Front Range Weekend Bike Packing Trips

[Kevinscamps]

Here is four I have done recently.  Looking for more!!

Ring the Peak down in Colorado Springs. 70 miles, 50% singletrack and 50% dirt roads and a bit on route 24.  It's about 90% uphill and has about 1700 feet of HAB with 8000 total climbing (by my estimate).  Some people's GPS tracks claim 12,000.

I biked the eastern 40 miles of the CT. I parked in Morrison, I hitched up to Buff Creek. Road about 13 miles to the edge of the Lost Creek Wilderness, mostly single track. Then 40 miles of CT, followed by 15 miles of paved bike path, and 5 miles of Mathews/Winters trail back to the car.

Also I suppose the trip from Kenosha Pass to Beckenridge and back on the CT. That is a fantastic weekend that people do fairly regularly. I generally stay in the hostel for $30 bucks in Breck. Its around 35 miles each way and can be cut somewhat shorter by riding Tiger River Road rather than CT to route 9.

Vapor Trail starting Salida (or Poncha Springs to cut off the unnecessary road biking at the start and finish)

I also did Kenosha Pass to Poncha Springs on the Colorado trail and finishing on the silver Creek and Rainbow trails (what people refer to as Moarch Crest).  This trip is 8 days and super easy to shuttle and ressupply since you pass through both Leadville and Beuna Vista and tons of bikers commute to Poncha Springs on the weekend from Denver to ride the Monarch Crest which means they drive right back over Kenosha Pass where you parked your car.

Need more suggestions!!

[dream4est]

How about Waterton CT/Indian Creek/Rampart Range Road to Manitou? Hotel it and go back next day same way? Trails then roads and good mileage about 90-100 each way. I am down to join you.

edit- more trail can be added to the ride too. the new North Fork Trail, section 2 of the CT, and there is moto trail along Rampart Range road too. Unfortunately the trails near Manitou I believe are all closed that run near Rampart Range road, but I dont know for sure about that (fire area). maybe a local can chime in.

[rick miller]

This one isn't strictly front range, but loops several CT segments with a low traffic return: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/545962815.  This one is a front range link up that I haven't done yet but am keen to try: http://app.strava.com/routes/312797.

[Kevinscamps]

I like the way you are thinking, but I have already done all of that section of the Colorado Trail.  I have attached a .gpx file for an almost all single track descent from Nederland to Boulder.  I am pretty siked to do it.  I knew there had to be a way.

EDIT: .GPX no worky, as later posts show there are 3.5 miles that don't allow bikes.  No easy way around that does not basically ruin the route because you end up descending about 2500' on flagstaff or down the canyon.  Boulder Parks suck!

[rick miller]

I like the way you are thinking, but I have already done all of that section of the Colorado Trail.  I have attached a .gpx file for an almost all single track descent from Nederland to Boulder.  I am pretty siked to do it.  I knew there had to be a way

Looks good, would make a nice segment for an overnighter to/from Winter Park.

[dream4est]

Kevin bicycles are not allowed on your route for the crucial connector you speak of finding, the Eldorado Canyon Trail. It has been that way for forever. Walker Ranch has always been the end of your Ned ride. Pave to Boulder is the only way from there legally. Believe me I have done your route about 15 times.

edit- I looked at all the resources. it is the Eldorado Canyon Trail in your gpx, and it is still no bicycles as far as I can tell. I thought you found the holy grail. Darn.

http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/EldoradoCanyon/Documents/EldoradoAreaBrochure.pdf

[dream4est]

No you can take myers homestead to some more pave - one move gets you lost in gated community on Flagstaff rd.- the other Magnolia Road. I tried all that years ago Kevin. Same frustration as you. Boulder!! Long canyon is the same- Boulder Open Space no bikes.

In other news I found moto trails and other trails on Rampart Range Road and in the area. I think it would be an awesome route for winter. And one could return via actual front range trails if the foothills route is too cold/snowy- pikes peak greenway- sante fe trail- parry park road. Or one could just ride to Woodland Park and back too. That seems like a good distance but hotels are way cheaper in the Springs are I bet.

[Kevinscamps]

Cougar Slayer seems like a better alternative for Ned to Boulder then.  It seems a shame to do most of your downhill on Flagstaff Road.  What a waste.

[rick miller]

Now I remember why I don't ride in Boulder County.