BikingCrested Butte

Timberline Trail to Texas Ridge 9.18.11

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After nearly a week of rain leading up to September 18th, we were all racking our brains trying to figure out a ride that might be dry. Taylor Park tends to be a touch drier than Crested Butte, plus the soil is more rocky and Texas Ridge is mostly spongy pine needles, so that became the goal. The last time we rode it, we went up Texas Creek, but this time we decided to access the Timberline trail off of Cottonwood Pass instead.
Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

While accessing Timberline from Cottonwood adds almost 5 miles and 20 minutes of riding, it’s totally worth it since the Timberline trail is a rockin’ downhill from Cottonwood down to Texas Creek. Unless I expect Cottonwood to be extra busy, this is probably the way I will usually go to get to Texas Ridge. One of the Texas Lakes near the junction of the Timberline Trail and Texas Creek road:
Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

Sydney:
Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

From Texas Creek, the Timberline trail climbs steeply- very steeply before the downhill starts again. Still, most of the trail is barely rideable and a good challenge if you’re up for it. A couple shots of the climb:
Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

Once the descent on Timberline, and then Texas Ridge starts, the fun levels spike on what at least one member of our party openly wondered “might just be Gunnison County’s best ride”. High praise indeed, and completely warranted. I was shooting video with my GoPro, but unfortunately the lens got splashed early on and it wasn’t worth using any of the footage. So, just a couple shots of the descent:
Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

Mountain biking Texas Ridge in Taylor Park, CO

Frank Konsella
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Summary
Timberline Trail to Texas Ridge
Article Name
Timberline Trail to Texas Ridge
Description
Texas Ridge, a great mountain bike route, can easily be accessed via the Timberline Trail near the west side of Cottonwood Pass.
Author

Frank Konsella

Frank loves snow more than anything... except his wife.    He ensures his food is digested properly by chewing it 32 times before swallowing. He is a full-time real estate agent serving Crested Butte and Gunnison and would be honored to send you his monthly newsletter.

5 thoughts on “Timberline Trail to Texas Ridge 9.18.11

  • Ticked this one off last Sunday. Super worthy… great ride.

  • Frank Konsella

    Glad you approve, Evan- One of our favorites, too!

  • Brittany Walker Konsella

    Hi Evan! Glad you liked it! Let us know when you’re in the area next time 🙂

  • Mike

    Rode Texas Ridge as an out-n-back on Sunday after Doc Park. This thing is HIDING in plain sight.

  • Brittany Walker Konsella

    Glad you had a good ride Mike!

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