Nathrop: Ride 34 - Raspberry Gulch Loop
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You are in the area with kids or someone new to riding and you want to introduce them to the joys of single-track. Where should you go? This loop, incorporating a small, smooth section of the Colorado Trail in Raspberry Gulch, is the perfect place. The route provides a gentle, entry-level glimpse into the very best mountain biking has to offer: spectacular scenery on skinny single-track without any pain-inducing climbs, white-knuckled steeps, or brainrattling rocks.
A gradual climb on a jeep road leads to a slightly steeper climb on single-track. Once at the top, the trail rolls through open meadows with sensational views of Mount Princeton’s south slopes and the Chalk Cliffs. Once back on the road, you’ll be treated to a fun downhill on a double-track jeep trail. A gentle climb (gaining only 150’ in under 1 mile) returns you to your vehicle.
There are a few established primitive campsites (free/no facilities) in the area, making this an excellent ride to start or end your day.
A gradual climb on a jeep road leads to a slightly steeper climb on single-track. Once at the top, the trail rolls through open meadows with sensational views of Mount Princeton’s south slopes and the Chalk Cliffs. Once back on the road, you’ll be treated to a fun downhill on a double-track jeep trail. A gentle climb (gaining only 150’ in under 1 mile) returns you to your vehicle.
There are a few established primitive campsites (free/no facilities) in the area, making this an excellent ride to start or end your day.
Ride length: 4.5 miles
Ride type: loop (clockwise)
Riding time: 1 hour (or less)
Surface: single-track (1.5 miles); jeep trail/double-track (3.0 miles)
Elevations: start/end 8,625’; max 8,970’; min 8,480’
Total climbing: gain/loss 490’
Aerobic level: easy (two small climbs)
Technical level: 2 (a little sand and a few rocks on the downhill)
Season: May through October
USGS Quadrangles: Mount Antero
Ride type: loop (clockwise)
Riding time: 1 hour (or less)
Surface: single-track (1.5 miles); jeep trail/double-track (3.0 miles)
Elevations: start/end 8,625’; max 8,970’; min 8,480’
Total climbing: gain/loss 490’
Aerobic level: easy (two small climbs)
Technical level: 2 (a little sand and a few rocks on the downhill)
Season: May through October
USGS Quadrangles: Mount Antero