Trail Review: Gunsight Connector
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The new Gunsight Connector trail connects Mount Crested Butte to the Lower Loop trail system. Some locals have begun referring it to “Lupine 3”, since it can be considered the third installment of the newer Lupine trails. The trail is best if used as a descent, starting in the Saddle Ridge development. When “Lupine 2” begins its final descent off the Cloud City road, continue ascending until you reach the well marked Gunsight Connector.
Like any new trail, the Gunsight Connector is still a little rough and bumpy, needing time, tires, and weather to wear it in to perfection. Alex Reidman:
Built by volunteers from the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (sorry I couldn’t make it!), the trail is built with riders in mind, with berms and fun features, similar to the rest of Lupine. Perhaps the best part of Gunsight Connector is that it ends right at the Gunsight Bridge, which means easy access to the Lower Loop system of trails. The regular Lupine trail ends a little bit earlier, so riders wanting to continue towards town on singletrack had to go up the Slate River road before they could connect with Lupine. Susan Mol:
Overall, I see myself riding Lupine more than Gunsight connector, however. The flow of Lupine is just a lot better. About 3/4 of the way down Gunsight, for instance, the trail suddenly corkscrews back up the hill, taking away the enjoyment of the descent, at least in my opinion. Still, there are some great parts of this trail, so I will still ride it at least once a year.
Of course the views are better than most:
Like Lupine, this trail does a great job of connecting some of the trails that are close to town. It can always use more traffic, so check it out.
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