Mountain Biking - Colorado Trails?

I've looked at MTB Review, but was wondering if anyone has any personal experience with trails in Colorado. Preferably around the Estes Park, Boulder, or Summit ski areas. Thanks

Try posting over at www.ridemonkey.com in the Colorado Locals section. They are almost as helpful as Bikeforum members (wink, wink, Joe).

I got a lot of good responses when I asked for tips on traveling to the area last month.

L8R

Colorado is a mountain biker's paradise. One of my favorite places to go is around Winter Park. There are lots of maintained singletrack trails there, both on and off the ski resort.

Another good place is around Salida. There used to be a gas station west of town that would haul bikers up to the top of Monarch pass in an old van for like 8 bucks. They would dump you out on top, where you would climb south towards the old Marshall pass, and from there you had several choices to get back down to town. It's definately not an all downhill ride though. In fact, you will dread seeing the term "regain the crest" on the trail map. It's anything from a very cool half-day ride to an all-day mondo downhill brutal crest-gaining trek back to town. Breathtaking scenery too.

Another good one is around Crested Butte. Though not quite as civil an atmosphere as around Winter Park there are more miles of single track here than you can ride in a single summer. Maybe two summers. And if you go here you MUST go to town and sit on main street one evening on one of their benches and watch the locals. I think they put up these benches just so out-of-town scuzzy mtn bikers like me can sit and giggle and laugh at those people. And to secretly admire their laid-back lifestyle.

I have more if you want, but writing this makes me hate this Oklahoma heat even more. I also know some people who own a condo in Crested Butte and they make killer deals for bikers in the summer months...

See the travel cases thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=12756) where I posted some info for you a week or so ago.

Thanks for all the input. RiderX, do you know the name of that section you rode?

Hey D.G. when are you going to Co? Make sure to take lots of pics...

Colorado is on my list of destinations...hopefully next year.

Originally posted by Joe Pozer
Hey D.G. when are you going to Co? Make sure to take lots of pics...

Colorado is on my list of destinations...hopefully next year.
Da Pozer! Where you been man? Missed you around here.
I'm leaving this Friday evening or Saturday morning, depending on how early I can get off work Friday. Took the whole week off so should get some decent miles in. I'll be sure to take some pics.:) Don't be such a stranger!

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
Thanks for all the input. RiderX, do you know the name of that section you rode? The section of the CO trail was where it starts right outside of Denver. Fireroad up to a massive dam before you enter the singletrack. Did it as an out and back with a loop on the way back (right hand side on the return, dumps you back at the dam). Kind of vague I know, but I'll see if I can dig up anymore info. I found all of my info on the net before I went. Picked up a topo at REI when I got out there since I was riding solo. Didn't need it though, trails are well marked and there is a trail map right before you enter the singletrack.

Have fun, pack lots of water, it's hot this time of year (it's when I went). Just try to ignore the "plastic suburbia" of greater Denver.