Mount Elbert (14,439′ – the highest peak in Colorado) is one of a few fourteeners that is not in Wilderness or private land, where mountain biking is actually allowed. Although few mountain bikers make a point to ride this awesome peak, the riding is here is top notch. I’ve been mountain biking Mount Elbert off and on for over 10 years now, and every time I find myself giddy with joy.
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One of my favorite things about TrailQuest has been that it’s given us a great reason to visit places that I’ve heard of, but haven’t been to. Such was the case with this ride, which had us starting in Union Park. When I first moved to Crested Butte in the late 90’s, Union Park was a topic that seemed to be in every week’s paper, because cities on the front range hoped to build a reservoir here and pump the water through the continental divide. It never happened, and it isn’t likely to happen anytime soon, but nevertheless Union Park remained one of those places I had heard of but never been to. At least, not until TrailQuest got us to ride Gold Creek to Cameron Creek…
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Frank and I have a reputation. We have a reputation for taking people on things that crush them. In other words, we “Konsella” them. We’d like to think we’re getting better at not doing such things. But, many-a-friend can attest to being “Konsella-ed” themselves. See, the thing is, how can we refrain from “Konsella-ing” our friends when every now and then we “Konsella” ourselves?
That’s what happened to Heather and I while mountain biking Interocean Pass to Lamborn. This ride simply crushed us down to the soul.
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Monarch Pass harbors some of the best alpine mountain biking in Colorado. But, since most trails are on the south side of Highway 50, most mountain bikers find themselves concentrated there. What happens if you ride on the north side of the highway? You’ll encounter even more (and better) scenery, some beautiful alpine lakes, and the most challenging descent that this area has to offer. It’s a worthy visit for those up for adventure!
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There’s something special about mountain biking on peaks. Plenty of mountain biking trails are accessible throughout Colorado, many of them don’t go to or near a peak. So, when I hear about a trail that allows you to ride to the top of a peak, or at least close to it, the trail piques my interest. Fairview Peak, near the Fossil Ridge area, was one trail that had been on the back of my mind for some time – after spying it during a backpacking trip in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. But TrailQuest finally gave me a reason to explore mountain biking on Fairview Peak.
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So, how did Fooses compare to the other descent options? Silver Creek is certainly the easiest descent and I think Green Creek and Fooses are among the most technically difficult. Both Green Creek and Fooses are rockier than the other descent options. I would say I actually had an easier time descending Green Creek rather than Fooses, although I think Fooses had a little more flowy sections at times compared to Greens. Either way, they are both pretty comparable in the end. Fooses is just shorter than Greens and certainly has more wildflowers!
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Frank and I have been riding Canyon Creek, a fantastic mountain bike trail near Whitepine, for years. It was such a great trail that we paid little attention to the other trails that intersect this lovely descent. But, enter TrailQuest which has prompted us to do so. And these trails have been fun to explore!
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I have a library of guidebooks. Some of them are for hiking and climbing, some are for backcountry skiing. But, I also have a collection dedicated to mountain biking. However, with the advent of the smart phone and the GPS capabilities that come along with it, mountain biking guidebooks seem to have gone by the wayside. My books are collecting a lot of dust.
Various apps and mapping programs that can be integrated into our phones have changed how we ride and what we ride. More and more people are adventuring into lesser known terrain. Here’s a look at what we think are the best apps for navigation while mountain biking.
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The TrailQuest has led to some epic days on the bike, it’s also taken us to explore some really fantastic trails. I can’t say enough about the area near Cochetopa Hills / Sargents Mesa / Needle Creek, just south of the tiny town of Sargents. There’s some great riding to be had there. And other than the Colorado Trail Segment, you’re likely to be on the trail alone. The loop that encompasses Milk Creek to Colorado Trail to Longbranch is an excellent loop for the more adventurous rider seeking less-than-standard trails.
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