Snodgrass Trail Review: A Blend of Scenic Beauty and Intermediate Cycling Near Crested Butte

Overview

Nestled within the beautiful environs of Crested Butte, Colorado, the Snodgrass Trail offers mountain bikers a joyful ride through winding forests and flowy terrains. With an average distance of 3 miles and rated intermediate, this out-and-back trail encapsulates the essence of Crested Butte cycling—nothing too technical but a good balance of mild challenges and thrills.

Getting There

To access the Snodgrass Trail, head north out of Crested Butte towards the resort area. Take a left onto Washington Gulch Road, and you'll find the trailhead a couple of miles down on your right. Conveniently, the trail runs between Washington Gulch and Gothic Road, allowing you to loop it or choose either endpoint as your starting point. For an "out and back" adventure, parking at Washington Gulch is recommended as it front-loads most of the climbing.

What to Expect on the Trail

• Terrain: Mainly forested paths with some meadow sections.
• Technicality: Moderate. Expect some short, steep climbs but nothing overbearing.
• Trail Surface: Mostly tacky dirt, with sections featuring roots and some rocks.
• Foot Traffic: Tends to be busy with both hikers and bikers, especially during mid-week.
• Additional Points: Mosquitos and flies are common, but easily managed with insect repellent.

The Ride Experience

Embarking from the northeast towards the southwest, be prepared for a one-mile initial steep climb that may test the resolve of even seasoned bikers. However, this ascent is more than compensated by a fun and winding descent that follows, making it a favorite among intermediate mountain bikers.One cautionary note is the trail’s popularity. This means that patience is required when navigating around hikers and other cyclists. More experienced riders should alert others when passing, while those less seasoned are advised to safely move aside when being overtaken.

Special Sections

• The Aspens: A signature part of the Snodgrass Trail, riding through the aspen trees offers a uniquely scenic experience.
• Fast Downhill: Towards the end of the trail, there's a fast and rewarding downhill section.
• Flowy Areas: Particularly in the pine sections, riders will find stretches of trail that allow for a faster pace and smooth ride.

Rider Tips and Comments

• "Perfect for a long day of fun riding."
• "The initial climb can be challenging, but the descent is a blast."
• "Close to Mount Crested Butte ski area, great for a quick loop."
• "Trail conditions can get a bit crowded, so exercise patience and common courtesy."

Final Thoughts

Snodgrass may not be a headline trail, but it encapsulates what many love about Crested Butte's mountain biking scene. Whether you're a local seeking a quick ride or a visitor exploring the area, the Snodgrass Trail offers a blend of challenge and enjoyment that’s hard to beat.