Old logging and mining roads along with single-track
trails provide access to the backcountry with the
added ambiance and comfort of a backcountry hut or
guest ranch each night. There are additional opportunities
for hiking, fly fishing, peak summits and a variety
of single track mountain biking. Our tours are accompanied
by a support vehicle so the weight of gear, bike
tools and food will not hinder your ride in the high
country.
**Trips can be custom designed
in length and route. Call for suggestions.
A shorter route
that travels though the historic areas where the
10th Mountain troops trained during WWII. History
and spectacular scenery are the rewards of riding
here.
**Trips can be custom designed
in length and route. Call for suggestions.
Full Description:
Mountain
Bike the Colorado Backcountry with the added ambiance and
comfort of a backcountry hut or guest ranch. Each day offers
a variety of biking, with routes that will challenge the
novice as well as the advanced rider. Along with Single Track
options, there are opportunities for hiking, peak climbs,
fly fishing, and enjoying time spent with good friends, good
food and the comfort of an Alpine Hut. All trips are accompanied
by a support vehicle so the weight of gear, bike tools, and
food will not hinder your ride in the high country. This
Classic Backcountry Mtn. Bike Adventure covers approximately
100 miles as it winds it's way along the edge of the Holy
Cross Wilderness Area. The main route utilizes Forest Service
roads ranging from smooth gravel to 4-wheel drive. Approximately
10 miles is on paved roads. Elevations range from our starting
point at 8500', to Hut elevations of approximately 11000',
to our high point of 12000' as we cross the Continental Divide
at Hagerman Pass. Basic riding skills are adequate for the
main route, and instructional tips from the Guides will improve
your overall biking. A moderate level of fitness is required.
Varying degrees of pace can be accommodated, and the shuttle
vehicle is always available to get you over the "hump".
Full trip itinerary and map available. Mileages and Elevations
are daily minimums. Trip cost is all inclusive except for
bike rental and gratuity.
5 Day Trip Itinerary:
Day One - The trip
begins southwest of Vail near Sylvan Lake (8500'). This
is a climbing day on a maintained Forest Service road.
The mid-way point is Crooked Creek Pass (10000') and the
first glimpse of the Sawatch Range and the Holy Cross Wilderness
Area. The climb continues to the Peter Estin Hut (11200').
This ridge top location offers spectacular views of the
mountains near Aspen and a preview of the next two days
of biking. Distance: 10-15 miles \ Elevation Gain: 2700'
Optional biking is a short single track and a 7 mile descent
on Forest Service road to Yoeman Park (return by shuttle
vehicle). Optional hiking is a moderate one hour climb
to Charles Peak (12000')
Day Two - Peter Estin Hut to the
Frying Pan River Valley. The descent takes us through Aspen
glades, Evergreen forest, Open Parks and Sage. The day
is a mix of short climbs, rolling terrain and plenty of
downhill. For the more aggressive rider there are single
and double track options. Distance: 20 miles / Elevation
Gain: 500'-1500'(depending on route) Elevation Loss: 3000'
Day Three - Frying Pan River Valley to
the Betty Bear Hut. This climb day takes us to the western
edge of the Continental Divide and into the heart of the
Sawatch Range. The route follows the historic Midland Railroad
Line. Now a Forest Service road, this abandoned rail bed
is a consistent 3-4% grade. From the Frying Pan River Valley,
6 miles of paved road leads to the Hagerman Pass road.
Great alpine views abound as the route passes through Sellar
Park and Hell's Gate. High Alpine meadows and wildflowers
are abundant as the route gradually climbs to the Betty
Bear Hut (11100'). Distance: 23 miles / Elevation Gain:
3000' Optional biking is a challenging short single track
that leads to a 6 mile descending Forest Service road where
the shuttle vehicle has been left for the return to the
hut.
Day Four - Betty Bear Hut to Uncle Bud's
Hut. The route crosses the Continental Divide at Hagerman
Pass (12000'). Options for this above tree line route are
a 1/2 mile "hike a bike" or
a challenging 2 mile steep climb on a 4-wheel drive road
(shuttle support optional). Celebrations can be short lived
as this wild and windy summit pushes us towards the Arkansas
River Valley and the Atlantic Watershed. A 2000' descent
to Turquoise Lake provides some challenging riding on bumpy
4-wheel drive sections of the Forest Service road and an
optional single track on a 1.5 mile section of the Colorado
Trail. A few miles of paved road leaves us with the option
of a steep climb to the hut or a 4 mile hike on the Colorado
Trail to the hut. Distance: 23 miles / Elevation Gain:
2000' Elevation Loss: 2000' Optional hiking is available.
Recommended Option: sitting on Uncle Bud's deck watching
the sunset over Mt. Elbert (Colorado's highest peak). It's
been a long day!
Day Five - Uncle Bud's
Hut to the historic town of Leadville. This morning can
be an opportunity to relax and sort through an adventure
that few people have accomplished. For those who want even
more, options are a beautiful hike to St. Kevin's Lake
at the base of Galena Mtn., or a challenging off trail
hike to Galena's 12,900' summit. The day's ride is a 2-3
mile descent on Forest Service roads then paved road into
downtown Leadville for ice cream. Distance: 15 miles /
Elevation Loss: 1300' Optional riding is a scenic ride
around Turquoise Lake on paved road which adds approx.
8 miles and 500' elevation gain.
Contact Paragon Guides today to join us on a backcountry adventure!
970.926.5299 or Toll-Free: 877.926.5299
info@paragonguides.com • contact form
|
2008
Mountain Biking