Twin Lakes
Roadies and summer tourists already know Twin Lakes as the gateway to Independence Pass, the high mountain pass that separates the Arkansas Valley from Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. What they may not know, however, is that this quiet and scenic village is also the gateway to some of the best single-track in the northern Arkansas Valley.
Most of the action happens on the two major trail systems that intersect the town, the Colorado Trail (COT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). North of town, the COT surfs the eastern shoulder of Mount Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak, providing a single-track line that extends all the way to Halfmoon Road and Mt. Massive, Colorado's second tallest peak.
South of CO Highway 82, the COT skirts the lakes then continues all the way to Clear Creek, offering several tasty single-track riding options along the way. The trail is skinny and fast, but seldom ridden; the only crowd you are likely to encounter is the one you bring.
Most of the action happens on the two major trail systems that intersect the town, the Colorado Trail (COT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). North of town, the COT surfs the eastern shoulder of Mount Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak, providing a single-track line that extends all the way to Halfmoon Road and Mt. Massive, Colorado's second tallest peak.
South of CO Highway 82, the COT skirts the lakes then continues all the way to Clear Creek, offering several tasty single-track riding options along the way. The trail is skinny and fast, but seldom ridden; the only crowd you are likely to encounter is the one you bring.
GPS files and interactive maps:
Sweet Colorado Trail single-track
Granite
Granite is one of the best-kept MTB secrets in the Arkansas Valley. East of town is a network of rarely used jeep trails and true double-track (think parallel single-track separated by tall grass) that border the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area. Wildlife abounds and you are likely to see deer, elk, and coyotes.
On the west side of US 24, you'll have easy access to one of the smoothest sections of Colorado Trail single-track. Spanning the distance between Twin Lakes and Clear Creek, this segment is fast, fun and seldom ridden.
The trophy ride of the area, however, is the Lost Canyon Road. This test piece serves as the crux climb and turn-around point of the Leadville 100 mountain bike racecourse.
On the west side of US 24, you'll have easy access to one of the smoothest sections of Colorado Trail single-track. Spanning the distance between Twin Lakes and Clear Creek, this segment is fast, fun and seldom ridden.
The trophy ride of the area, however, is the Lost Canyon Road. This test piece serves as the crux climb and turn-around point of the Leadville 100 mountain bike racecourse.
GPS files and interactive maps:
Relaxing Lakeside - Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes
Water crossing: Interlaken Loop
Mt. Elbert behind the aspens