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A grueling road climb up to tree line then a big hike-a-bike followed by tasteful descending.


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Map Key

19.6

Miles

31.6

KM

60%

Singletrack

12,551' 3,826 m

High

9,248' 2,819 m

Low

3,576' 1,090 m

Up

3,589' 1,094 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

One of the highest trails in Colorado and one of the longer continuous descents. A great option if you're over the Monarch Crest.

Description

This ride starts with a big road climb up Tomichi Pass Rd. Progressively more blown out road, progressively steeper, progressively demoralizing. The Canyon Creek trail starts with over a 1,000' hike-a-bike push up blown out and loose switchbacks up to elevation of over 12,600'. There's major exposure, so watch yourself in case of bad weather rolling in. Start early in the day!

The descent starts up on the ridge way above treeline. There are tremendous views and high speed singletrack, making this extremely memorable. You drop into a forest and it's arm pump central, high speed moto trail in the forest with good trail tread, lots of little pump sections courtesy of big horsepower. The trail eventually flattens and the descent is pedalier and it ends with a short climb followed by a delicious high speed (albeit short) descent back to the Tomichi Pass Rd. at Snowblind campground.

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Klimek

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 41 votes

#3

in Monarch Pass

#417

Overall
  4.4 from 41 votes
5 Star
51%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Monarch Pass

#112

in Colorado

#417

Overall
18 Views Last Month
20,805 Since Aug 20, 2013
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
6%
9%
82%
3%

Photos

Colorado high country riding at its best on the Canyon Creek Trail.
May 31, 2016 near Salida, CO
The above-treeline descending on Canyon Creek is seriously grin-inducing.
Sep 6, 2016 near Whitepine, CO
Big views on Canyon Creek Trail.
Oct 7, 2016 near Whitepine, CO
Greg D. finally done with the Canyon Creek hike-a-bike!
Oct 7, 2016 near Whitepine, CO
Greg D. showing off his moto brake lever style on Canyon Creek while descending out of the alpine.
Oct 7, 2016 near Whitepine, CO
Moto whoops on lower Canyon Creek trail
Aug 16, 2016 near Salida, CO
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