Need Info on Durango/Salida...

[BrightYellow]

This year's trip is to Durango and Salida in mid-July. We'll be driving to Durango from Mpls., hopefully getting into Durango around noon. We'll be riding there for 3 days and then driving up to Salida for a day.

So far we are thinking of hitting:

Durango - Telegraph system, Colorado Trail, Hermosa Creek Trail and maybe the Dutch Creek area.

Salida - Monarch/Rainbow.

I've been on the Telegraph system, so I know what to expect there. But, it sounds like Colorado, Hermosa and Rainbow are all pretty epic, but we could use some more details... How do they compare with Crested Butte trails like 401, Teacolli, etc..

Has anybody been on these? Any thing we should know? Are these trails the best in the area? Any good places to eat we should know about? Any body ever rent a condo in the area? Any info would be great...

Here are some links we've looked at:
http://www.trails2000.org/maps.html?page=maps
http://www.okearthbike.com/roadtrip/durango2003-2.html
http://content.mtbr.com/pscTrails/United,States,Trails/Colorado/PLS_4533_918_50crx.aspx

http://www.peaksnewsnet.com/mtnbike/trail1.html
http://content.mtbr.com/pscTrails/United,States,Trails/Colorado/,Monarch,Crest/PRD_166706_4533crx.aspx#reviews

[noise_is_life]

I was in Salida last November, it is a beautiful area. It was kind of late in the year to ride Monarch, but I rode some trails near Buena Vista.

It's worth it to stop by Absolute Bikes in Salida (they're very familiar with Monarch as you would expect) and have a yerba mate next store at Bongo Billy's while you're at it.

I also recommend Laughing Ladies as a good place to eat.

[martini]

[homer drooling]oooohhhhh. Monarch Crest/rainbow...[/homer drooling] :D That is my favorite trail that I've ridden so far! LOVE it! It's been 5 or 6 years since I last rode it though, and that is such a shame! The beginning has a fair amount of climbing with stunning views, and last two thirds is pure extasy! swooping, fast singletrack downhill with only a few climbs. What I wouldn't give to go out there with you and tyr it out with my 29" and discs! Oh god, speed would be sooooo good!

Sorry, I need to go find a tissue.... :confused:

[Don Youngdahl]

I rode Hermosa Creek several years ago, and it was great. It is best done as a shuttle, to avoid a long road ride. I think it may have been impacted by a fire a few years ago, so check it out at a local shop. If I recall correctly, Mountain Bike Specialties is the largest local shop, & it's owned (or part-owned) by a great all-around guy named Ed Zink. If you should run into him, say Hi from me.

While you're there, get a brochure or recent newsletter of the local trails organization, Trails 2000. It's a multi-sport group, with hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. I think MORC's agenda and accomplishments are impressive, but Trails 2000 is really big, and makes MORC look small. Last I heard, they had a paid executive director. Their level of support from the community and relationship with landowners and land managers is fantastic.

If you're looking for an excellent (but a bit pricey) downtown Mexican restaurant, try Francesco's.

Don Youngdahl

[Crash]

Marty - We are so stoked to ride Monarch!

We drove over Monarch pass on the way to Crested Butte twice, but have never taken the chance to do this ride. This is the year :D

What route did you take at the end of your ride? Monarch-Silver Creek-Rainbow-285 back to town? Somthing like 30 miles of pure single track! :banana: