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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Ah, the Fourth of July in Crested Butte. It’s fun, but it’s also a madhouse and for that reason I prefer to ride my bike somewhere far away. My office was having a big party/fundraiser, however, so I needed to stay at least through the parade. Brittany was convinced that I would drink too many Bloody Marys, so she headed towards Taylor Park to ride Star-Lily and Lily Lake on her own. I kept it under control, however, so in the end I was only an hour behind her. We started at the intersection of Taylor Road (742) and 759, and then headed up the long grind towards Italian Mountain, thankfully with great views.
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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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Doubletop is well known by Crested Butte locals as “double up, no down”. As in, it’s uphill both ways. And it does feel that way, to be sure, if you’re riding the whole thing. But if you catch the right segment, it’s sometimes downhill the whole way.
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