biking
The unique setting of the Fourteeners Region provides some of the best bike trails on the continent. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you'll find a path that suits your fancy.
- Stay on designated trails to avoid trampling native vegetation.Minimize
erosion by avoiding muddy trails and not short-cutting switchbacks. - Do not disturb wild life or livestock.
- Respect private and public property. Leave gates as you have found
them.
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Monarch Crest Trail
A favorite among fat trackers and one
of the most spectacular rides in the country, the Monarch Crest Trail,
is 12 miles from Monarch to Marshall pass including another 29 miles of
single track following on the Rainbow Trail to US 285 and on to Methodist
Mountain and Bear Creek.
At 11,000 to 12,000 feet, the initial 12 mile stretch traverses the Continental Divide. Views of the Sawatch Range, Pikes Peak to the east as well as the San Juans and Uncompahgres to the southwest and west are magnificent. On a clear day, you can see forever along this trail.
Rating: Intermediate-advanced
Distance: 28 miles
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation: Starting at 11,315 feet, the high point is 11,960. Total
climbing is about 1,000 feet. Elevation drop is 3,800 feet.
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 about 18
miles west of Poncha Springs on US 50.
Ride Description: This ride is a favorite of locals as well as
fat trackers from around the state; it is challenging but not too difficult.
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 .03 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 markers will
be present along the remainder of the trail, all the way to Marshall Pass.
Follow the single track for.7 mile to the power line and continue up the
4 wd road going almost straight south. This section gains 230 feet in
.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 foreboding.
The next 8.7 miles are single track, which will climb initially (300 ft. in 1.5 mi) 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 the 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 ft. descent in slightly more than a mile. Look for a shelter hut on the left after completing the descent. A 200 ft climb in .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 traill in .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.
Cross Agate Creek trail in .2 mile after finishing the climb, and continue through the trees. Watch for a short section crossing a talus field. You may want to walk their bikes through the stretch.
The single track ends three miles from the shelter house. Continue on
the 4 wd 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.
- 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 and Rio Grande narrow gauge track bed, now a graded road,
For the last option, look for a sign noting Gray's Creek, just over a
mile after crossing theChaffee-Saguache county line sign. Go down the
embankment on the right and continue on a 4 wd road to O'Haver Lake. Ride
along the south shore of the lake, leaving the campground on FDR/CR 202A
and pass straight through an interssection in half a mile. In another
mile is a "T" intersection with a stop sign. Turn left and continue
east on CR 200 to 285.
Mt. Princeton-Raspberry Gulch Loop Trail
This trail offers plenty in
great views and in challenge. The single track section of this ride is
excellent through aspen and ponderosa forest and open meadows. There are
great views of the Sawatch Range's Collegiate Peaks and the opportunity
for a meal and hot bath at the Mt. Princeton Lodge following the ride.
Rating: Diffficult
Distance: 20 miles
Time: Three hours for experts
Elevation: 8,120 to 9,680
Trails: Paved, graded and 4wd
Maps: USFS Colorado Trail Maps Section 13 & 14; USGS Topo 15--Minute:
Poncha Springs; San Isabel National Forest Service Map
Access: The Ride starts and finishes at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Lodge which is approximately five miles west of Nathrop on CR 162
Shuttle: Much of the road riding
can be avoided with a shuttle which can be set at the lodge and at the
turn off to Raspberry Gulch. From the resort parking lot, turn east on
CR162, turn right onto CR270 after about a mile. After about 5 miles turn
right onto CR 272 at "T" intersection.. After two miles, CR
272 turns left: continue straight on CR 274 which begins here. Turn left
onto CR 273 Raspberry Gulch Road, .3miles and climb steep 4 wd road to
point where it is closed to motor vehicles.
.A few yards beyond this point the single track begins on the left. Signs here indicate Browns Creek two miles to the south, and Chalk Creek three miles north. Continue south toward Browns Creek and intersect the Colorado Trail. The remainder of the ride follows the Colorado Trail which will return to the Mt. Princeton Lodtge. Turn east onto Colorado trail as it follows an old jeep road.
Continue on Colorado Trail crossing several drainages and old logging roads. About 16 miles into the ride the Trail begins its descent into Chalk Creek and the first mile of this descent is steep with several sharp switchbacks and will require most riders to dismount. After intersecting graded road the difficulty eases off considerably.
The single track picks up again a few yards east on the graded road. Continue to the trail register after crossing Chalk Creek on footr bridge. Turn right onto graded CR 191 and ride east to its intersection with CR 162. Continue east on CR 162 and return to the Mt. Princeton Lodge on CR 162.
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GEAR
Absolute Bikes
Rental, repair, maps
330 W Sackett Street
Salida, CO 81201
888-539-9295 or 719-539-9295
www.absolutebikes.com
American Adventure Expeditions
Guided tours/rentals
228 N. F Street
Salida, CO 81201
800-288-0675 or 719-539-4680
Buffalo Joe's Mountain Bike Tours
Ghost town tours, back country and custom tours
800-356-7984 or 719- 395-4680
www.buffalojoe.net
High Valley Bike Shuttle Service
Fax for reservations: 800-871-5145
6250 Hwy 285
Poncha Springs, CO 81242
Otero Cyclery
108 F Street
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-6704
The Trailhead
Rentals, gear
707 Hwy 24 N
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-8001
www.trailhead.com
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Biking Events
September 14 - 15
13th Annual Banana Belt Loop Mountain Bike Race : Direct from Riverside
Park. The Banana Belt Loop Race starts at 11 am. One of the best family
races in Colorado. This 26 mile race starts and finishes in Riverside
Park in Historic Downtown Salida and includes 6 miles of single track
on the Rainbow Trail. For more information (877) 772-5432.
September 14
First Annual Bongos to Bongos Bicycle Adventure : An 85 mile road bike
adventure from Bongo Billys Coffees at Copper Mountain to Bongo Billy's
Salida Cafe. Includes breakfast at Bongo Billy's Copper Mountain, Lunch
at Bongo Billy's Buena Vista Cafe, Splash Down party at Salida Hot Springs
Pool and Dinner Party at Bongo Billy's Salida Cafe. Click Here for more
info or to register.