Nathrop: Ride 32 - Frontier Ranch to S. Cottonwood
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What could be better than skimming across the forested flanks of Mount Princeton’s east slopes? This route, another tasty segment of the Colorado Trail, is probably the best trail in the Nathrop/Buena Vista area. With the exception of the downhill to South Cottonwood Creek, the route is technically moderate. There are some minor rock gardens and a few roots, but the toughest sections are the steep and sharp uphill/downhill transitions at the bottom of seasonal drainages.
While the downhill to South Cottonwood Creek is not as smooth as the rest of the trail, strong intermediate cyclists should be able to ride most of it. Conversely, climbing up from the trailhead at CR 344 is not bad; strong intermediates should be able to pedal up at least 75% of it.
Since the best of this ride is the return trip from about mile 6.1 to the parking area, some may elect to turn around early, skipping the technical descent to CR 344.
Please be aware that FSR 345.2 connecting CR 345 to the trail is no longer open to bikes!
While the downhill to South Cottonwood Creek is not as smooth as the rest of the trail, strong intermediate cyclists should be able to ride most of it. Conversely, climbing up from the trailhead at CR 344 is not bad; strong intermediates should be able to pedal up at least 75% of it.
Since the best of this ride is the return trip from about mile 6.1 to the parking area, some may elect to turn around early, skipping the technical descent to CR 344.
Please be aware that FSR 345.2 connecting CR 345 to the trail is no longer open to bikes!
Ride length: 16.8 miles
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 3 hours
Surface: single-track (14.6 miles); jeep road (2.2 miles)
Elevations: start/end 8,910’; max 10,030’; min 8,890’
Total climbing: gain/loss 3,100’
Aerobic level: strenuous (climbing)
Technical level: 4 (overall 3 with one steep and technical section)
Season: May through October
USGS Quadrangles: Mt. Antero, Buena Vista West
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 3 hours
Surface: single-track (14.6 miles); jeep road (2.2 miles)
Elevations: start/end 8,910’; max 10,030’; min 8,890’
Total climbing: gain/loss 3,100’
Aerobic level: strenuous (climbing)
Technical level: 4 (overall 3 with one steep and technical section)
Season: May through October
USGS Quadrangles: Mt. Antero, Buena Vista West