Spanning a mammoth 535 miles and offering a smorgasbord of technical terrains, the Colorado Trail is every mountain biker's dream. While you'll have to detour around six designated wilderness areas, the trail more than makes up for it with killer views, singletrack paths, and challenging ascents and descents. Designed for the dedicated, this trail offers multiple entry points, and in this feature, we're taking a closer look at Segment 3, known as the Little Scraggy Trailhead to FS Road 560.
Often compared to the legendary Monarch Crest Ride, this trail takes you through climbs that reach a maximum grade of 35%. It shares its path with the Continental Divide Trail, offering an unrivaled high-alpine riding experience. Here, you can enjoy riding through serene forest landscapes and rugged mountain terrain.
Prepare to be rewarded for the brutal day of climbing with what many consider to be the best downhill section among Colorado's epic trails. Speeding down these slopes, you'll experience a heart-pounding medley of twists, turns, and occasional rocky challenges, all while surrounded by panoramic mountain vistas.
Numerous trailheads exist, offering multiple starting points. If coming from Denver, kick off your journey from S. Platte Canyon Rd. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer adventure, options abound for how you can approach this beast of a trail.
The Colorado Trail is a classic, whether you're out for an epic day ride or planning a longer bike-packing trip. It's a journey that demands preparation, respect for the terrain, and a thirst for adventure. While some find it a rigorous challenge, almost all agree that the breathtaking views, exhilarating descents, and the sense of accomplishment make it all worthwhile.
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