Fall Ride on Point Lookout & 409.5 (26 Sept 2014)

(Last Updated On: August 15, 2017)

As I write this, falling snowflakes sparkle by the streetlight out my window. The ground has gone from fiery red to white. In the matter of a day, in just one storm, we were transported from September-summer to winter. It’s hard to believe that this fall ride happened only 5 days ago and that I was steamy in a t-shirt. Now, I’m bundled in a sweater and a hat – indoors. Oh, now nature likes to keep us in check 😉

Anyway, I wanted to go for a nice fall ride in search of fabulous leaves. 409.5 is a favorite fall ride of mine, and the new Point Lookout ascent to it makes for a dramatically scenic ride. Throw in a bit of Strand action, and it’s hard to think of a fall ride that’s much better than that. I was joined by our friend Adam.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

It turns out, we were in the prime of the leaves on 409.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

The occasional meadows allowed for beautiful backdrops.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Point Lookout is definitely among the most scenic of trails in Crested Butte.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Mount Crested Butte towering over a rainbow wave of trees.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Glowing golden aspens were everywhere.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

I never ever tire of this valley view.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

The descent down 409.5 is one of the best in the valley, and has been a top 5 favorite of mine for years.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

My kind of yellow brick road.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Even the cows seemed happy.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

At the end of the trail, the fall scenery was accentuated by the building thunderstorm in the distance.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

But, we still had more to ride. On to Strand Bonus.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

Mountains radiated the colors of autumn.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

I often overlook Strand Bonus to ride Strand proper instead. But, I was reminded of how fun and scenic this ride is too.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

I paused to enjoy the moment.
Mountain biking Point Lookout and 409.5 near Crested Butte, CO.

September-summer is a-okay with me 😉

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Fall Ride on Point Lookout & 409.5
Article Name
Fall Ride on Point Lookout & 409.5
Description
Fall riding in Crested Butte is when mountain biking is at its best. And 409 to Point Lookout to 409.5 to Strand is one of the most colorful fall rides!
Author

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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