04/23/08

Wanna feel AMAZING!?

by sapagirl

The views from most, anywhere on this trail are amazing! There are gentle, sloping portions, but beware! There are areas that made me want to wet my pants! I am not a huge fan of heights, so coming down the steps next to the Boulder Creek is a little scary.

It was a phenomenal experience for me to finish, with energy to spare. Not that this trail is gentle, by any means. Just proving to me that I can do it! It is very well travelled, so always watch for areas to step off, in case you come across cyclists, and you will.

Take a large amount of water to stay hydrated and a camera. (I forgot the camera.)

Be prepared to need an ice cold beer when its all over.

• Pros: Close to town
• Cons: None

This loop is not for wimps--it has tight switchbacks with loose soil and large rocks.

by Contributor

Overview
Although this ride is relatively short, it has lots of steep climbing and terrain designed for the gonzo rider. Several sections are extremely hazardous and require hiking with your bike on your shoulder. Also, don't forget to yield to hikers and horses; mountain bikers don't own the park.

The Trail
Take the South Boulder Trail and cruise down to South Boulder Creek on a sandy, well-maintained trail. Cross the bridge (1.5 miles) and turn left toward the Crescent Meadows Trail. Begin a steady climb over tricky but not overly difficult rocks to a Walker Ranch Loop Trail sign, just below the Gross Reservoir Road. Pick up the road and travel south (left) a short distance on the Gross Dam Road to the Crescent Meadows parking lot on the left. Find the trail again at the end of the parking lot (2.5) and drop onto a bumpy, single-track trail. As the trail nears the creek (4.5), it becomes unrideable. Carefully hike your bike down to the creek and begin the stiff climb on the Eldorado Canyon Trail. Turn left on the Columbine Gulch Trail (5.8), still steeply climbing, to the ridge, where it descends over rocks back to the trailhead (7.4).