Directions to Trailhead: From Lyons take Highway 7 towards Allenspark. Take this for approximately 15 miles and until you reach Highway 72 which is the peak-to-peak highway. Pass Ward and continue on Highway 72 until you reach CO 116.(University of Colorado Research Station turnoff) Turn right on CO 116 and follow the dirt road .5 miles to the trailhead. Parking is on the left and the trail begins on the right.
About This Trail: Sweet, sweet singletrack. This is a mountain bikers dream when it comes to challenging singletrack. The best part of this trail is the signage. The entire trail is marked with blue diamonds on trees so you know your on the right trail at all times. This trail is at a higher elevation so be prepared for sudden weather changes as well as acclimating yourself to high altitude riding. You can tackle this trail in two ways. You can treat it as an out and back and get 12.4 miles of great singletrack of you can do it as a loop. The trail ends at Brainard rd. This is a paved road that if you take a right and go downhill at the mid section of the ride you will end up intersecting Highway 72. Take a right and pedal through ward on paved Highway 72 until you reach CO 116. Pedal .5 miles back to your car.
Trail Description: 0 miles, The parking area is on the left hand side of the road. You will need to cross CO 116 to get to the trailhead. 0.9 miles, crank up a series of switchbacks that open up into a clearing. 1.5 miles, descend and cross a small stream and rocky section of trail. 1.9 miles, Junction with a cross-country ski trail. Stay on the main trail. 2.4 miles, descend to a bridge crossing over a river. Continue to follow the trail by looking for blue diamond markers on trees. 4.9 miles, start a descent towards the end of the trail. 5.4 miles, The trail levels off and you cross a bridge. 5.6 miles, Decide if you want to take the paved road home or if you want to turn around and retrace your steps back to your car.
