St. Elmo: Ride 36 - Alpine Tunnel

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For complete route information, see Arkansas Valley Mountain Biking: Leadville to Salida (Including South Park)

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This classic, suitable for most cyclists, starts with a steady climb on FSR 295. Along the way, you’ll pass several mine sites as you work your way toward the Hancock site. From there, you’ll hop on the stretch of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) that leads to the Alpine Tunnel East Portal. Some sections of the CDT are a bit bumpy as you roll over old railroad ties, but most novice riders should be able to pedal the lumps. The alpine valley of Tunnel Gulch is so spectacular that even the most hardened hammerhead will stop to take notice.

This is a popular area for ATVs, jeeps, and motorcycles. Be prepared to share the road on the way to the CDT, especially on the weekends.

Ride length: 16.6 miles
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 2-3 hours
Surface: jeep road (10.6 miles); wide trail (6.0 miles)
Elevations: start/end 9,980’; max 11,630’; min 9,980’
Total climbing: gain/loss 1,650’
Aerobic level: easy (mostly mid-ring; drop into the granny if altitude leaves you winded)
Technical level: 2+ (a few bumps and rocks; be careful on the downhill)

Season: July into October

USGS Quadrangles: St. Elmo, Cumberland Pass