DnvrFox

REALLY, REALLY EASY SINGLE TRACK FOR MY WIFE

Not easy for you, easy for my wife (71 years old)

What I am really looking for is a flat, non-rutted trail through a meadow type of thing. She has only average bike handling skills.

We tried an area near a state park in Steamboat Springs a couple of years ago, but it quickly got beyond her skill level. But, she would like to feel as if she was going through a forest or meadow or both, away from civilization.

Anything in Golden Gate State Park?

We have looked at several of the Jeffco open space areas, but have found nothing easy enough. Elk Meadows is a bit difficult - well, more than a bit.

She could handle something like the west end of Chatfield, but that is pretty near civilization. Not the river trail, but the trails closer to Wadsworth.

Any ideas?

She would be riding a Specialized Hard Rock no suspension with 1 3/4" slicks.

DnvrFox

Looks like Pine Valley Open Space (Jeffco) may have a couple of miles suitable space. ANyone been there?

dark13star

I think you will have a hard time finding single track that meets your requirements. What about "double track" like the trail from Frasier to the CO river? I am forgetting the trail, but I think it is crushed gravel and goes by a Boy Scout camp. It has been years, but I remember it to be easy and scenic.

DnvrFox

That sounds great. I'll try to find it.

dark13star

I think it is called the Frasier Valley Trail. It is quite nice. My wife is 30 years younger, but doesn't like single track, so I took her there. It basically follows the river north from Winter Park.

DnvrFox

I believe we have ridden a couple of miles of that a few years back. I'll check it out again. Thanks

superdex

Spruce Mountain Trail? https://www.douglas.co.us/openspace/S...ain_Trail.html

DnvrFox

I don't know. We tried the Greenland Open Space Trail, and it was too soft and rutted and steep in places for her.

Another possibility we have taken is the Santa Fe Trail from Palmer Lake south past the Academy. We have done that successfully, but it is not like a single track away from civilization.

cyccommute 

Try the trails along the river at the west end of Chatfield to begin with. The trail on the west side of the river is very flat, twisty but doesn't have any climbs.

In town, I'd take her along the trials that parallel Bear Creek from Wadsworth west to the dam. Similar to Chatfield but longer. The ones west of the Stone House are more rugged than the ones further east. Similar trails exist on Clear Creek out in Wheatridge. They are great confidence builders since you really can't fall off a cliff while you get comfortable with riding on dirt. Cherry Creek from Colorado Blvd east has similar trails but those are more difficult.

Out of town, I'd suggest looking at old rail beds. Rollins Pass on the Winter Park side is a great place to ride. Gold Camp Road from about 5 miles out of Manitou is great with 2 tunnels to got through. The Midland Trail in Buena Vista is another rail bed. Boreas Pass is yet another.

A spectacular (almost as good as Rollins Pass) rail bed is the old Midland trail from Basalt to Leadville. Drive to the inlet of Ruedi Res and head east. There's even old coking ovens out there.

Tracking Ghost Railroads in Colorado is worth its weight in gold when it comes to railroad beds...although $138 is a bit steep for the new one.

DnvrFox

Thanks so much for the suggestions!!