Places to Mountain Biking

 

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Abyss Lake Trailhead-303-275-5610 (US Forest)

CR 62,Grant, CO

The Abyss Trailhead provides access for the Abyss Lake Trail (sometimes referred to as the Scott Gomer trail) and the Burning Bear Trail north of the community of Grant. The Abyss Lake Trail is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness Area, which terminates at Abyss Lake. The lake is nestled in a high glacial cirque between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. The rocky slopes surrounding the lake are home to bighorn sheep and mountain goats. The elevation gain, together with the round trip distance of 18 miles, makes this a strenuous day hike. The trail is not marked with signs but can be used for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. The first 2 miles are considered easy, while the next couple of miles are intermediate.

The east trailhead for the Burning Bear Trail is approximately .2 miles west of the parking area for the Abyss Trailhead (9,620 ft. elevation). The trail proceeds west into Hall Valley. From the trailhead gate, the trail leads northwest in an open meadow for about 200 yards, and then crosses a large bridge over Geneva Creek. Mountain biking is allowed on the Burning Bear Trail.

Directions:

From Denver, drive southwest on US 285 approximately 40 miles to Grant. Turn right (north) onto Park County 62 (towards Guanella Pass). The Abyss Trailhead is approximately 5.5 miles north on the Guanella Pass Road. During the winter, the road is plowed for the first 5 miles, meaning this trailhead is the farthest point north where the road is plowed. There is a large parking area for this trailhead.

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Beaver Creek Trailhead-719-836-2031  (US Forest)

CR 655, Fairplay, CO

The Beaver Creek Trailhead provides access to year round recreation opportunities in the Beaver Creek drainage. In the summer, enjoy explore the numerous trails and 4WD roads that cross the creek or ride your mountain bike over to Crooked Creek Road. In the winter, disocver winter travel routes which incorporate parts of the Beaver Creek Road (659) with some travel through the forest. The trailhead is 2.9 miles from Highway 9 and may be reached by traveling NE on 4th Street from Main Street in Fairplay. Turn left at Bogue Street and go 2.3 miles to an intersection marked with the Beaver Creek sign. Turn right, travel another 0.3 miles and park in the parking lot located just inside the National Forest Boundary. The trails are not groomed, nor patrolled on a regular basis. The Short Loop is approximately 1.75 miles long. Touring this loop clockwise will allow you to have wider stretches when going downhill. The Beaver Creek Trail follows the Beaver Creek Road for approximately 3.2 miles one way. Both trails provide an easy to more difficult ski experience. Exercise caution, as the road is used by snowmobiles as well.

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Boreas Pass-719-836-2031 (U.S. Forest Service)

CR 33, Como, CO

Boreas Pass, at an elevation of 11,499 feet, follows the old grade of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad that crossed the Continental Divide on its way from Como to Breckenridge. At the summit, visitors can see the Section House and remnants of the snow sheds that once protected the railroad from the drifting snow that blows through the pass in winter. The Section House and neighboring Ken’s Cabin serve as ski huts during the winter.  A driving tour brochure is available for the Boreas Pass Road to guide you on your journey. Most passenger vehicles can reach the summit of Boreas Pass from either Park County or Summit County and the U.S. Forest Service maintains a winter closure gate just north of Robert’s Cabin.

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Buffalo Peaks Trailhead-719-836-2031 (U.S. Forest Service)

FSR 431, Fairplay, CO 

The Buffalo Peaks Trailhead provides access to the Salt Creek Trail and the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area. Hiking, backpacking, horse riding, and dispersed camping are allowed along the trail, as well as mountain biking outside of the Wilderness Area.

Directions

Drive 12 miles south of Fairplay on Highway 285 then turn right (west) on to Forest Service Road 431. Follow FSR 431 for approximately five miles to the trailhead.

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Eleven Mile State Park-719-748-3401 

4229 CR 92, Lake George, CO

Anglers and writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration. Canoe the day away around the shores of the backcountry.  Fish from the shore or a boat while enjoying scenic vistas.  Camp comfortably in designated campsites located around the shoreline, nestled among trees in the backcountry, or tucked away in secluded canyon pockets and remote hillsides.

 Ideal wind conditions make Eleven Mile a popular but not overly crowded destination for sailing, windsurfing and winter ice boating on this wide-open reservoir. Motor boaters and kayakers also find plenty of room to play during the summer months.  Many species of birds reside in or migrate through the park, making for wonderful bird watching prospects. Neighboring park, Spinney Mountain, offers additional opportunities for birding and fishing. Waterfowl hunting chances for a wide variety of ducks are excellent and are available each fall!

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French Pass Trail-719-836-2031 (U.S. Forest Service)

CR 54, Jefferson, CO

French Pass trail provides access to the Continental Divide between Bald Mountain and Mount Guyot.  The trail is not always easy to follow and isn't well signed.  From the southern trailhead it leads up the French Creek drainage, beginning at approximately 10,520 feet in elevation and within 4.5 miles hikers reach the summit of French Pass.  The trail continues into the White River National Forest to the French Gulch Trialhead east of Breckenridge.  This trail is not recommended for winter use due to avalanche potential. 

Directions

From Highway 285, take county Road 35 north from Jefferson to County Road 54 (Michigan Creek Road) and continue toward Georgia Pass.  Drive just over two miles past Michigan Creek Campground to a point where the road crosses French Creek.  Park in a flat area just before reaching this crossing.

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Gold Dust Trailhead-719-836-2031

CR 50, Como, CO

The Gold Dust Trailhead provides access to Boreas Pass to the north via the old Boreas Pass Wagon Road, which it connects to after crossing FDR 406.  Much of the northern portion of the trail follows an old flume that diverted water from North Tarryall Creek and its tributaries to mining operations located in the upper Tarryall Drainage.  This portion of the trail is excellent for snowshoers and cross country skiers. If you head south from the trailhead you can follow the trail around Little Baldy Mountain and choose to hike towards Como or to Fairplay. A Pike National Forest or National Geographic Trails Illustrated map is recommended to safely navigate the multiple trails in this area. The trail goes through a small portion of private land near a log cabin so please respect this private land access.

 Directions

Drive to the town of Como from US Highway 285 and follow the signs to Boreas Pass.  Continue on this road approximately 1.5 miles past the Boreas Pass Road turnoff.  Total mileage from US Highway 285 to the trailhead is 5.5 miles.  Park on a wide portion of the road on the left just beyond the trailhead.

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Jefferson Lake Recreation Area-719-836-2031 (U.S. Forest Service)

CR 37, Jefferson, CO

Jefferson Lake Recreation Area is a fee area managed by concessionare located northwest of Jefferson off US Highway 285.  It is a popular area for camping, picnicking, fishing, and hiking.  There are a number of campgrounds available, but none are located directly on Jefferson Lake.  For backpacking and day hiking, the Colorado Trail passes through the area on its way to Georgia Pass and the Jefferson Lake and Jefferson Loop trails also offer day hikers options for long or short walks. The following campgrounds and picnic areas are located within the Recreation Area:

​Directions

Take County Road 54 north from Jefferson until the road forks, then turn right onto County Road 37 and follow the road until you reach the fee booth. The current entry fee is $6 per vehicle.

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Kenosha Pass Trailhead-303-275-5610 (U.S. Forest Service)

Hwy 285, Jefferson, CO

The Kenosha Pass Trailhead provides access to the Colorado Trail as it heads southeast into the Lost Creek Wilderness Area and west towards the Continetal Divide. The Colorado Trail starts outside of Denver and ends in Durango. It runs through Kenosha Pass and Kenosha East Campgrounds. There is also a wetland interpretative area and the remnants of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad wye (Y). "Helper" engines from either Webster on the east side or Como on the west side of Kenosha Pass, assisted the regular engine in getting the train to the top, and then used the wye (Y) to turn around and head back down hill.

 Kenosha Pass also provides stunning scenic views of South Park from a small pullout area on the south side of the pass. 4WD/OHV users can enjoy Forest Service Road 126 which climbs to the top of North Twin Cone Peak. To reach the road, drive through Kenosha East Campground and take the road to the right.

Directions

From Denver, drive southwest on US 285 approximately 50 miles. Parking is available on both sides of Highway 285, at the top of Kenosha Pass, but some parking areas requrie a day use fee.