Midland Hills Trails: A Balanced Blend of Flow and Technicality
Overview
Situated in the scenic area of Buena Vista, Colorado, the Midland Hills Trails provide a 6-mile, point-to-point cycling experience. These singletrack trails branch out from the Collegiate Peaks Overlook, offering a mixture of flow and technical elements that make them an excellent choice for intermediate mountain bikers.
Key Trail Features
- Distance: 6 miles
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Route Type: Point to point
- City: Buena Vista
- State: Colorado
How to Get There
Parking is available at the Collegiate Peaks Overlook, although a fee is involved. Alternatively, free parking can be found at the upper Midland Trailhead.
Terrain and Obstacles: A Dynamic Fusion
- Swooping Turns: These trails are ripe with swooping turns that add a thrilling dimension to the ride.
- Rocks and Boulders: Be prepared for a variety of rocky obstacles, from small pebbles to larger boulders that challenge your skills.
- Built-in Bypasses: Go-arounds are available for the more difficult features, particularly useful for those feeling fatigued.
Riding Experience: Cyclists' Insights
- Many riders enjoy combining these trails with other routes like Django, Fistful of Dollars, and the updated Gentleman's Loop.
- The trails are well-maintained with a decomposed granite surface providing excellent traction.
- Despite a few double black sections where errors could prove painful, the overall difficulty level is intermediate, appropriate for most seasoned riders.
- Cycling up these trails offers a manageable grade, making it possible but not necessarily the most fun. However, descending transforms the experience, making obstacles like rocks and turns much more enjoyable.
Recommendations for an Enriched Experience
- Combine these trails with the Whipple trail system via the Midland trail for an extended adventure.
- Make sure to stay on track; veering off could result in flat tires or environmental damage to the delicate flora.
- It's a trail that offers something for everyone — from a relaxing spin to adrenaline-pumping descent.
Final Words: A Versatile Offering
The Midland Hills Trails offer something for everyone. For those in search of a solid, intermediate mountain biking experience, these trails offer just enough technicality without overwhelming. With the right combination of flow, obstacles, and scenery, these trails promise a rewarding day on two wheels. In summary, Midland Hills Trails are a well-balanced blend that should put a smile on the face of any intermediate mountain biker.