My Top Five MTB Trails in Colorado

With the permeation of "Top" or "Best Of" lists on the internet, Colorado Mountain Biking Trails are a topic that gets a lot of attention.  From what I have seen, lists that reference this seemingly boundless resource often parrot each other in that they largely list only marquee trails.  This is something I find predictable, especially since most marquee trails are mostly a-technical in nature or lie within "destination" locations such as the Lunch Loops area in Grand Junction.

Without further ado and in no particular order...

The Wasatch Trail in Telluride

This trail is what I like to call the longest 16 miles in Colorado.  Though it starts and ends in downtown Telluride and features a "road" climb, it still manages to get out there.  The "road" starts out as a jeep road, however above Bridal Veil Falls it deteriorates down to barely a doubletrack that tops out over 13,000 feet.  The singletrack descent from the apex features a high concentration of switchbacks, especially above treeline.  There is also exposure throughout the descent, until it reaches the Bear Creek Trail that is an oft-trafficked road-sized trail that drops the last two and a half miles back to town.

Crosier Mountain Garden Gate in Glen Haven

There are three routes off of Crosier and the Garden Gate descent is by far the most difficult of the three.  The variety of terrain is probably the most unparalleled in this list, with some of the best technical sections I've ever had the pleasure to be challenged by.  Bring your big boy/girl pants for this one and hang on.

The Flight of Icarus in Fruita

Ridden as a shuttle or loop with a largely pavement road climb, there is nothing like this descent though it's largely a-technical in nature.  With its two distinct "wings" (right and left) drop close to 1000' in a mile.  Beware of closures and hunting season though.  The BLM deemed it illegal at one point, claiming it crossed patented (private) lands, yet it does not and never did.  They also claimed it was created illegally by mountain bikers when historically it existed as a cattle drive trail from Calf Point down to Hay Canyon, according to the first riders to descend it.  Be sure to check status before going.  An interesting footnote on the Left Wing (the lower descent), it was created by a bulldozer in the late 70's as a fire break by BLM fire crews who were fighting a fire in the area.  Added bonus, what other trails have an Iron Maiden theme song?

CDT Jones Pass From Herman Gulch in Bakerville

While most who ride this section of the Continental Divide Trail shuttle their bikes to Jones Pass and ride down to The Herman Gulch Trailhead off of I-70, I find it more agreeable as an out and back.  The changing trail conditions and technical nature above treeline allow for a much safer and rapid ride from the top after getting a preview of the descent while climbing.  The lower portion of the trail can be crowded with various trail users between Herman Lake and the trailhead due to its popularity, but once one gets above Herman Lake the crowd thins out to very few users.

Canyon Creek Loop in Sargents

Nestled in-between Monarch Pass and the bustling metropolis of Gunnison lies the Canyon Creek Loop.  The combination of the nature of the trail and its location between the marquee trails of Gunnison/Crested Butte and the Monarch Crest Trail go a long way in keeping the masses at bay.  Yes, some of the climb is unrideable as pictured above and that alone keeps a large portion of bucket listers away.  The views at the apex and largely a-technical descent down into the Canyon Creek drainage make it all worth it to me.  Adding in the lack of schmendricks overrunning the trail is an undeniable bonus.

Rules To Ride By:

Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness. 

Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you.  Skidding ruins trails in creating ruts and/or washboards. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in. 

Control Your Bicycle. Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

Yield to Others. Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming -- a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one. 

Never Scare Animals. Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses. 

Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Now go ride your bike!