Colorado Trip

[BKocka]

So I am heading to Colorado for a quick trip March 30th through April 2nd. I was planning on bringing my mountain bike but have 2 questions for those of you who have knowledge.


Do you even think trails will be rideable then?
What trails should I hit if they are?

[gopherhockey]

So I am heading to Colorado for a quick trip March 30th through April 2nd. I was planning on bringing my mountain bike but have 2 questions for those of you who have knowledge.


Where abouts will you be? In the Denver area (i.e. Front-Range territory)?

[Guest1]

Big state for a general trail question.

I will be that way at the same time, going to Utah though.

Last year the last week of March was low 60s in Grand Junction, snow between Glewood Springs and Eagle.

[Fast1]

IMO the best riding in Colorado exists in the southwest part of the state near Ouray and Silverton (San Juan Mountains). However, since most of the routes are 8K to 13K they are not accessible until July or June if lucky.

[®y$GåÅ®D]

i'm leaving for colorado and utah on sunday, and after speaking with a friend in denver, it sounds like all the front range trails are good to go. definately do the apex while in denver. i also checked out mtbr's western slope forum, and according to the locals, as long as there isnt too much snow or rain in the days leading up to when you'll be there, fruita and grand junction should be good as well.

ps i just realized you are brianna from the skatepark, this is tim with the yellow bike and nexus hub from last monday. hello hello!

[gopherhockey]

i'm leaving for colorado and utah on sunday, and after speaking with a friend in denver, it sounds like all the front range trails are good to go. definately do the apex while in denver.

I don't think they are quite ready to ride, but they are having some warm weather and I've heard in about a week or so... so you might be ok. I'd suggest checking first though, they are currently having the same frustrations we have in the spring with riders not staying off muddy trails. Hopefully your friend is not one who has a twisted version of what 'good to go' means. ;)

mtbr has a good forum on the front-range where people are discussing trail conditions... lots of frustration out of that group because of all the huge snow they had this year. (Side note, I'm working with one of the local IMBA clubs to help build up their own forums just like we have here)

We're doing Apex on our way out to Fruita (99% sure thats the trail we'll ride) - its a good one. I came across two elk battling it out when I got to the top which was an added bonus.

Here is a picture of the front range area taken I think 2 days ago... doesn't look very ready to me:

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=240299&stc=1&d=1173068782

[BKocka]

I will be in a suburb of Denver, fyi.

[Kayakoholic]

I've always ridden in Telluride, Ouray and Durango (SW Colorado). The earliest I've ever been able to get on any of those trails was mid-June and even then I was freezing.

There are some decent trails south of Cortez, right below Sleeping Ute mountain that will be rideable.

[Kayakoholic]

I will be in a suburb of Denver, fyi.

You best bring a pair of skis and alot of beer, then!

[steef]

Denver? Bring your fixie.

[gopherhockey]

I will be in a suburb of Denver, fyi.

If you will be on the western side in the Lakeland/Morrison/Littleton general area, there are a ton of Jefferson County Open Space parks worth riding. Here is a directory online with maps etc:

http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R108.htm

Apex (don't miss the enchanted forest), Mt. Falcon (start from the bottom, its more challenging), Lair o' the bear (gets busy after work but is a nice introduction to front range riding), elk meadow, deer creek... there are a lot of great rides.

Most of the riding out there is bi-directional and completely shared, so you have to deal with the silly hikers and horses. Many have hiker-only trails, but few or none have mountain bike only routes.

I'm guessing they will be ready to ride by the time you get there.

[BKocka]

thanks for the info. I will also be making a trip into colorado springs for the day. There are lots of options for this trip—I am just driving my best friend out there (shes moving out there for 6 months) so once i drop her where she needs to be then I have all the free time in the world to ride.

[badandyruh]

thanks for the info. I will also be making a trip into colorado springs for the day. There are lots of options for this trip—I am just driving my best friend out there (shes moving out there for 6 months) so once i drop her where she needs to be then I have all the free time in the world to ride.


I would suggest while in Colorado Springs to try and ride(if accessible) through The Garden of the Gods park. Amazing scenery. Also, try and make it downtown Co. Springs and check out Brian's Bicycle Repair. Its right next to CTS(Carmicheal Training Systems). One of the coolest shops i've ever seen. If you go there tell them "i heard i'm suppost to ask about the basement".

[simpkins]

As long as we don't get anymore snow before your trip, the front range will be totally good to go by then. It is drying fast. As of now the only truely rideable trails in Denver area are parts of Green Mountain and Dakota Ridge both in Lakewood, Bear Creek Park is probably dry as well. That is an excellent time of year for Fruita and Moab if you've never been, Fruita about 4.5 hrs from Denver and Moab bout 6 hrs. Lots a luck. Marty

[Beau]

If you go to C-springs, MAKE SURE you ride Palmer Park. It's right ismack dab in the middle of the city. You will have more fun than you have ever had in this tiny little park.

Garden of the Gods is fun to drive through, but it's a pretty worthless place to ride.

Have fun!