’s rapids, and then you'll have a stretch where it’s calmer,” Salazar said. “Because of the type of rapids in Browns Canyon, it's conducive to both beginners and people looking for more thrill.” Adrenaline isn’t the only reason to run Browns Canyon. It’s also a place to set aside the stress of daily life, to reconnect with nature, bond with loved ones. “It gives you a chance to enjoy incredible scenery, awesome whitewater and create memories with friends and family in a place that’s away from the distractions of life,” Salazar said. Browns Canyon may be the national monument’s bestknown feature, but there’s more to it than whitewater. Through his work with Friends of Browns Canyon, Baker 22

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

Browns Canyon. Photo © Jeffrey Mitton.

has explored much of the national monument. His trips to the monument’s interior have revealed stunning rock formations, cavernous gulches, unique vegetation and abundant wildlife. “People who haven't seen it wouldn’t believe it,” Baker said. “Photos don’t do it justice.” At the monument’s southeast border lies Turret, a quasighost town with historic significance. From there, a lengthy bushwhack through rugged terrain is rewarded by views of The Reef and Railroad Gulch, rock formations only visible by foot. “The color of the rock, it’s unlike any around here,” Baker said. “There’s lots of wildlife in there … the numbers in which you encounter them is kind of extraordinary.” The northern approach from the Ruby Mountain trailhead also has charms for hikers and equestrians. The Catkin Gulch Loop trail simplifies route finding. Near the river, songbirds make their home in riparian areas unique among the arid terrain. “There’s enough water and lowland areas there that you have a lot of redwing blackbirds, birds that you don’t see around here anywhere else,” Baker said. Baker advises travelers visiting Browns Canyon National Monument to take time exploring the rest of Chaffee County’s abundant outdoor amenities. It’s possible to summit a fourteener, bike mountain trails, fish Gold Medal trout waters and go rock climbing – all in the span of a week. “If you want to have an ultimate Colorado mountain vacation, this is a great place to come to,” Baker said. “You can do it all in a very small period of time.” LeadvilleHerald.com

NOW THIS IS COLORADO!

VICTORIA CYCLES Custom Steel Bicycle Frames

• Large Pull-through RV Sites • Separate Wooded Tent Sites • Laundromat • Free Wi-Fi • Store • Community Room

Made in Salida, Colorado

1-719-539-4051 Reservations & major credit cards accepted.

719-207-4191 Dave Hill www.victoriacycles.com

Halfway between Salida & Monarch Mtn. at Mile Marker 211 1/2 on US Hwy 50 West, Salida CO • On-line Reservations Available

info@HeartoftheRockiesCamp-RV.com

www.HeartoftheRockiesCamp-RV.com

CYCLISTS

Start your cycling tour HERE!

Saguache ĸ Creede ĸ Lake City ĸ Gunnison

BIG VALLEY MOTEL RATED #1 by Trip Advisor

WHETHER YOU'RE IN BUENA VISTA OR SALIDA ͳ STOP IN FOR A TREAT! COFFEE TTEA EA

SMOOTHIES SHAKES HOMEMADE PASTRIES

Sandwiches Quiches Soups

Fresh Roasted Coīee

made from scratch

Salads

Brown Dog Coīee Co. KITCHENETTES AVAILABLE • NEWLY REMODELED • SUPER CLEAN • REASONABLE RATES

Big Valley Motel | Saguache, CO on Hwy 285 | (719) 655-2524

BUENA VISTA

Buena Vista and Salida, CO

713 S. U.S. Hwy. 24, 719-395-2634

SALIDA

105 F Street, 719-539-4337

www.browndogcoffee.com

The McGinnis Cottage Inn

www.salidagateway.com

719-539-2895 1310 E. Highway 50 Salida, CO 81201 TOP RATED BY TRIPADVISOR

• Whirlpool tub rooms • Ef½ciency suites • Honeymoon suite • Deluxe continental breakfast • Unique hot tub/sauna • Meeting/Banquet Facilities • All rooms include:

Coffee makers, micro/refrigerator, hair dryers & WIRELESS INTERNET

Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals Voted Best B&B in Lake County! 809 Spruce St., Leadville, CO 80461

(719) 486-3110

www.mcginniscottage.com CYCLING GUIDE 2015

391

2 3 SCALE IN MILES

Windsor Lake Native Lake

Cr.

105

Hagerman Pass

r. C

Cr .

Old Alpine Tunnel

White Pine

SARGENTS

Old

Saguache Co.

il ro

r C

South Fooses Creek Trail

o F

s se o

5 22

228

r C

GARFIELD

Lily Mine

Monarch N Pass 11312

Boss Lk Res.

Monarch Crest Trail

e t ga

North

Creek Fork Lake Pass

Old Monarch Pass

ALPINE

Upper Pomeroy Lake

Monarch Ski & Snowboard Cr Area

Gunnison Co.

Grizzly Lake

292

Cottonwood Lake

344

24 0

Cr .

Blank's Cabin

ns row

222

MAYSVILLE

d oa ilr

n Cr tio er rva ilv S

203

O'Haver Lake

Grad

376

285

Rd. 5630

251

260

285-24 285

nd Midla

Trail

Poncha Loop

Poncha Pass

t ou Tr

bow R ain

Trail

Rainbow Trail

156

173

175

The Crater

182

te U

Tra il

Whitehorn

5 17

187

ai nb ow

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area

Hunts Lake

rd wa Ho

HOWARD

SWISSVALE

WELLSVILLE

Natural Arch

Big Horn Sheep Canyon

Natural Arch

189

181

18 7

SALIDA

Tenderfoot Hill

Tenderfoot to Ute Trail Loop

183

Golden Wonder Mine

Park

187

18 8

rk Pa

Castle Rock Gulch

Bassam

le st Ca

18 7

The Castles

8 30

Bear Creek to Methodist

Piñon Hills

Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area

PONCHA SPRINGS

120

285

30 5

24 To Colorado Springs

285

Chaffee County Trails

Lake County Trails

Public Lands (Approx)

Wilderness Areas

Dirt/ 4-Wheel Drive

Dirt/ 2-Wheel Drive

Minor Road

Major Road

County Line

Trout Creek Pass 9480

285

Spring Cr

376 Cutoff dy har Len

Smeltertown

160

5 11

431

PA R K

il ra T

31 5

311

County Fairgrounds

Mears Junction

Rive r

140

285

291

194

30 0

Fourmile Travel Management Area

o T

Sta

cha Pon

r C

Cr opa het Coc

s as P

le Litt

Mine

4 21

212

270

280

Washout Rd.

ansa s

S Ar k

250

CO. EC O.

JOHNSON VILLAGE

NATHROP

27 0

FFE

Natural Arch

CH A

River

285

SOUTH

tte r Pla C le b m u T

BUENA VISTA Midland

Raspberry Gulch Trail

272

ch ul G

PAR K

gh u o R

h ut So

FAIRPLAY

Name

ge an

DIVID

Rainbow

Marshall Pass Old 10842

Pass Creek Lake

s n e

rCinderella C South

274

221

162 Mt Princeton Hot Springs

322

ry 3 27 ber p as R

Little Browns

Cr ell xw Ma

Chalk Cliffs

Chalk Cr

Buffalo Meadows

Rodeo Grounds

Mt. Princeton to S. Cottonwood

345

Breakneck Pass

Cr .

National Forest Road

175 Peak & Elevation in Feet

Colo. State Highway

County Road

U.S. Highway

291

225

LEGEND

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area

306

350

377

CO. CO.

PAR K LAK E

Weston Pass 11921

Browns Pass

Sa cr am en to

PARK COUNTY

Mosquito Pass 4WD CLOSED IN WINTER

365

Cr low Wil

CLIMAX

SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FOREST

Arborville

SUMMIT COUNTY Copper Mtn.

Fremont Pass

Th ree Elk

396

Cr.

Agnes Vaille Falls TRAIL CLOSED

o ad lor Co

Cottonwood

PomeroyBaldwin Lake Lake

Waterdog Lks

Mary Murphy Mine

Hancock Pass

ry phy Por

e m Na

ON ST E AD G G L RID

Hancock LakeChalk

Alpine Tunnel Trail

Tunnel Lake

267

Ptamigan Lake

Spout Lake

dle Mid

Private Property Fee Trail $1/ Person

. Clear Cr Creek Reservoir

N Cott onwood

r ea Cl

. Cr

390

Balltown

il Tra

Kroenke Lake

g rin Sp

Big

n Unio

425 Cr.

Mineral Belt Trail

National Historic Mining Dist.

Mineral Belt Trail

111

r ive

nsa

LEADVILLE

Timberline Trail System

ka Ar rk Fo

SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FOREST

EAGLE COUNTY

TAL TINEN

To Gunnison

Browns Pass

Browns Cabin

Littlejohns Cabin Elkhead Pass

ado lor

82 LAK

Twin Lakes Trail

Forebay Res.

5 12

Bo Shore Pretty x Cr Drive 10 .

130

Vail

Tennessee Pass SKI COOPER

Hartenstein Lake Den ny Cr .

. Cr z rt ua Q e Tomichi dl id Pass M

Napoleon Pass

Mirror Lake

Cr.

Tincup Pass 12154

TINCUP

as Tex

Cottonwood Pass 12126

Clohsey Lake

Banker Mine

WINFIELD

Lake ree Ann e Thstles Th po

Sanfo

ow C

s s Pa

Willis Lake

ROCKDALE

Crystal Lake

l ai Tr

Cr.

o ad or ol C

Lake

Bartlett Mine

300

Turquoise Lake

Turquoise Lake Trail

r. C Emerald Lake

Willow

Trail

Halfmoon

110

N. Halfmoon Lake

LAKE CO.

Cumberland Pass

PITKIN

HOLY CROSS WILDERNESS

CHAFFEE CO.

Cr.

Alan Lake

Fairview Lake

Waunita Pass

Cr .

as Tex

ois Illin

OHIO CITY

Gunnison Pass

tti

TAYLOR PARK RESERVOIR

r. C

Blue Lake

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area

Di vid e

Henry Lake

ra T

Lily Pond

Co nt in en ta l

Independence Pass 12095

Mt. Massive Wilderness Area

Ma rt e n Cr. Fry er ing panRiv

Ivanhoe Lake

CO . IN PIT K

SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FOREST

EC O.

LAK

WHITE NATIONAL FOREST

Cr.

REGIONAL TRAIL MAP

rtz Cr. NQ ua

39 8

Co lor ado

CONTINENTAL

DE VI DI

il Tra

TO VAIL I-70

381 T o m ic h i

Tomichi Cr

Trail

294

397 se Fo o

C r

27 7 Colorado

To Sum mit Co . d o C o lo ra

361 Colorado Tra il il

200

272

300

Fourmile Cr

20 0

T ra

321

210 20 1

Co ee af f Ch Co on is n n Gu

CON

w Willo

295

0 23

re ng Sa o st ri C

T ra

8 27

4 22

Po nc ha

ra lo Co

C ha ff ee Sa gu C o. a ch e C o.

ra T

107

375

108

LeadvilleHerald.com 2 34

As pe nR idg e

S ER

301

yon

101

SA V RI

371

7 30

Ca n

rs be um eN Th

3 37

wns Bro

Be ar

r. C

184 C ha ff e F e r em C o. on t C o.

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com ile m ve el w T

9 30

185 Badger Cr

TheMountainMail.com K AR

er nv De

185

W es tC r

24 To

186 l ai Tr

A sa

o m

CYCLING GUIDE 2015 25

- Eats - Shops - Art - Trails - Parks - Riverwalk

221 "F" Street 719-539-4448 Silver & Gemstone Jewelry • Incense Crystals • Wall Hangings • Music Asian Art • Books • Salt Lamps Chimes • Candles

Voted Best Place to Buy Gifts in 2013 10-6 M-F • 10-5 Sat • 12-5 Sun

T ES

S E L EC

TION IN TO WN !

omemade ICE CREAM HGOURMET Gelato • Sugar Free Floats • Sundaes • Malts • Tin Roofs All Natural

Fruit Smoothies

348 West 1st St. Downtown Salida

539-9727

719-539-8636

215 F Street 539-9727

Mon. - Sat. 8:30 am - 10 pm Sun. 8:30 am - 8 pm

215 F St. • Salida Open: 10am-5:30pm • Mon-Sat

VOTED

BEST

Liquor Store – IN –

SALIDA – 2014 –

719-539-0111

719-539-4466 TheMountainMail.com ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

220 NORTH ‘F’ ST SALIDA

LeadvilleHerald.com

DOWNTOWN SALIDA

Children's Books • Travel Toys Baby Gifts • Fun Jewelry Playmobil • Puzzles • Lego Arts & Crafts • Novelties Puppets • Educational Toys & Games

www.kaltoys.com

116 F Street - 530-0533

Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. 10am-5pm

STOP IN FOR A TREAT! SMOOTHIES SHAKES SHA A KES

COFFEE TEA TE EA

HO HOMEMADE H HOM O EMADEE PASTRIES PASTRIIESS

Sandwiches Quiches Soups

Fresh Roasted Brown Dog Coīee sold by the pound in store or online

made from scratch

Salads

Brown Dog Coīee Co. 105 F Street

Salida

719-539-4337

www.browndogcoīee.com

OUR HOMETOWN GOURMET KITCHENWARE STORE * Specialty Linens * Gourmet Foods * Green Cookware * Unique gadgets & electrics * Gifts Galore

amicassalida.com

Corner of 2nd & F Streets Historic Downtown Salida

n7 Ope ! S Y DA

Find Great Literature and Good Reads! Maps • Guides • Cards • Journals Regional History & MORE! 135 F St., Downtown Salida • 539-9629

719-539-2655 salidamixingbowl.com

OPEN DAILY!

FRESH FOOD, FRESH IDEAS

A modern American restaurant featuring Salida’s only craft cocktail bar. Open Monday - Saturday 11 to 11 Closed Tuesday Sunday Brunch 9 to 2 facebook.com/ShallotsSalida

1st and E St, Salida 539-4759

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

METHODIST MOUNTAIN Little Rainbow Trail a ‘must ride’ for locals, visitors Rating: Beginner to intermediate. Distance: 5 miles Time: 2 to 3 hours as a connected loop ride from Salida. Less if done as an out and back from a trailhead. Elevation: Western trailhead begins at 7,850 feet with gentle climbing and descents to the eastern terminus at 7,560 feet. Racetrack and Lost Trails descend to the eastern trailhead at approximately 7,100 feet. Trails: Wide, rolling single-track connecting both county roads and other intermediate single-track trails. Access: A western trailhead is left off CR 110 just north of the powerline and 2.3 miles south from the intersection of CR 110 and U.S. 50. There is also a BLM trailhead and parking area accessing the trail system south off U.S. 50 just east of its junction with CR 105. The trailhead is at the end of “Burmac” road and connects the north ends of Racetrack and Dead Bird trails that lead to the Little Rainbow. Ride Description: The 5-mile long Little Rainbow is the most recent addition to the Salida Mountain Trails network. It is a unique trail in a number of aspects. First, a trail building machine (SWEECO) was used which allowed the construction of a trail that is wider, smoother, and more gently sloping than any trail in the system. This makes it perfect for beginning or intermediate mountain bikers, with minimal side-trail exposure and plenty of room for passing. It is also the first new trail that Salida Mountain Trails has built on Methodist Mountain. Just south of U.S. 50 outside Salida.

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

The Little Rainbow takes its name from the Rainbow Trail that also courses along the flank of Methodist Mountain, but at an elevation approximately 1,500 feet higher. The Little Rainbow is designated as non-motorized, making it appropriate for hiking, biking and equestrian use. The trail winds in and out of piñon/juniper forest while crossing a series of dry washes. It offers incredible views along its course, including Salida and the Arkansas River Valley to the north and several of the 14,000-foot mountains of the Sawatch Range to the west. The trail is located on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and was approved in the BLM 2008 Arkansas River Travel Management Plan. It extends roughly from the Castle Gardens geologic formation at its eastern boundary to a trailhead at CR 110 at its western boundary. The Little Rainbow connects existing trails including Racetrack, Dead Bird, Lost and Skull trails, creating an important linkage to the trail system on Methodist Mountain. Connecting a variation of these trails can create a good loop ride from Salida. The BLM has constructed two trailhead parking areas to allow access to this system which are located at the end of “Burmac” road off U.S. 50 (at the north ends of Racetrack and Dead Bird trails), and on CR 110, just north of the power line 2.3 miles south from the intersection of CR 110 and U.S. 50 connecting with the Skull Trail. Future plans are to continue the Little Rainbow westward, toward the town of Poncha Springs. The Little Rainbow has already become a popular trail among locals and should be on the “must-do” list for visitors mountain biking in the Salida area.

LeadvilleHerald.com

RAINBOW TRAIL BEAR CREEK A local’s favorite on the south side of Salida Salida

Distance: 20 Miles Time: 2-4 Hours Intermediate/Advanced

To Poncha Springs

CR 107

50 Racetrack Trail

The Bear Creek-Rainbow TrailMethodist Mountain Ride is for those with the gumption to climb more than 2,000 feet of elevation on a tough ride. In spite of its difficulty, it is a favorite of local riders who jump on bikes in Salida for an invigorating ride up a beautiful drainage, taking in 6 miles of sensational single-track before bounding back into the valley.

CR 108

w bo in Ra

Little Rainbow Trail Rating: Intermediate to advanced. Distance: 20 miles. Time: Two to four hours. CR 101 Elevation: Low point: 6,950 feet; To Cañon City high point: 9,100 feet. Trails: 6 miles excellent singleRainbow Trail track; 5 miles four-wheel dri ve to Highway 285 road; 9 miles graded or paved road. Maps: USGS Topo maps — 15 minute: Cameron Mountain, Bonanza and Howard. San Isabel National Columbine Trail Forest Map. Methodist Mountain The topos do not show the trail, 11,707’ but give an idea of the terrain. The trail is indicated on the Forest Service map. Access: This route can be a loop Single-track that starts and finishes in Salida. Jeep Road Others prefer to ride this section by taking shuttles as high as is Gravel Road comfortable, driving vehicles up Paved Road CR 108 or CR 101. Most cars can make it much of the way up the four-wheel-drive portion of CR 108 if roads are dry. At this point, the road becomes a single lane four-wheel drive Riders can then do an out-and-back on the Rainbow’s singleroad, FSR 101.3. Slightly more than 2.5 miles up the four-wheeltrack. drive road, ford Bear Creek. The road is closed just beyond the Another popular option is to start as high on CR 101 as is creek crossing. Look for a single-track trail, FST 1336, on your comfortable to drive, and ride from that point to the trailhead on right and continue generally west. the side of Simmons Peak. The next 6 miles are excellent single-track, almost all of which Riders can then either ride the single-track Rainbow Trail to can be ridden by riders with intermediate to advanced trail-ridMethodist Mountain and return or continue down Methodist to ing experience. Expect a few short pitches of uphill. Some other Salida and shuttle back up to their vehicle on Bear Creek Road. obstacles to watch for are stumps and rocks jutting out into the

il Tra

k ee Cr ar Be

Ride Description: Approximately 2 miles east of the Salida city limits on U.S. 50, turn right or south onto CR 101. From U.S. 50 up Bear Creek to the Rainbow Trail, note the change in vegetation. The low point of the ride next to the Arkansas River is semi-arid. During the next 5 miles, the landscape changes from near desert to a lush, narrow, high mountain valley with beaver ponds, aspen and mountain wildflowers. Riders also get great views of Simmons and Hunts peaks, coming through the trees and around the bends heading up Bear Creek. After 1 mile, cross the Chaffee/Fremont County line. Continue another 2.4 miles on Fremont CR 49 to the cattle guard, the national forest boundary.

trail, and a few places where the trail travels along fairly steep mountainside. If anything, the single-track provides varied terrain. It drops into and climbs out of several drainages. The trail crosses two four-wheel drive roads at 0.3 and 3 miles after starting singletrack. The single-track ends after passing a trail register on the left (south) side of the trail. Continue on the four-wheel drive road (CR 108), which becomes rough after making a sharp hairpin turn to the right. This rough section lasts 2 miles until CR 108 becomes a graded, two-lane road. Take it easy heading down Methodist. The four-wheel drive road is steep and rocky. The next 2 miles of screaming descent returns you to U.S. 50 in Salida.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

EVENTS continued from page 4

MINERAL BELT TRAIL continued from page 15

ed as “It’s hard, it’s majestic, it’s all night and much of the next day.” Riders begin at 10 p.m. and continue through the next day, crossing the Continental Divide multiple times for a total of 125 miles and 20,000 feet of climbing through some of the most remote and rugged terrain of any mountain bike race in the world. Salida Bike Festival Salida, Sept. 17-20, salidabikefest.com This 4-day festival in Salida celebrates bicycles of all kinds. Free group rides, bike films, bike from work mixer, a chainless race, pump track competition, a bike parade and free live music in Riverside Park plus much more. Chainless Race Salida, Sept. 18, salidabikefest.com Bike and rider transportation to the start line provided. No chain means no pedaling, so it’s all about coasting and keeping your speed. Shenanigans and costumes are encouraged. This event is for ages 10 and older; minors must have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver. Anyone showing up in a costume will receive a 20-foot head start. Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race Salida, Sept. 19, bananabeltloop.com This single-loop, approximately 26-mile cross-country course, at elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to 9,000 feet, involves a dirt road climb alongside Bear Creek and 6 miles of single-track on the Rainbow Trail before returning to town. The race will begin at the F Street Bridge in downtown Salida. Crest Crank Salida, Sept. 20, monarchcrestcrank.com The 17th annual Crank, a fundraiser for the Chaffee County Alliance Against Domestic Abuse, begins at the top of Monarch Pass after riders have been shuttled from downtown Salida to the top of the pass to ride the Monarch Crest Trail. Cyclists can choose to ride down the challenging Silver Creek single-track or an easier route down Marshall Pass. The ride will officially end at the Shirley Site Trailhead where shuttle buses will return cyclists to downtown Salida for a party in Riverside Park. Entry fee includes the ride, guide and shuttle. Monarch Crest Enduro Salida, Oct. 2-4, chocolatebunnyproductions.com The Monarch Crest Enduro is a backcountry enduro in five stages with 14,000 feet of timed descending. All five stages start above 10,200 feet, with Stage 3 starting at 12,600 feet. Shuttles will take racers from Salida to each stage. Winter Mountain Bike Race Series Leadville area, winter 2016, cloudcitywheelers.com Presented by the Cloud City Wheelers in Leadville, these four races occur throughout the winter in and around Leadville. Using groomed Nordic ski and snowmobile trails, these races are one way to keep riding and racing during the off-season. Three of the races are even held at night. A typical course is 12 miles with a mix of conditions. Cost is $20 per race. Winter Bike at Copper Mountain, Jan. 23; Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Feb. 6; Mineral Belt Mayhem, March 5; East Side Epic, April 16. 30 TheMountainMail.com ChaffeeCountyTimes.com LeadvilleHerald.com

of the Leadville Mining District. Although no construction is planned for this year, there will be planning and land acquisition as well as possible grants. The MBT passes through the historical Leadville Mining District, while offering spectacular views of the 14,000-plus-foot-high mountain peaks of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges. Scattered along the trail are many mining relics of the past. One will see a number of headframes, adits, tailing piles and various pieces of mining equipment such as ore cars, dynamite cars, man-trips, rock drills and more. Take time to read the interpretive signs and visit the information kiosks along the way. Each has a story as well as a picture of what occupied that particular site more than a century ago. This year the Mineral Belt Trail Committee will be taking bids to replace the 27 low-profile wayside exhibits using high-pressure laminate. It is not necessary to travel the entire 11.6 miles to enjoy the trail. There are five recognized accesses offering the opportunity to do shorter sections at a time: Ice Palace Park; Lake County Intermediate School; U.S. 24 at Dutch Henry Hill; County Road 2 at California Gulch; and the East Fifth Street Bridge. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must be leashed, and owners must clean up after them. For information on the trail and scheduled events, visit mineralbelttrail.com.

Help yourself in backcountry

Photo © Scott Anderson.

by Maisie Ramsay Times Reporter

igh-country biking options abound in Chaffee County, from quad-burning climbs up Cottonwood Pass to thrilling descents off Monarch Crest. Alpine climes offer breathaking views and spectacular scenery – plus unpredictable weather, isolation and limited access to emergency assistance. If you’re heading above treeline or venturing into the backcountry, be prepared to fix a flat, weather a downpour and bandage a boo-boo. Set yourself up for success in the high country with these basics: Timing Thunderstorms roll in like clockwork most summer afternoons, bringing with them lightning and freezing rain. Getting caught above treeline in an electrical storm is hair-raising, both literally and figuratively, so plan your ride accordingly. That’s why Billy Kreger, bike manager at The Trailhead, tells customers to get on trails early. “If you’re up on the Monarch Crest, for example, I always recommend people leave by 6 a.m.,” Kreger said. “You’re

going to beat the crowds and you’re going to beat the storms.” Layers Mountain weather can quickly swing from beautiful bluebird days to drenching downpours. Kreger recommends bringing clothing for “everything from heat to sleet.” Top of Kreger's list is a wind- and waterresistant jacket, followed by similarly weatherproof pants. He also recommends full-fingered gloves, “even in the middle of summer … it protects your hands more, and it gives you a degree of warmth as well.” Throw in a knit cap for extra warmth, and you should be ready to withstand Mother Nature's worst. Repair kit A flat tire on the Colorado Trail could leave you stranded miles from town, unless you can fix it yourself. Bring spare tubes, patch kit, pump and know-how. “Knowing how to change a flat on your bike is kind of an important skill,” Boneshaker Cycles co-owner Devin Dahl said. “If you’re going to go out in the middle of nowhere, it’s probably good to figure that out beforehand.” Also

bring a repair kit for damages of the physical variety. A basic first aid kit is a must-have for any outing. “You hope you never need your first aid kit or to call rescue from your phone, but if you don’t have those things it can be really rough,” Dahl said. Fuel No, not the petroleum kind – think food and water. A hydration bladder will quench thirst on the go, and highenergy foods like trail mix will keep you fueled through the day. Last but not least There’s no guarantee a cell phone will work in the backcountry, but it’s still a good idea to carry one for emergencies. Wear a helmet. A map is a must-have, especially if you're hitting remote single-track. In the unfortunate event of an accident, a CORSAR card will allow volunteers with Chaffee County Search and Rescue to be reimbursed for their expenses. The Colorado Search and Rescue card costs just $3 per year and can be purchased online at dola.colorado.gov/sar/orderInstructions.jsf. A list of brick-andmortar vendors is available at dola. colorado.gov/sar/vendors.jsf.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

Gravel grinders gain traction by Ryan Summerlin Mail Staff Writer

hile cycling on dirt and gravel roads is not a new experience, longer rides on less traveled routes have become increasingly popular in the past decade. The practice, known as gravel grinding, started gaining traction in the Midwest about 11 years ago with events such as the Trans Iowa, said Tom Purvis, local cycling enthusiast. Since then, longer rides and races have spread to the West, where a seemingly endless number of “wideopen” dirt and gravel routes can be found. “You can pretty much design a gravel route anywhere in (Colorado),” Purvis said. Locally, there are some “amazing” gravel routes, especially the Ute Trail, he added. Riding on dirt roads is nothing new, 32

TheMountainMail.com

said Brian Behn, another local cycling enthusiast. Once people started attaching a name to it, the cycling industry realized it could manufacture bikes customized to withstand the bumpy routes at optimal speeds. The combination spurred the popularity in longer gravel rides, he added. In 2012, Behn started the Dirty Double Fondo, a 200-kilometer ride that starts and ends in Salida. Nothing in particular led to the creation of the ride – it is just a “neat area to ride through,” Behn said. The ride did not draw much response in its first two years, but about 60 people have already signed up for this year’s ride, which is scheduled for May 16. What sets gravel grinding apart is the endurance aspect, Purvis said, noting that the last time he participated in the Dirty Double Fondo it took him about 15½ hours to complete the ride.

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

“It’s the challenge of keeping it going,” he said. Purvis recommends cyclists wishing to try gravel grinding should start by gradually trying longer rides. Riders need to know how their bodies respond to the longer rides before attempting to participate in a formal ride or race. “For people who really want to get into this game, you start by riding longer and longer and experimenting with what your body wants,” Purvis said, adding that he has been experimenting for the past 10 years. While some people are competitive, many riders do it for the adventure and experience, Behn said. “For the majority of people it’s not competitive,” he said of the Dirty Double Fondo, while clarifying the event is a ride and not a race. “It’s about going out and having that experience.”

COLORADO TRAIL South Fooses Creek South Fooses Creek is a favorite of Salida and Poncha Springs bikers. It starts as a dirt road with a steady climb. But at the single-track, the fun begins. The single-track is a generally wide trail through aspen and pine.

Rating: Intermediate to advanced. Distance: 12-mile spur or you can add an additional 2.5 miles of very difficult terrain with some bike-hiking and connect with the Monarch Crest Trail. Time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the spur. Connecting with the Crest Trail can take several hours longer, depending on the approach. Elevations: 8,670 to 10,400 for the 12-mile spur or 11,600 if you make it to the Continental Divide on the Crest Trail. Trails: 3 miles of four-wheel drive dirt road to the trailhead, 3.1 miles of excellent single-track; double these miles if doing this as a spur. Maps: Colorado Trail Map Number 15 and 16, San Isabel National Forest Map. Access: Travel west on U.S. 50 toward Monarch. Approximately 3 miles west of Maysville, CR 225 is to your left.

to the left (east). The trailhead and start of the single-track are 100 yards further ahead. A s y o u b e g i n t h e s i n g l e - t r a ck , y o u w i l l c r o s s over a bridge and then come to the sign-in. Please sign in and let the forest service know the trail’s usage. From the trailhead it is 3.1 miles to the turnaround point of this particular ride, making it a spur (6 miles total of four-wheel drive road and 6.2 miles of total single-track for a 12-mile ride). While enjoying the wonderful flat cruises through the woods, watch out for short, steep descents and rocky climbs. The log bridges are a challenge to clear.

At mile 3.1 of the single-track is a forest service sign and a steep climb up and to the left of the trail. From this point, it is another 2.5 miles to reach the top of the Divide. Beyond this point is terrain for only the extreme mountain biker, including long stretches of possible bike-hikes through boulder fields and a steep ascent up to the Continental Divide.

To Salida

R i d e D e s c ri p t i o n :

- Colora do Trail

Distance: 12 Miles Time: 2-3 Hours Intermediate/Advanced

Monarch Pass

Mount Peck 12,208’

Single-track Jeep Road

South Fo oses Cre ek

Turning left off U.S. 50 onto CR 225, go down to the bottom of the hill to where the road forks. Take the turn to the left and go across a bridge. This is private property so stay on the road. Choose where you park carefully and considerately at any of a number of turnouts. For a great warm-up of approximately 3 miles — a steady climb with great views — start here. It is a rough road after this point, so be prepared should you decide to drive the 3 miles to the actual trailhead where the Colorado Trail and the single-track begin. The road is obvious and winds around somewhat at first. You will pass a small body of water on your right at about a mile. It is here you enter the San Isabel National Forest. You will pass several camping spots along this stretch. Stay on the trail marked with blue diamonds on the trees. When the road reaches a major fork with the right going to North Fooses, veer

Peel Point 12,145’

Gravel Road Paved Road

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

MONARCH CREST TRAIL Most reknowned ride in region affords sensational views, adventure Without question, the Monarch Crest Trail rates as the most popular ride in the region. It is 12 miles of wondrous single-track from the top of Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet on U.S. 50 to Marshall Pass, with another 28 miles of singletrack following on the Rainbow Trail to U.S. 285, and on to Methodist Mountain and Bear Creek. Be advised: The stretch from the highway to Methodist is tough biking — suitable for advanced-only fat-tire riders. But added up, from Monarch to Bear Creek, it’s about 40 miles of virtually all single-track ... and no wonder this is considered one of Colorado’s and the West’s top rides. For our purposes, the following description will be limited to the Crest Trail and the trail choices from Marshall Pass to Mears Junction/U.S. 285. The first 12 miles at 11,000 to 12,000 feet of elevation of the Crest Trail meanders along the Continental Divide. Riders get sensational views of the Rockies, including the Sawatch Range, Pikes Peak to the east and the distant San Juans and Uncompahgres to the southwest and west. Riders cover a variety of terrain from mountaintop granite to boulder fields. One moment you’re on what seems to be the edge of the world. The next, you’re flying effortlessly, silently through a dark green tunnel on a pine needle carpet. Rating: Intermediate-advanced. Distance: 28 miles. Time: Four to five hours. Elevation: Starting at 11,312 feet, the high point is 11,960. Total climbing is about 1,000 feet. Elevation drop is 3,800 feet. Trails: Single-track, four-wheel-drive, graded-dirt and paved roads. Maps: Monarch Crest Trail Photo Flow Guide, Colorado Trail Map; San Isabel National Forest map; USGS 15-Minute Bonanza, Garfield and Poncha Springs topos; 7.5-Minute Pahlone Peak topo. Access: This ride requires a vehicle shuttle. The lower shuttle is set in Poncha Springs or Salida and the upper at the Monarch Aerial Tramway parking lot at the Monarch Pass summit. The summit is 18 miles west of Poncha Springs on U.S. 50. Ride Description: This ride is a favorite of locals as well as mountain bikers from around the nation; it is a challenging, fun ride. From the Monarch Tram parking lot, start up the one-lane dirt road east of the gondola tower. Look for the start of the single-track on the right on Forest Service Trail 531, approximately 0.3 mile up this hill. Several signs at the start indicate mileage to Marshall Pass and to several other points along the route. Another sign notes the Continental Divide Trail. Similar

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

markers will be present along the remainder of the trail, all the way to Marshall Pass. Follow the single-track for 0.7 mile to the power line and continue up the four-wheel-drive road going almost straight south. This section gains 230 feet in 0.7 mile. After two switchbacks, continue uphill to the trees, and make a right turn onto the trail. Signs posted at this point indicate “Marshall Pass 9 miles,” and a Continental Divide Trail marker. At this point, you have climbed approximately one quarter of the total elevation, and have ridden a short section of the single-track. The rest of the single-track is as difficult, or more difficult, for short sections. This is a good turn-around point if you are having difficulty with the altitude, or if the weather looks threatening. The next 8.7 miles are single-track, which will climb initially (300 feet in 1.5 miles) to gain the ridge crest. Continue along the crest, skirting high points on their southwest aspects. This section is exposed, so avoid thunderstorms. Four miles after regaining single-track, join the Colorado Trail as it comes up South Fooses Creek drainage and continue east. In another mile the ridge breaks, resulting in a 400-foot descent in slightly more than a mile. Look for a shelter hut on the left after completing the descent. A 200-foot climb in 0.8 mile is the last major climb of the ride. This section, which can be muddy in wet weather, regains the crest. Cross Agate Creek Trail 0.2 mile after finishing the climb, and continue through the trees. Watch for a short section crossing a talus field. Many will want to walk their bikes through this stretch. The single-track ends three miles from the shelter house. Continue on the four-wheel-drive road (CR 234.2G) that descends rapidly to the Marshall Pass trailhead — 600 feet in 1.5 miles. This trailhead is marked with several signs — one showing distance to Monarch Pass. Riders choose among three routes to get back to U.S. 285: • The single-track of the Rainbow Trail along Silver Creek; • The Colorado Trail to intersections with Poncha Creek; or • A left off the trailhead following the old Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow-gauge track bed, now a graded road, the route we’ll describe here. Look for a sign noting Gray’s Creek, just over a mile after crossing the Chaffee-Saguache county line sign. Go down the embankment on the right and continue on a four-wheel drive road to O’Haver Lake. Ride along the south shore of the lake, leaving the campground on FSR/CR 202A and pass straight through an intersection in half a mile. In another mile is a “T” intersection with a stop sign. Turn left and continue east on CR 200 to U.S. 285.

LeadvilleHerald.com

To Buena Vista

Distance: 28 Miles Time: 4-5 Hours Advanced

Monarch Pass Mount Peck 12,208’

h ut So

CR 22

Poncha Springs

2 R2

To Salida

ail Tr k e re on) s Cscripti e os l de Foee trai

n ee Gr

ail Tr k ee Cr

285

To Gunnison

Chipeta Mountain 12,050’

Gray ’s Cre ek Tra il

Mount Ouray 13,971’

Poncha Pass

CR 200 01

Marshall Pass CR 203

Gravel Road Paved Road

MONARCH CREST TRAIL One of the finest mountain bike rides in the state with elevation gains up to 12,000 feet and extreme views of the Sawatch, Uncompahgres and San Juan mountain ranges is the Monarch Crest Trail. It is an extension of the Continental Divide Trail System and in some sec-

/ CDT Colorado Trail

Single-track Jeep Road

CR 2

Rainbow Trail To Alamosa

Silver Creek Trail

tions, overlaps the Colorado Trail. Seeing a great need to help riders navigate the various routes on the Crest, Andrew Mesesan has created a waterproof, topographic map of the Crest Trail complete with photo references, altitude gain and trail profiles. The various trails are color-coded with mileage labels in an easy-to-use format. The maps are available for purchase at Absolute Bikes, 330 W. Sackett Ave. in Salida or by calling 888539-9295, absolutebikes.com.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

High Performance Healing Dr. Hunter chosen one of the "Best Doctors in America" by his peers. Services and Treatments: • Management of athletic injuries • Arthroscopic and open repair of torn ligaments • Treatment for knee and shoulder injuries • Sports team coverage • Physical therapy • Certified athletic training • Joint replacement prep class

Real Estate

Everything you need to know about Real Estate in Chaffee County and Lake County

Robert Hunter, M.D.

FEATURING Home & Property Listings | MLS Search Digital Edition of our Real Estate Guide

Orthopedic

Sports Medicine Center heart of the rockies regional medical center

HRRMC Medical Clinics • 550 W. Hwy 50, Salida 719-530-2000 • www.hrrmc.com

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

VISIT US ONLINE TODAY AT: www.themountainmail.com/real_estate www.chaffeecountytimes.com/real_estate www.leadvilleherald.com/real_estate

LeadvilleHerald.com

ST ELMO/ALPINE TUNNEL Ride abandoned high country rails, experience history St. Elmo to Alpine Tunnel Out and Back with Loop option to Tin Cup Pass Road

Maps: USGS Quadrangles: St. Elmo, Cumberland Pass Access: From U.S. 285, turn west on CR 162, drive 15.4 miles to the parking area on the left, just east of the junction with FSR 295. If this area is full, continue driving 0.5 miles west on CR 162 to St. Elmo where parking is abundant. The ride starts at the intersection of CR 162 and FSR 295. Season: July through October is best. Due to frequent afternoon storms, this ride is best done early in the day.

St. Elmo CR 162 To Highway 285

CR 2

CR 2 95

To Tin Cup Pass

Continental Div ide Trail

Rating: Out and Back - Intermediate Loop - Advanced Distance: OaB – 16.6 miles Loop – 17.3 Time: OaB – 2 - 3 hours Loop – 3 - 4 hours Elevation: OaB – 9,980 to 11,630 Loop 9,980 to 12,340 Trails/Surface: OaB – Jeep Road for 5.3 miles then wide singletrack for 3.0 miles, return along same route Loop – Jeep Road for 5.3 miles, wide single-track for 3.0 miles, steep/hike-a-bike for 1/2 mile, narrow single-track for 3.9 miles, jeep road for 4.6 miles

Distance: 17.3 Miles Time: 3-4 Hours Intermediate/Advanced

Alpine Tunnel Out and Back Turnaround

Single-track Jeep Road Gravel Road

To Hancock Pass

Paved Road

Ride Description: This classic ride offers something for every cyclist, with either a mild out and back or an adventurous loop. The views are amazing, there are historical mine ruins along the way, and if you try the loop, you ride along the top of the Continental Divide where few ever go. This is a very popular area for Jeeping, ATVing, and hiking. Be aware of those around you. This ride is entirely at high elevation: plan your clothing and time allotted accordingly. Begin the ride at the intersection of CR 162 and FSR 295. A steady 5-mile climb awaits up FSR 295, follow the signs to Alpine Tunnel. After 4 miles, you will pass the Allie Belle Mine, which perches along the side of the road. At 5.3 miles stay to the right at the intersection with Hancock Pass. Continue straight as the road turns to singletrack along the old rail bed. Stay on the obvious main trail along the railroad path, continuing up the valley for 3 miles to the Alpine Tunnel. Leave your bike at the intersection with the Continental Divide Trail, and take a short walk to the tunnel where interpretive signs will give you the history of this historical site. If you are riding the Out and Back option, retrace your route back

to the start and enjoy the long downhill cruise. To continue on with the loop, you will now head west up the CDT on a burly, but fairly short, steep section of trail. Most hike-a-bike this, but ride what you can. At the top of the climb you reach the Continental Divide. Turn right at the trail intersection, which will take you north toward Tin Cup Pass Road. The trail becomes quite narrow in spots as it winds through the tundra, passing Tunnel Lake after about a mile. Continue climbing to the highest point of the ride at 12,340 feet. After a brief but rocky descent, traverse across the side of the ridge and ascend another ridgeline. As you begin your descent to Tin Cup Pass Road, the quality of the trail improves dramatically. The Forest Service has been rebuilding this section of the trail for a few years now, and you will be grinning ear to ear as you navigate the numerous switchbacks. The trail pops out into a meadow and crosses a few streams on fun little bridges, then you will find yourself at Tin Cup Pass Road. Head east, to the right, and enjoy a fun 4-mile trip back to the town of St. Elmo. As you enter town, turn right across the bridge, then left onto the main street of town. Your vehicle is now just a bit ahead.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

BUENA VISTA TRAILS Town cruise, more advanced rides in store within blocks of downtown CR 376 S SA N A K R A

7 CR 3

CR 372B

Blake Ave

Crossman Ave t St our McC

x St. Esse

Marquette Ave. r

Surrey St.

ll D rn e

Brady Rd CR

Rodeo Road

Gregg Dr.

Dr. Steele CR 319

CR 337

iso

Krocesky Dr.

k Par

306

Buena Vista Wildlife Trail Peaks View Trail Gregg Gunnison Trail Cottonwood Creek Trail Marquard Natural Trail

CR304 Unpaved

Oak St. S.

Rd rk Pa South er for A v i Main ri nia zon R St. a St. Ramsour Rd

N. Pleasant

James St

CR 361

S. Pleasant

St.

WATER COURSE

ain

Meadow Ln

Pass onwood To Cott

Mill

S. M

Community Center

ans S. Ev

St. Pine

t an S Beld

d.-C ass R ood P ttonw

. d St ilroa S. Ra

gia Colle

PUMPTRACK

ain E. M r St. d e C a St. o G ld Ca li

St.

306

R306

Golf

rling W. Ste

in Ma

Ave Yale

eaks te P

BARBARA WHIPPLE TRAIL

RIVER PARK Brookdale Ave

se Cour

WATER COURSE

ylo

CR 350

R il VE Tra er RI R iv

CR 372

Bike Path River Trail Whipple Trail System (trail system east of town) Midland Bicycle Trail

Arkansas River: For a ride along the river, turn east on Arkansas Street from U.S. 24, then turn left onto CR 371 where Arkansas Street ends. Alternatively, ride 0.25 mile east from the stoplight at U.S. 24 and Main Street then turn left (north) onto N. Colorado Ave. (N. Colorado becomes CR 371 at the Buena Vista city limits). This is an easy ride on a dirt road; along the way you’ll pass through four tunnels from the days of the old Colorado Midland Railroad. You’ll also pass beautiful rock formations where local climbers perfect their moves. It’s 10 miles to the end of the road at the Otero Pump Station; turn back sooner for a shorter ride. Whipple Trail: Local bikers like to work out on the loops of the Whipple Trail. Access this trail network from the footbridge crossing the Arkansas at the end of East Main Street. There are four main segments open to mountain bikers, though all the area is open to them: the Midland Bike Trail (South Loop), the Midland Stage Road, the North Loop and the Broken Boyfriend (on the east side of CR 304). It’s possible to create several fun looping circuits in this area. This is part of the Buena Vista River Park, a 100-acre public area that includes trails, fishing access, kayak and rafting play areas, picnic spots, sports fields and more. Fourmile Road: For a more difficult ride, turn right onto CR 375 from CR 371 (just south of the tunnels). Called Fourmile Road, this route climbs steeply for more than 6 miles to a magnificent viewpoint of Buena Vista, the Sawatch Range’s Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas Valley. From the intersection of CR 371 and CR 375, climb up CR 375 for a little more than 5 miles. At the intersection with CR 377, continue straight and uphill on CR 377 until you cross the crest of the ridge.

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

Glide downhill for another .75 mile to a large pullout on the left. Watch for traffic on your way back to the river. Lenhardy Cutoff: This rugged road, CR 376, is the gateway into the limitless riding options on the OHV trails of the Fourmile Recreation Area. From the intersection of CR 371, climb up CR 375 for 1 mile. Turn right onto CR 376 (the Lenhardy Cutoff). After passing several OHV trails, you’ll cross Fourmile Creek in just under a mile. Continue climbing for another mile and you’ll reach the intersection with FSR 311. From here you can either stay on the Lenhardy Cutoff until it merges with the Midland Bicycle Trail or bear left to climb on FSR 311 all the way to Trout Creek Pass. Crossman Avenue rides: Several rides start at Crossman Avenue (CR 350), west off U.S. 24 at the north end of town. For a leisurely ride along the foothills of the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Range, take Crossman to CR 361, then ride north along CR 361. North Cottonwood Creek: For a more difficult ride, take Crossman to CR 361, then make a sharp left onto CR 365. Follow the U.S. Forest Service signs west to North Cottonwood Creek. Plan on a substantial elevation gain. Buena Vista Pump Track: Located at the corner of East Main and South Main streets across from the community center, the pump track was constructed by volunteers using donated materials. The pump track is open to bicyclists of all ages from dawn to dusk, weather permitting. Helmets are recommended; no motorized vehicles are allowed.

LeadvilleHerald.com

Buena Vista

reet

n St Mai

A CR

Midland Hill 6032B

6034

A IV SR

Hwy. CR 303

KOA Campground

A Few Dollars More 6034A

Fistful of Dollars

CR 3

(Expanded from previous page, east of downtown)

Hwy. 24/285

31 3

A RK

6032 South Loop

6031 Whipple

, 0 5

CR 304

DJango

6033

1450 Midland Bike Trail

H w y.

Gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Loop

Midland Trailhead

376A

BUENA VISTA TRAILS

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

5 24/28

1450A

CR 304

COLORADO TRAIL Raspberry Gulch to Angel of Shavano This segment of the Colorado Trail—Raspberry Gulch to Angel of Shavano—starts midway between Salida and Buena Vista. It offers great views of the valley from a vantage point high up on the Sawatch Range. On the trail, riders pass under lush, green aspen stands and tunnels of pine boughs. Rating: Advanced. Distance: 12.2 miles; one way. Time: Four to five hours. Elevation: Start 8,900 feet; finish 9,200 feet; total elevation gained is 2,190 feet; highest elevation is 10,170 feet. Trails: single-track. Maps: Colorado Trail map sections 14 and 15 (recommended). USGS 15-Minute Topo Poncha Springs; San Isabel National Forest Map Access: This ride requires a vehicle shuttle. The beginning is at the

CR 162

Distance: 12.2 Miles Time: 4-5 Hours Advanced

Single-track Jeep Road Gravel Road Blank’s Cabin

Paved Road

Angel of Shavano Campground

TheMountainMail.com

CR 252 CR 240

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

intersection of FSR 274 and the Colorado Trail. From the intersection of CR 270 and US 285 (about 3 miles south of Nathrop), drive 1.5 miles west on CR 270 to the intersection with CR 272. Drive 2.1 miles west on CR 272 to the intersection with CR/FSR 274. Drive 2.0 miles northwest on CR/FSR 274 to the trailhead and parking area before the large gate on FSR 274. The other end of the shuttle is the Angel of Shavano Campground. Drive 6 miles west on U.S. 50 from Poncha Springs to CR 240. Turn right on CR 240 and drive 4 miles to the Angel of Shavano Campground and trailhead.

Start by riding south on the Colorado Trail (FST 1776). The trail is well marked and easy to follow. In 1.5 miles, you’ll cross FSR 273 (unmarked). Just beyond this intersection, the trail gets steeper and rocky for about 1.5 miles. Starting at mile 3.4, the Little Browns Creek Trail and several other trails intersect the Colorado Trail as it crosses several branches of Browns Creek. Just follow the trail markers to stay on the Colorado Trail. The trail crosses several drainages then gradually loses elevation. After intersecting the second of two four-wheel-dri ve roads, a relatively steep section gains almost 550 feet in 1.6 miles, to the high point of the ride CR 270 (10,170 feet), just after crossing South Sand Creek. In Raspberry a half mile, after crossing Gulch a small drainage, the trail makes a steep descent. This section is rocky and loose. 285 Use caution. About 1.3 miles past the ride's high point is a trail register box. This marks the beginning of a short section of four-wheel drive road. Just to the west is the start of the hiking trail to the summit of 14,229-foot Mt. Shavano. After about 0.3 miles, look for a monument to Rock y Mountain goats placed by the Order of Rocky Mountain Goats, an organization with an international following. About a half mile after crossing a cattle guard, the single-track begins again on the right. The next section crosses a four-wheel-drive road and some small creeks then climbs a small ridge after passing through a gate. The next 0.7 miles descends 500 feet to the Angel of Shavano Campground. The last 0.2 miles has difficult switchbacks and rocky sections.

LeadvilleHerald.com

COLORADO TRAIL Mount Princeton to South Cottonwood Creek Although it’s rated as advanced, this is one of the best rides in the Buena Vista/Nathrop area. Fat tire enthusiasts will love the single-track that traverses the eastern slopes of Mount Princeton between Frontier Ranch and South Cottonwood Creek.

Buena Vista

Distance: 16.8 Miles Time: 3 Hours Advanced

Ride Description: Ride west out of the Single-track parking lot. Bear right, ride up the jeep road Jeep Road for 1.1 miles, then turn Gravel Road right onto the Colorado Trail single-track. Paved Road As you work your way to the highpoint of the trail, you’ll encounter some rocks and water bars, but the most challenging sections are the sharp, steep transitions leading in and out of washes. At mile 6.1, the trail begins to descend to the South Cottonwood Creek trailhead. From this point forward, the trail gets increasingly rocky and steep, and some less experienced riders may want to turn back here. Expert riders, however, will enjoy navigating their bikes down the steep, rocky trail. Cross CR 343 at mile 8.0 and continue riding the single-track on the other side. You’ll cross over the creek and reach the South Cottonwood trailhead at

CR 306

CR 345

CR 321

il Tra do ra lo Co

Rating: Advanced. Distance: 16.8 miles; out-and-back Riding Time: Three hours. Elevation: High point 10,030 feet; low point 8,890 feet; total climbing approximately 3,100 feet. Trails: Single-track 14.6 miles; four-wheel-drive road 2.2 miles. Maps: USGS 7.5’ Mt. Antero, Buena Vista West; NGS Trails Illustrated #129 Buena Vista Access: From the stoplight at the intersection of U.S. 24 and Main Street in Buena Vista, drive 0.8 miles west on CR 306 to the intersection with CR 321 (Rodeo Road). Turn left on CR 321 and drive 6.8 miles to the intersection with CR 322. Turn right, following the sign to Frontier Ranch, and drive 0.9 miles to the Mount Princeton parking area.

mile 8.4. Options: Some bikers may want to ride this trail one-way using auto shuttles. Riding north from Frontier Ranch is slightly easier, but the net downhill is much shorter. To get to the South Cottonwood Trailhead from the stoplight at Main St. and U.S. 24 in Buena Vista, drive approximately 7 miles west on Main (CR 306) to the intersection with CR 344. Turn

CR 322 Frontier Ranch Young Life Camp

CR 162 Mt Princeton Hot Springs

left onto CR 344 and look for the small parking area and Colorado Trail markers on the left in about 0.25 miles. It’s also possible to ride this as a loop by riding down CR 344 to CR 306. Turn right and ride a little more than 6 miles east to the intersection with Rodeo Road (CR 321). Turn right and ride about 7.7 miles south on CR 321 to CR 322 and back to your car.

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

CASTLE ROCK GULCH Bring the family and a picnic Castle Rock Gulch is an easy ride, a relaxing way to spend an hour or two in the mountains. This is a great ride to pack a picnic lunch or for a family bike outing. Rating: Beginner. Distance: 9.5 miles; loop. Riding Time: 1-3 hours, depending on your pace. Elevation: start/end 9,200'; max 9,720'; min 9,200'; total climbing about 650â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

To Fairplay

CR 307

To Johnson Village

&C 07

CR 3

6 8 10 12 14 Castle Rock Gulch

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

0 miles 2

8800

Castle Rock Gulch CR

9200

Ride Description: From the intersection of FSR/CR 187 and 188 bear left and downhill to ride east on FSR/CR 188. At mile 1.5 continue straight on FSR 188 past the intersection with FSR 188A on your left. Around mile 2.7 the grade gets a little steeper for about a half mile. At mile 4.0, stay right to continue on FSR 188 past FSR 189 on the left. Tu r n r i g h t a t t h e intersection with CR 187 at mile 5.2; there are superb views of Sawatch Range peaks Mount Antero, Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, and Mount Harvard from this intersection. Be sure to watch for light auto traffic on CR 187, especially on the weekends. Continue straight on CR 187 through the intersection with FSR 185 at mile 7.5. Ride downhill to arrive back at your car in about 2 miles. Options include exploring FSR 188A, a rough out-and-back jeep trail leading into East Castle Rock Gulch, or starting the ride from A any point after turning CR 188 off of U.S. 24/285. For a very challenging ride, start by riding 2 miles south on CR 187 to FR 185. From there, ride a little more than 13 miles south on FSR 185 (through Aspen Ridge) to its intersection with CR 1 CR 175 (the Ute Trail). 87 From this intersection, ride downhill on CR 175 for about 8 miles to arrive in Salida. This is a ÂŠAVP, 2015 very long ride and you will most likely want to use auto shuttles.

U.S. 24/285

9600

Trail: Easy four-wheel-drive road. Maps: San Isabel National Forest Map; USGS 15-minute Topo -Antero Reservoir. Access: Drive approximately 6 miles northeast of Johnson Village on U.S. 24/285 and turn right onto CR 307. Continue on 307 for 1.7 miles and turn right on CR 187. Drive approximately 3.6 miles and park near the intersection of CR 187 and CR 188.

LeadvilleHerald.com

THE MIDLAND TRAIL A Buena Vista classic The Midland Trail is the area's first designated mountain bike trail. Work on the trail started in 1990 under auspices of the U.S. Forest Service with help of the Bureau of Land Management, town of Buena Vista and volunteers. Rating: Intermediate. Distance: up to 16 miles round trip; outand-back. Time: 2-3 hours. Elevation: Start 7,950 feet; end 8,680 feet; total climbing approximately 1,015 feet. Trails: 11 miles of single-track; 5 miles graded one-lane road. Maps: USGS 15-Minute Buena Vista Topo, San Isabel National Forest. Access: As described, this ride is an outand-back ride starting at the footbridge at the Buena Vista River Park at the end of East Main Street in Buena Vista.

the route are the four draws originally spanned by wooden and steel trestles. Mountain bikers and hikers now cross on trails that descend into the draws along the north side of the original grade. These diversions are more difficult than the rest of the grade and feature short, steep and loose descents/climbs. Those without much trail-riding experience will find these a nice introduction to "singletracking," but please use discretion and dismount for sections that exceed your ability. The few difficult sections are short and easily walked and should not discourage novice mountain bikers from attempting this ride. The end of the route and turn-around point is at the trailhead on CR 315.

To Fairplay

Distance: 11-16 Miles Time: 2-3 Hours Intermediate

To Leadville

376

.1 .2

376

Lenh a

CR 3

rdy C u

toff

3 CR 24

CR 31

285

Option: For an easier, mostly downhill ride to Buena Vista, use a shuttle to start this ride at the Shieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gulch Trailhead. To get there, drive just over 5 miles east of Johnson Village on U.S. 24/285 and turn left (north) onto FSR/CR 315. The trailhead area and an informational display are about a half mile from the highway. Ride Description: Covering the historic, long-abandoned Colorado Midland railroad grade, visitors pass the vestiges of a bygone era (old rail ties, hillside cuts, telegraph poles) and are treated to stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks of the Sawatch Range: Mount Princeton, Mount Harvard, and Mount Yale. The trail is just under 8 miles from trailhead to trailhead, but you can turn back sooner for a shorter ride. The first half-mile of the route climbs steeply up the Barba-

ra Whipple Trail from the footbridge over the Arkansas River. This single-track trail features several switchbacks and is challenging for most riders. Once at the top, however, the grade eases after you turn right on CR 304 and ride for about 2.5 miles to the intersection with FSR 376A. From here, take the middle fork, the road immediately left (east) of the Fourmile Recreation Area sign. The next 5 miles of the old rail grade are single-track closed to motorized users. Most stretches of the actual grade are easily ridden with only a few difficult spots where the walls of some of the cuts have partially collapsed to narrow the trail. The most challenging sections of

Buena Vista

CR 304 ade Old Railroad Gr

Single-track Jeep Road Gravel Road Paved Road

285

To Salida

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

WEBSITE

Credit Cards Breakfast Lunch Dinner Child’s Menu Libations Delivery Carryout Outdoor Dining

DINING amicassalida.com

+ + + +

TELEPHONE AREA CODE: 719

SALIDA AREA amicas

LOCATION 136 E. 2nd Street

PHONE 539-5219

Pizza, Pasta, Local Microbrews, Wines

Benson’s Tavern & Beer Garden

128 N. F Street

539-9391

bensonstavern.com

+ + + +

+ +

413 W. US 50

539-3546

TheBounty.com

+ + + +

+ +

105 F Street

539-4337

browndogcoffee.com

+ + +

122 N. F Street

539-9514

salidacurrents.com

+ +

113 E. Sackett Street

539-0364

thefritzdowntown.com

+ + + +

+ +

6250 Hwy. 285, Poncha Springs

539-6089

monarchcrest.com

+ +

710 Milford at US 50

539-3059

quincystavern.com

+ + +

137 E. 1st Street

539-4759

shallotsalida.com

+ + + +

8048 W. US 50

539-7388

twistedcorkcafe.com

+ + + +

+ +

720 E. US 50

539-9544

wallbangerssportsbar.com

+ + + + + +

Classic Tavern Fare

The Bounty Full American Fare

Brown Dog Coffee Co.

+ +

Coffee, Pastries, Breakfast & Lunch

Currents

Steaks and Seafood

The Fritz Contemporary Americana

High Valley Center Pub & Grill Hot and Cold Subs, Salads

Quincys Steak, Prime Rib, Cocktails

Shallots Modern American Cuisine & Sunday Brunch

Twisted Cork Creative Cuisine

Wallbangers Sports Bar & Grill American, Mexican

BUENA VISTA AREA Brown Dog Coffee Co.

LOCATION 713 S. US 24

PHONE 395-2634

browndogcoffee.com

WEBSITE + + +

+ +

418 N. US 24

395-8984

evergreencafebv.com

+ + +

+ +

304 S. US 24

395-6940

+ + + + + +

215 N. US 24

395-2863

+ + + + +

+ +

601 N. US 24

395-4882

pizzaworksbv.com

605 S. US 24

395-3160

quincystavern.com

527 N. US 24

395-0777

Coffee, Pastries, Breakfast & Lunch

Evergreen Café Something for Everyone

Jan's Restaurant Home Cooking

Panchos Fast Food, Mexican-American, Coffee, Soft Serve

Pizza Works

+ + + + + + +

Pizza, Wings, Poppers. Beer

Quincys

+ + +

Steak, Prime Rib, Cocktails

Rooster’s Crow Café

+ + +

+ +

Home Cooking

LEADVILLE AREA Casa Blanca

LOCATION 118 E. 2nd Street

PHONE 486-9969

508 Harrison Ave.

486-0797

WEBSITE

+ + + +

Mexican

City on a Hill

cityonahillcoffee.com

+ + +

+ +

Cafe & Bakery

Cookies with Altitude

717-1/2 Harrison Ave.

+ + +

(303) 720-3683

+ + +

Bakery, Sandwiches, Soups

Doc’s Eat & Drink

401 Harrison Ave.

486-8180

docsleadville.com

+ + + +

+ +

715 Elm Street

486-9930

grillbarcafe.com

+ + +

+ +

102 Mountain View Dr.

486-3227

+ + +

115 W. 4th Street

486-5555

+ + + byob + + +

416 Harrison Ave.

486-9765

222 Harrison Ave.

486-8101

Unique Signature Dishes, Hearty Specials

The Grill Bar & Cafe Mexican

Gringo’s

Grass-fed Burgers, Sandwiches, Tacos, Ice Cream

High Mountain Pies Pizza, Hot & Cold Subs, Salads, Wings & Ribs

Quincy's Steak & Spirits

quincystavern.com

+ + +

+ + + +

Steak, Prime Rib, Cocktails

Tennessee Pass Cafe Full, Eclectic Dining

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

+ +

TWIN LAKES TRAIL RIDES Two segments of the Colorado Trail Here are two segments of the Colorado Trail accessed from Twin Lakes. South Segment: Rating: Advanced. Distance: 23-mile round trip. Ride Time: 4-6 hours. Elevation: start/end 9,235 feet; maximum 9,960 feet; minimum 8,940 feet. Trails: single-track (18 miles); double-track (5 miles). Maps: USGS 7.5’ Granite North Segment: Rating: Intermediate/advanced. Distance: 17-mile round trip. Ride Time: 4-5 hours. Elevation: start/end 9,235 feet; maximum 10,670 feet; minimum 9,235 feet. Trails: single-track (13 miles); double-track (4 miles). Maps: USGS 7.5’: Granite, Mount Elbert, Mount Massive; NGS Trails Illustrated No. 110 Leadville/ Fairplay.

for trail markers as the route alternates between single-track and double-track. You’ll eventually crest the prominent ridge visible to the south (about 11.5 miles from the start). From the top of the ridge, either turn around to return along the same route or extend the ride by descending nearly 900 feet in 1.5 miles to Chaffee CR 390 at the bottom.

North Segment: The Ride: From CR 24C, turn left and follow the trail west past the power plant. At 1.5 miles from the start, bear left to ride through the tunnel under Colo. 82. The trail climbs for the next half mile as you work your way past the Lake View Campground. Look for Colorado Trail Markers and follow the most obvious line. Approximately 2 miles from the start, turn left and follow a Jeep road for approximately 2 miles. You’ll cross a bridge just before the route returns to single-track and you intersect the South Elbert Trail. Stay on the Colorado Trail and follow the most obvious line as you watch for trail markers. A little less than 7.5 miles from the start of the ride, the Mount Elbert Trail intersects and overlaps the Colorado Trail for about a mile. A steep downhill followed by a stream crossing takes you to Halfmoon Road and the Mount Massive hiking trail parking lot. Turn around and return along the same route.

Access: From the intersection of U.S. 24 and Colo. 82, drive 3.9 miles west on Colo. 82 to CR 24C. Turn left onto CR 24C and drive 0.5 miles. Turn left at the T and continue to the Mount Elbert To Aspen picnic area. To get to the trail, Colorado Trail pedal back from the parking area to the T intersection, turn right (uphill), and look for the singleTwin Lakes Reservoir track that crosses CR 24C in about 0.25 miles.

To Leadville

South Segment:

Interlaken Historic Site

Distance: 17-23 Miles Time: 4-6 Hours Intermediate/Advanced

Trail rado Colo

The Ride: From CR 24C, turn right and ride east around the lake. At the dam, be sure to follow the Colorado Trail markers to CR 25; do not cross the dam. Ride west on CR 25 to the trailhead at the end, then ride along the lake for about a mile. Turn left at the Colorado Trail marker to begin a fairly steep, halfmile climb. At the bottom of a quick, rocky descent, turn right onto a jeep track, ride .5 mile west then turn left at a large cairn to continue on single-track. Watch for Colorado Trail markers to find the way. You’ll cross CR 399 approximately 8 miles from the start of the ride and reach CR 398 (Lost Canyon Road) around mile 9. Turn left onto CR 398 and descend about .25 mile to a campsite spur on your right. Follow the Colorado Trail markers into the clearing then look left for more trail markers leading to a descent. From this point forward, follow the most obvious line and watch

To Buena Vista

Single-track Jeep Road Gravel Road

CR 390

Clear Creek Reservoir

Paved Road

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

TURQUOISE LAKE Dam to May Queen campground Turquoise Lake offers cyclists several mountain bike options of varying difficulty. Rating: Easy/Intermediate – the Sugarloaf Pass option is advanced. Distance: 12-mile loop. Ride Time: 2-4 hours. Elevation: start/end 9,860 feet; maximum 10,230 feet; minimum 9,850 feet. Trails: single-track (6 miles); paved road (6 miles). M a p s : U S G S 7. 5 ’ : Le a d v i l l e N o rt h , Homestake Reservoir; NGS Trails Illustrated No. 110 Leadville/ Fairplay. Access: from the traffic light at the intersection of Sixth Street and Harrison Avenue (U.S. 24) in Leadville, ride or drive .8 miles west on West Sixth Street. Turn right onto CR 4, following the signs to Turquoise Lak e, and drive 3.6 miles west. There’s a large parking area east of the dam on the south side of CR 4. The ride: The primary Turquoise Lak e loop begins at the dam and follows the paved road to the May Queen Campground and the start of single-track. Fr o m t h e p a r k i n g area, turn left onto CR 4 to ride west over the dam. Watch for auto traffic, especially on busy summer weekends. In approximately 3.5 miles from the start, C R 4 f o r k s l e ft a n d turns to dirt; stay right to continue riding on paved CR 9. When you get to May Queen (about 5 miles from the start), turn right to enter the c a m p g r o u n d . Fo l l o w the main drive toward the lake to the Turquoise L a k e Tr a i l t r a i l h e a d . From this point forward, follow the single-track around the lak e and return to the start of the ride at CR 4 and the dam (approximately 6 miles from May Queen).

TheMountainMail.com

For an easier, all single-track option, cross CR 4 from the parking area and look for the single-track trail that parallels the lake shore. Ride it as an out-and-back for a pleasant spin along the lake. The terrain is relatively easy with little elevation gain, but you will encounter some tougher, rocky sections in the last half mile approaching the May Queen campground at mile 6. For a more challenging ride, add a climb over Sugarloaf Pass to the lake loop. Turn right onto CR 4 from the parking area and ride east on CR 4 until you reach CR 5 in about a mile. Turn right on CR 5 and ride past the golf course to CR 5A. Turn right on CR 5A and ride until you reach a dirt road on your right in just under 1.5 miles. Turn onto the dirt road and cross

a small stream in approximately .1 mile. What follows is the infamous Power Line climb of the Leadville Trail 10 0 Mountain Bike Race. As you steam up this formidable grade, you will gain more than 1,500 feet in a little less than 3.5 miles. Continue following the main road as it weaves back-and-forth beneath the utility lines to the top of Sugarloaf Pass. Stay on the main road (FSR 105A) as you descend to the intersection with CR 4 (about 8.75 miles from the start). Turn right onto CR 4 and follow it downhill until you intersect the paved road. Turn left onto CR 9 and continue downhill to May Queen campground. Finish the loop along the Turquoise Lake Trail as described above.

Distance: 12 Miles Time: 2-3 Hours Intermediate/Advanced

CR 9 Lakeshore Trail CR 9

Turquoise Lake CR 4 To Sugarloaf Pass

CR 9C

Singletrack Jeep Road

CR 4

Gravel Road

To Leadville

Paved Road

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com

TENNESSEE PASS Mellow single-track

Explore this mellow single-track loop combining short segments of the Colorado and Mitchell Creek Trails from the summit of Tennessee Pass. Rating: Easy/Intermediate. Distance: 7 miles (main loop). Ride Time: 1-2 hours. Elevation: start/end 10,440 feet; maximum 10,630 feet; minimum 10,060 feet. Trails: single-track (4 miles); double-track (3 miles). Maps: USGS 7.5’: Leadville North, Pando; NGS Trails Illustrated No. 110 Leadville/Fairplay. Access: from the stoplight at Sixth Street and Harrison Avenue (U.S. 24) in downtown Leadville, drive 10.0 miles north on U.S. 24 to the summit of Tennessee Pass. Park in the large trailhead pullout west of the highway. The Ride: Start this ride at the Colorado Trail trailhead adjacent to U.S. 24 at the southeast corner of the parking lot. As you ride,

TURQUOISE LAKE ROAD RIDE

Turquoise Lake Loop, 15 miles: Paved roads winding around Turquoise Lake provide an excellent route for spinning scenic miles near Leadville.

follow Colorado Trail markers along the single-track until you intersect a dirt road approximately 2.5 miles from the start. Turn right onto the road and ride about 0.5 miles to the intersection with FSR 705 (Wurts Ditch Road). Turn right onto FSR 705 then immediately turn right again at the trailhead marking the start of the Mitchell Creek Trail. Follow the trail as it descends into the Mitchell Creek basin then widens to a double-track as you begin the climb back to Tennessee Pass. Continue straight past the intersection with the Colorado Trail on your left (just under 5.5 miles from the start of the ride). Stay on the main trail until you return to the parking lot. To extend your ride, you may want to take a side trip exploring Wurts Ditch Road before returning to the trailhead along the Mitchell Creek loop. Wurts Ditch Road, an excellent option for a family outing, climbs gently approximately 10.5 miles before ending at Yoder Gulch. Along the way you’ll be treated to amazing panoramic vistas as you pass under the dense canopies of forested hillside. Another fun option from this loop is to explore the Colorado Trail north to Camp Hale. This intermediate route descends 1,400 feet and extends 6 miles from Tennessee Pass to the bridge leading into Camp Hale. Along the way you’ll find fast, excellent singletrack with just enough technical obstacles to keep you on the edge of your saddle.

Start at Sugarloaf Dam on CR 4 and ride the loop clockwise for outstanding views of the lake and surrounding peaks from the inside lane. Leave CR 4 at its intersection with CR 9, follow CR 9 to CR 9C, then close the loop by returning to CR 4 along CR 9C. Pedal from the center of Leadville to add miles.

CENTENNIAL r e a l

e s t at e Step 1. Sleep in your own bed Step 2. Race across the sky Win ~ Win Historical Victorian homes, new construction, ﬁxer-uppers, commercial and vacant properties are available now!

Celebrating 40 years in Lake County

for everybody!

for more information, contact the friendly professionals @

( 7 1 9 ) 4 8 6 - 1 4 0 9 • 1020 Poplar L e a d v i l l e • Colorado • 80461

Leadville -

the highest incorporated city in North America

w w w. k 2 c o l o r a d o . c o m

Stay for a night... a weekend... a lifetime.

RE/MAX Aspen Leaf Realty Property Management Division 711 Harrison Ave. | Leadville, CO 80461 | Phone: (719) 486-1499 | Fax: (719) 486-1926

www.AspenLeafPropertyRentals.com

CYCLING GUIDE 2015

go outside.

402 E MAIN STREET B U E N A V I S TA , C O 8 1 2 1 1 719.395.8001 w w w. t r a i l h e a d c o . c o m

hiking. maps. skis. snowshoes. bikes. outerwear. coffee shop wear. yoga wear. shoes. equipment. 48

TheMountainMail.com

ChaffeeCountyTimes.com

LeadvilleHerald.com